The Times of Israel
Day 562 - Hostage families in anguish as PM says no deal
- Title
- Day 562 - Hostage families in anguish as PM says no deal
- Runtime
- 20:59
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world.
Times of Israel founding editor David Horovitz (https://www.timesofisrael.com/writers/david-horovitz/) joins host Jessica Steinberg (https://www.timesofisrael.com/writers/jessica-steinberg/) for today's episode.
Following Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's statement Saturday night detailing his refusal to negotiate a deal that ends the war to free the hostages, Horovitz discusses the anguish of the hostage families and their growing concern over the government's plans. He explores the prime minister's stance on the war with Hamas as well as Netanyahu's detailed reasoning amid the growing skepticism and dismay about Netanyahu's motivations regarding the war.
As the US and Iran head into more nuclear talks on Wednesday, following another round in Italy on Saturday, Horovitz consi...
- Title
- Day 561: A 1973 exodus from Egypt
- Runtime
- 1:32:27
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Welcome to What Matters Now, a weekly podcast exploring key issues currently shaping Israel and the Jewish World, with host Amanda Borschel-Dan speaking with Mitch Ginsburg, a producer at the Israel Story podcast.
Ginsburg, a former military reporter for The Times of Israel, brings us a special episode from Israel's flagship podcast series, called The Hebrew Hobbit: A Passover Special.
In it, Ginsburg charts the tale of a number of Israeli POWs who took upon themselves the unlikely task of translating JRR Tolkien's "The Hobbit" while imprisoned together in an Egyptian jail.
In a vivid soundscape, Ginsburg brings a 360-degree account of life before, during and after their detention -- for the soldiers and those they left behind.
This Passover holiday, we hear the improbable story of a group of Israeli men who formed a mini-kibbutz in the heart of an enemy country's prison and what happened after their e...
- Title
- Day 560 - Israeli scientists resurrect biblical date palm
- Runtime
- 22:30
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Welcome to a bonus episode of The Times of Israel's newest podcast series, Friday Focus (https://www.timesofisrael.com/topic/friday-focus/) . Each Friday, join diplomatic reporter Lazar Berman and host deputy editor Amanda Borschel-Dan (https://www.timesofisrael.com/writers/amanda-borschel-dan/) for a deep dive into what's behind the news that spins the globe. In today's episode, environment reporter Sue Surkes (https://www.timesofisrael.com/writers/sue-surkes/) makes a guest appearance, stepping in for Berman.
This is a week of spring holidays, and so we are dedicating the program to some of the biblical flora of the Land of Israel.
In honor of Easter, which is celebrated by much of Christendom on Sunday, we begin with a date palm that was brought back from the dead and a plant that resurrects itself.
In 2008, Dr. Elaine Solowey germinated a 1,900-year-old date palm seed that took the name Methuselah after the long-live...
- Title
- Friday Focus with Sue Surkes: Israel's biblical flora resurrected
- Runtime
- 25:04
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Welcome to The Times of Israel's newest podcast series, Friday Focus. Each Friday, join diplomatic reporter Lazar Berman and host deputy editor Amanda Borschel-Dan for a deep dive into what's behind the news that spins the globe. In today's episode, environment reporter Sue Surkes makes a guest appearance, stepping in for Berman.
This is a week of spring holidays, and so we are dedicating the program to some of the biblical flora of the Land of Israel.
In honor of Easter, which is celebrated by much of Christendom on Sunday, we begin with a date palm that was brought back from the dead and a plant that resurrects itself.
In 2008, Dr. Elaine Solowey germinated a 1,900-year-old date palm seed that took the name Methuselah after the long-lived biblical character. She has since gone on to revive several more ancient seeds, including females that bear fruit. Surkes tells the story of Solowey's amazing success -- and describes how the dates taste.
...
- Title
- Day 559 - Hostage talks continue, as US and Iran keep speaking
- Runtime
- 17:36
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world.
Diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman (https://www.timesofisrael.com/writers/lazar-berman/) joins host Jessica Steinberg (https://www.timesofisrael.com/writers/jessica-steinberg/) for today's episode.
Following a phone meeting of the security cabinet, Berman discusses that Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar was involved in the conversation that included Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, despite efforts to fire the Shin Bet chief.
Hamas officials have said they will not accept any partial deals and still demand an end to the war, with some of the terrorist group's reactions appearing to react to protests in Israeli society, says Berman. He also speaks about criticism regarding top hostage negotiator Ron Dermer, with remarks from both the Qataris and hostage families about Dermer, a close ...
- Title
- What Matters Now to Israel Story's Mitch Ginsburg: A 1973 exodus from Egypt
- Runtime
- 1:32:27
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Welcome to What Matters Now, a weekly podcast exploring key issues currently shaping Israel and the Jewish World, with host Amanda Borschel-Dan speaking with Mitch Ginsburg, a producer at the Israel Story podcast.
Ginsburg, a former military reporter for The Times of Israel, brings us a special episode from Israel's flagship podcast series, called The Hebrew Hobbit: A Passover Special.
In it, Ginsburg charts the tale of a number of Israeli POWs who took upon themselves the unlikely task of translating JRR Tolkien's "The Hobbit" while imprisoned together in an Egyptian jail.
In a vivid soundscape, Ginsburg brings a 360-degree account of life before, during and after their detention -- for the soldiers and those they left behind.
This Passover holiday, we hear the improbable story of a group of Israeli men who formed a mini-kibbutz in the heart of an enemy country's prison and what happened after their e...
- Title
- Day 558 - US moves Iran nuclear redline, inching closer to Israel
- Runtime
- 23:54
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world.
US bureau chief Jacob Magid (https://www.timesofisrael.com/writers/jacob-magid/) joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan (https://www.timesofisrael.com/writers/amanda-borschel-dan/) for today's episode.
On Saturday, US Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi “briefly spoke” together in Oman to kick off nuclear talks in what marks the first time the two nations have spoken directly to each other since the Obama administration. We learn about the US's evolving "redline" and the Trump administration's expected timeline.
Hamas has reportedly turned down an Israeli offer for a six-week ceasefire in Gaza, which demanded the group to disarm. Magid weighs in on the stalled process, including what he's hearing from one of the Arab negotiators.
<...
- Title
- Day 558 - US moves Iran nuclear redline, inching closer to Israel
- Runtime
- 26:26
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world.
US bureau chief Jacob Magid joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode.
On Saturday, US Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi “briefly spoke” together in Oman to kick off nuclear talks in what marks the first time the two nations have spoken directly to each other since the Obama administration. We learn about the US's evolving "redline" and the Trump administration's expected timeline.
Hamas has reportedly turned down an Israeli offer for a six-week ceasefire in Gaza, which demanded the group to disarm. Magid weighs in on the stalled process, including what he's hearing from one of the Arab negotiators.
The Palestinian Authority has formally invited the Trump administration to certify that Ramallah’s reform of its controversial welfare syste...
- Title
- Day 557 - Tariffs, a tech brain drain and manna from Sicily
- Runtime
- 26:44
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Tech editor Sharon Wrobel and archaeology reporter Rossella Tercatin join host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode.
The setting of a 17% tariff on Israel by the US appears to be paused for the moment, and Wrobel discusses this development, noting that Israel thought it could get the tariff reduced. But, she says, the main worry is the indirect impact -- a recession in Israel's tiny market and the instability and uncertainty that could result. She mentions ongoing efforts to protect Israeli companies amid concerns over exposure to machinations in the global markets -- and what could happen to the value of Israeli savings.
Israel has been downgraded in the global ranking of top 50 wealthiest cities as millionaires and tech workers -- over 8,000 of the latter group -- have been relocating following, first, the judicial overhaul and then the ongoing war and hostage situation. Wrobel discusses the biggest concern lurking in that migration, given that the tech sec...
- Title
- Day 557 - Tariffs, tech brain drain and manna from Sicily
- Runtime
- 21:57
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world.
Tech editor Sharon Wrobel and archaeology reporter Rossella Tercatin (https://www.timesofisrael.com/writers/rossella-tercatin/) join host Jessica Steinberg (https://www.timesofisrael.com/writers/jessica-steinberg/) for today's episode.
The setting of a 17% tariff on Israel by the US appears to be paused for the moment, as Wrobel discusses. Israel thought it could receive a reduction on the tariff, the main worry is the indirect impact and talk of a recession in Israel's tiny market and the instability and uncertainty that could cause. There are ongoing negotiations with efforts to protect Israeli companies and concerns over exposure to machinations in global markets and the value of Israeli savings.
Over 8,000 tech employees have left Israel in recent months and Israel was downg...
- Title
- Day 556 - With Rafah encircled, IDF preps to empty Gazan city
- Runtime
- 29:30
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world.
Military reporter Emanuel Fabian joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode.
Yesterday, the family of Edan Alexander approved the publication of a Hamas propaganda video released Saturday, which showed signs of life from the US-Israeli hostage soldier who has been held by the terror group since he was kidnapped on October 7, 2023. Born in Tel Aviv, Alexander grew up in Tenafly, New Jersey. He returned to Israel to enlist in the Israel Defense Forces after graduating from high school in 2022. Fabian fills us in and we hear a segment of the video.
This morning, we learned that over 1,600 former IDF paratroopers and infantry soldiers signed a letter demanding the government reach a deal to bring the hostages home, even if it means ending the war. We discuss this latest appeal, which adds to a growin...
- Title
- Day 556 - With Rafah encircled, IDF preps to empty Gazan city
- Runtime
- 25:23
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world.
Military reporter Emanuel Fabian (https://www.timesofisrael.com/writers/emanuel-fabian/) joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan (https://www.timesofisrael.com/writers/amanda-borschel-dan/) for today's episode.
Yesterday, the family of Edan Alexander approved the publication of a Hamas propaganda video released Saturday, which showed signs of life from the US-Israeli hostage soldier who has been held by the terror group since he was kidnapped on October 7, 2023. Born in Tel Aviv, Alexander grew up in Tenafly, New Jersey. He returned to Israel to enlist in the Israel Defense Forces after graduating from high school in 2022. Fabian fills us in and we hear a segment of the video.
This morning, we learned that over 1,600 former IDF paratroopers and infantry soldiers signed a letter demanding...
- Title
- Day 555 - Israeli art in a post-October 7 world
- Runtime
- 27:25
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world.
Culture editor Jessica Steinberg joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode.
We begin today's program by discussing Israeli art in a post-October 7 world. Steinberg brings us several examples, starting with Design Museum Holon latest exhibit, “Heroines.” Steinberg explains how this show examines how fashion design provided a sense of hope during dark times.
Our next stop is the spiral surroundings of the Bat Yam Museum of Art, which are hosting artist Ester Schneider in her first solo museum exhibit, “Hoshana,” which showcases her installations, paintings and watercolors. Steinberg sets the scene.
Sofie Berzon Mackie, Kibbutz Be’eri’s art gallery director and curator, has lived and worked in more than one temporary home since the Hamas onslaught on October 7, 2023, decim...
- Title
- Day 555 - Israeli art in a post-October 7 world
- Runtime
- 24:53
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world.
Culture editor Jessica Steinberg (https://www.timesofisrael.com/writers/jessica-steinberg/) joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan (https://www.timesofisrael.com/writers/amanda-borschel-dan/) for today's episode.
We begin today's program by discussing Israeli art in a post-October 7 world. Steinberg brings us several examples, starting with Design Museum Holon latest exhibit, “Heroines.” Steinberg explains how this show examines how fashion design provided a sense of hope during dark times.
Our next stop is the spiral surroundings of the Bat Yam Museum of Art, which are hosting artist Ester Schneider in her first solo museum exhibit, “Hoshana,” which showcases her installations, paintings and watercolors. Steinberg sets the scene.
Sofie Berzon Mackie, Kibbu...
- Title
- Day 554 - Hostage mom Idit Ohel: Let our captives go!
- Runtime
- 26:40
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Welcome to What Matters Now, a weekly podcast exploring key issues currently shaping Israel and the Jewish World, with host arts and culture editor Jessica Steinberg (https://www.timesofisrael.com/writers/jessica-steinberg/) speaking with Idit Ohel, mother of hostage Alon Ohel. (https://www.timesofisrael.com/with-her-son-held-hostage-in-gaza-one-mother-turns-to-pottery-to-publicize-his-plight/)
Ohel talks about her son, who was taken captive by Hamas terrorists on October 7, 2023, from the Nova music festival.
Ohel discusses what she knows about the injuries sustained by Alon on October 7, including shrapnel in his eye, and she firmly demands that he receive medical attention.
She says she deeply believes that despite his injuries and captivity, he is surviving and will continue to do so until he's released home.
She explains what she's heard from released hostages Eli Sharabi, Or Levy and Eliya Cohen...
- Title
- Day 553 - IDF Oct. 7 probes reveal heroism amid terror
- Runtime
- 41:15
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Welcome to The Times of Israel's newest podcast series, Friday Focus (https://www.timesofisrael.com/topic/friday-focus/) . Each Friday, join diplomatic reporter Lazar Berman and host deputy editor Amanda Borschel-Dan (https://www.timesofisrael.com/writers/amanda-borschel-dan/) for a deep dive into what's behind the news that spins the globe. In today's episode, military reporter Emanuel Fabian (https://www.timesofisrael.com/writers/emanuel-fabian/) makes a guest appearance, stepping in for Berman.
We take a deep look into the IDF probes into the failures leading up to and on October 7 by first taking a step back and discussing the goals of the investigations and their overall general findings.
We then dive into a cluster of probes that were released in the past week, including the investigations into Kibbutz Nirim, the city of Sderot, Kibbutz Re'im and the Supernova open-air music festival.
At the Nova festival alone, som...
- Title
- Friday Focus with Emanuel Fabian: IDF Oct. 7 probes reveal heroism amid terror
- Runtime
- 46:23
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Welcome to The Times of Israel's newest podcast series, Friday Focus. Each Friday, join diplomatic reporter Lazar Berman and host deputy editor Amanda Borschel-Dan for a deep dive into what's behind the news that spins the globe. In today's episode, military reporter Emanuel Fabian makes a guest appearance, stepping in for Berman.
We take a deep look into the IDF probes into the failures leading up to and on October 7, by first taking a step back and discussing the goals of the investigations and their overall general findings.
We then dive into a cluster of probes that were released in the past week, including the investigations into Kibbutz Nirim, the city of Sderot, Kibbutz Re'im and the Supernova open-air music festival.
At the Nova festival alone, some 380 out of 3,500 people attending the party were slaughtered by Hamas and another 44 were taken hostage to Gaza. On this second Passover since the onslaught, 17 of those taken from the Nova par...
- Title
- Day 552 - US pushes Iran diplomacy, with a military threat
- Runtime
- 25:41
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world.
Times of Israel founding editor David Horovitz joins host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode.
With nuclear talks between the US and Iran planned for Saturday, Horovitz discusses the implications of this step and how Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared to be surprised by Trump's announcement of the specifics of the diplomatic approach. He reviews past diplomatic efforts with Iran, and the role to be taken now by Steve Witkoff, Trump's special envoy to the Middle East, as well as what part Israel may play in potential military responses.
There are still 59 Israeli hostages in Hamas captivity in Gaza, and Horovitz describes how Trump empathetically and patiently hosted three freed hostages at an event this week, and the president's public grappling with what he's been internalizing about Hamas bru...
- Title
- Day 552 - US plans talks with Iran in push for diplomacy
- Runtime
- 22:54
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world.
Times of Israel founding editor David Horovitz (https://www.timesofisrael.com/writers/david-horovitz/) joins host Jessica Steinberg (https://www.timesofisrael.com/writers/jessica-steinberg/) for today's episode.
With nuclear talks between the US and Iran planned for Saturday, Horovitz discusses the implications of the upcoming talks and how Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared to be surprised by Trump's announcement of the diplomatic approach. He reviews past diplomatic efforts with Iran, and the role in the talks taken by Steve Witkoff, Trump's special envoy to the Middle East, as well as Israel's role in potential military responses.
There are still 59 Israeli hostages in Hamas captivity in Gaza, and Horovitz talks about how Trump, perhaps uncharacteristically, gently an...
- Title
- What Matters Now to hostage mom Idit Ohel: Let our captives go!
- Runtime
- 30:10
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Welcome to What Matters Now, a weekly podcast exploring key issues currently shaping Israel and the Jewish World, with host arts and culture editor Jessica Steinberg speaking with Idit Ohel, mother of hostage Alon Ohel.
Ohel talks about her son, who was taken captive by Hamas terrorists on October 7, 2023, from the Nova music festival.
Ohel discusses what she knows about the injuries sustained by Alon on October 7, including shrapnel in his eye, and she firmly demands that he receive medical attention.
She says she deeply believes that despite his injuries and captivity, he is surviving and will continue to do so until he's released home.
She explains what she's heard from released hostages Eli Sharabi, Or Levy and Eliya Cohen, who were kept captive with Alon, and we hear how Alon endures, playing imaginery piano on his chest as a musician, whistling favorite songs and talking about his family.
Ohel says that her son, lik...
- Title
- Day 551 - After chaos in court, a stay on Shin Bet head's dismissal
- Runtime
- 24:22
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world.
Legal reporter Jeremy Sharon joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode.
The High Court of Justice issued an interim injunction on Tuesday stating that Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar must remain in office until further notice and giving the government and the attorney general until April 20 to reach a compromise over the legal dispute surrounding the unprecedented vote last month to fire him. Sharon sets the scene in -- and out -- of the courtroom yesterday.
Thirty-one percent of Israelis, including 36% of Jewish Israelis, believe the government should disregard the High Court of Justice if it reverses the dismissal of Shin Bet head Ronen Bar, according to a poll published by the Israel Democracy Institute on Tuesday. In light of this dangerous moment, Justice Noam Sohlberg, despite his skepticism abou...
- Title
- Day 551 - After chaos in court, a stay on Shin Bet head's dismissal
- Runtime
- 20:31
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world.
Legal reporter Jeremy Sharon (https://www.timesofisrael.com/writers/jeremy-sharon/) joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan (https://www.timesofisrael.com/writers/amanda-borschel-dan/) for today's episode.
The High Court of Justice issued an interim injunction on Tuesday stating that Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar must remain in office until further notice and giving the government and the attorney general until April 20 to reach a compromise over the legal dispute surrounding the unprecedented vote last month to fire him. Sharon sets the scene in -- and out -- of the courtroom yesterday.
Thirty-one percent of Israelis, including 36% of Jews, believe the government should disregard the High Court of Justice if it reverses the dismissal of Shin Bet head Ronen Bar, according to a poll published ...
- Title
- Day 550 - Surprises for PM Netanyahu during DC trip
- Runtime
- 12:03
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world.
Diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman (https://www.timesofisrael.com/writers/lazar-berman/) joins host Jessica Steinberg (https://www.timesofisrael.com/writers/jessica-steinberg/) for today's episode.
Berman discusses Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's trip to Hungary, followed by his unexpected stop in the US. Netanyahu was welcomed warmly by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. A call between Orban, Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump during the visit led the Israeli prime minister to accept the last-minute invite to head to the US for a meeting in the Oval Office.
Berman says Trump surprised Netanyahu with several statements, including his announcement about high-level talks this Saturday between US and Iran, the existing tariffs on Israel and unexpectedly effusive com...
- Title
- Day 549 - With PM in DC, Hamas official tells ToI it is ready to end war
- Runtime
- 23:14
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world.
US bureau chief Jacob Magid (https://www.timesofisrael.com/writers/jacob-magid/) joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan (https://www.timesofisrael.com/writers/amanda-borschel-dan/) for today's episode.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will meet US President Donald Trump at 1 p.m. local time at the White House. The two leaders are expected to discuss the new tariffs Trump imposed on Israel, efforts to roll back Iran and its proxy network and hostage talks with Hamas. Taking each point in turn, Magid fill us in on what to look out for from this spontaneous trip and what Netanyahu hopes to accomplish.
Hamas is prepared to release all of the remaining hostages at once in exchange for a permanent ceasefire, a senior Palestinian official familiar with the ongoing truce talks told Magid last...
- Title
- Day 549 - With PM in DC, Hamas official tells ToI it is ready to end war
- Runtime
- 25:44
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world.
US bureau chief Jacob Magid joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will meet US President Donald Trump at 1 p.m. local time at the White House. The two leaders are expected to discuss the new tariffs Trump imposed on Israel, efforts to roll back Iran and its proxy network and hostage talks with Hamas. Taking each point in turn, Magid fill us in on what to look out for from this spontaneous trip and what Netanyahu hopes to accomplish.
Hamas is prepared to release all of the remaining hostages at once in exchange for a permanent ceasefire, a senior Palestinian official familiar with the ongoing truce talks told Magid last week. Magid was approached by a Hamas figure who resides outside of Gaza, who wants Israelis to know that amid Israel’s longstanding reje...
- Title
- Day 548 - IDF claims 6 Gaza medics buried in shallow grave were Hamas
- Runtime
- 23:25
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world.
Military reporter Emanuel Fabian (https://www.timesofisrael.com/writers/emanuel-fabian/) joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan (https://www.timesofisrael.com/writers/amanda-borschel-dan/) for today's episode.
The Saudi Al-Hadath channel reports that the US has transferred a second THAAD battery to Israel amid rising tensions over Iran’s nuclear program. The battery was apparently delivered yesterday.
We hear what the THAAD, or Terminal High Altitude Area Defense System, is an advanced anti-missile system, has recently been used for.
Yesterday, Hamas released a propaganda video that shows hostages Bar Kupershtein and Maxim Herkin, in the first sign of life from both of them since they were abducted by terrorists on October 7, 2023. We hear the broad-strokes contents of the video...
- Title
- Day 548 - IDF claims 6 Gaza medics buried in shallow grave were Hamas
- Runtime
- 27:31
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world.
Military reporter Emanuel Fabian joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode.
The Saudi Al-Hadath channel reports that the US has transferred a second THAAD battery to Israel amid rising tensions over Iran’s nuclear program. The battery was apparently delivered yesterday.
We hear what the THAAD, or Terminal High Altitude Area Defense System, is an advanced anti-missile system, has recently been used for.
Yesterday, Hamas released a propaganda video that shows hostages Bar Kupershtein and Maxim Herkin, in the first sign of life from both of them since they were abducted by terrorists on October 7, 2023. We hear the broad-stroke contents of the video.
The Israel Defense Forces has detailed the initial findings from its investigation into the killing of 14 rescue workers in south...
- Title
- Day 547 - Author Dara Horn: Why Jews are the eternal scapegoat
- Runtime
- 48:41
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world.
Today we bring you an episode of What Matters Now, a weekly podcast exploring key issues currently shaping Israel and the Jewish World, with host deputy editor Amanda Borschel-Dan (https://www.timesofisrael.com/writers/amanda-borschel-dan/) , speaking with author and scholar Dara Horn.
Horn is the author of novels and non-fiction, including “People Love Dead Jews,” “Eternal Life,” “A Guide for the Perplexed,” and now her first book for young readers, “One Little Goat.”
A graphic novel, "One Little Goat," was dreamed up by a young Horn and written decades later alongside the uniquely grungy illustrations of Theo Ellsworth.
The program's first half delves into the book's trippy storyline and how she arrived at it. As Horn remarks on her website, ...
- Title
- Day 546 - Israeli flags fly in Budapest for PM's ICC-snubbing visit
- Runtime
- 39:03
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world.
Diplomatic reporter Lazar Berman (https://www.timesofisrael.com/writers/lazar-berman/) joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan (https://www.timesofisrael.com/writers/amanda-borschel-dan/) for today's Daily Briefing, which is followed a full installment of The Times of Israel's newest podcast series, the Friday Focus (https://www.timesofisrael.com/topic/friday-focus/) .
Qatar on Thursday denied funding a disinformation campaign aimed at discrediting Egypt’s role in negotiations to free Israelis held hostage in Gaza, amid a swirling Israeli investigation around the Gulf state’s links to two of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s aides. Berman weighs in on why he's unconvinced.
Yesterday, the courts extended the remand of Eli Feldstein and Jonatan Urich, the two aides to Prime Ministe...
- Title
- Friday Focus with Lazar Berman: Netanyahu's 'bromances' with anti-liberal democracies
- Runtime
- 32:58
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Welcome to The Times of Israel's newest podcast series, Friday Focus. Each Friday, join diplomatic reporter Lazar Berman and host deputy editor Amanda Borschel-Dan for a deep dive into what's behind the news that spins the globe.
Berman is currently in Budapest covering Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's meetings with Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.
Just before Berman packed his bags to fly on Israel's Wing of Zion plane, we discuss what Netanyahu is hoping to accomplish there, Israel’s relationship with Hungary in general, and Netanyahu's "bromances" with some of the leaders of what could be called “anti-liberal” democracies.
Berman starts by describing a typical trip alongside the prime minister and how a lot of his work gets done while waiting around.
We discuss the tricky diplomatic situation Israel finds itself in through its alliances with its eastern European friends, even as many countries in Europe are increasi...
- Title
- Day 545 - IDF conducts deepest ground op into Syria to date
- Runtime
- 25:07
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world.
Military reporter Emanuel Fabian (https://www.timesofisrael.com/writers/emanuel-fabian/) joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan (https://www.timesofisrael.com/writers/amanda-borschel-dan/) for today's episode.
The provincial government in southern Syria’s Daraa says nine civilians were killed and several were injured in Israeli bombardment following an “Israeli incursion.” Soldiers operated on the ground in what is possibly the deepest into Syria that Israeli forces have advanced thus far. Fabian weighs in.
Yesterday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that advancing IDF forces were carving out a new security corridor across southern Gaza as Israel seeks to pile pressure on Hamas to free the hostages. Fabian explains the strategy behind the new “Morag Corridor,” named aft...
- Title
- Day 545 - IDF conducts deepest ground op into Syria to date
- Runtime
- 28:40
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world.
Military reporter Emanuel Fabian joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode.
The provincial government in southern Syria’s Daraa says nine civilians were killed and several were injured in Israeli bombardment following an “Israeli incursion.” Soldiers operated on the ground in what is possibly the deepest into Syria that Israeli forces have advanced thus far. Fabian weighs in.
Yesterday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that advancing IDF forces were carving out a new security corridor across southern Gaza as Israel seeks to pile pressure on Hamas to free the hostages. Fabian explains the strategy behind the new “Morag Corridor,” named after an Israeli settlement that stood in the area before it was evacuated during Israel’s 2005 withdrawal from Gaza, and compares the number of...
- Title
- What Matters Now to author Dara Horn: Why Jews are the eternal scapegoat
- Runtime
- 54:54
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Welcome to What Matters Now, a weekly podcast exploring key issues currently shaping Israel and the Jewish World, with host deputy editor Amanda Borschel-Dan speaking with author and scholar Dara Horn.
Horn is the author of novels and non-fiction, including “People Love Dead Jews,” “Eternal Life,” “A Guide for the Perplexed,” and now her first book for young readers, “One Little Goat.”
A graphic novel, "One Little Goat," was dreamed up by a young Horn and written decades later alongside the uniquely grungy illustrations of Theo Ellsworth.
The program's first half delves into the book's trippy storyline and how she arrived at it. As Horn remarks on her website, "'One Little Goat' is a quirky, dryly funny, Passover-themed graphic novel featuring a lost matzah, a never-ending seder and a time-traveling talking goat."
In the second half of the program, we hear some about the ideas Horn proposed in her bestselling work, "Pe...
- Title
- Friday Focus with Lazar Berman: Attacks on Christians in Israel are national stain
- Runtime
- 30:26
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Welcome to The Times of Israel's newest podcast series, Friday Focus (https://www.timesofisrael.com/topic/friday-focus/) . Each Friday, join diplomatic reporter Lazar Berman and host deputy editor Amanda Borschel-Dan for a deep dive into what's behind the news that spins the globe.
Much of the Christian world is currently observing the period of Lent, which leads up to Easter, a very busy time in Jerusalem's Old City.
However, along with the celebrations, Israeli Christians and foreign pilgrims often experience harassment and even sometimes attacks.
This week, a second annual report from the Israel-based Rossing Center for Education and Dialogue documented 111 attacks against Christians, including 46 physical attacks, 35 attacks against church properties, and 13 cases of harassment.
Last year’s inaugural report documented 89 cases, including 32 attacks on church properties, 30 formally reported cases ...
- Title
- Day 544 - Ex-hostages speak their minds about IDF in Gaza
- Runtime
- 16:19
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world.
US bureau chief Jacob Magid (https://www.timesofisrael.com/writers/jacob-magid/) joins host Jessica Steinberg (https://www.timesofisrael.com/writers/jessica-steinberg/) for today's episode.
Released hostage Amit Soussana is honored by the US State Department as a Woman of Courage and is the only one of eight women honored to speak at the event. Magid notes that she uses the platform to speak about the remaining hostages and the need to return to negotiations, something echoed by former hostage Yarden Bibas and his focus on US President Donald Trump in his CBS interview with "60 Minutes." Magid speaks about the freed hostages who feel comfortable making their opinions clear, and their concerns about the intensification of military pressure and the current impasse in hostage negotiations.
- Title
- Day 544 - Ex-hostages speak their minds about IDF in Gaza
- Runtime
- 18:35
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world.
US bureau chief Jacob Magid joins host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode.
Released hostage Amit Soussana is honored by the US State Department as a Woman of Courage and is the only one of eight women honored to speak at the event. Magid notes that she uses the platform to speak about the remaining hostages and the need to return to negotiations, something echoed by former hostage Yarden Bibas and his focus on US President Donald Trump in his CBS interview with "60 Minutes." Magid speaks about the freed hostages who feel comfortable making their opinions clear, and their concerns about the intensification of military pressure and the current impasse in hostage negotiations.
The spontaneous, sporadic protests in Gaza against Hamas are the first in years, according to Magid, as people take a huge risk c...
- Title
- Day 543 - PM questioned on Qatargate; proof of biblical Armageddon?
- Runtime
- 28:50
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world.
Legal reporter Jeremy Sharon and archaeology reporter Rossella Tercatin join host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode.
Yesterday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused police of holding two aides “hostage” after they were arrested over their alleged engagement in illicit ties with Qatar while working for the premier, who interrupted his ongoing corruption trial to provide testimony in the controversial Qatargate investigation. Sharon delves into the latest developments.
The High Court of Justice ruled unanimously on Thursday that Israel has taken a variety of steps to provide for the humanitarian needs of Gaza’s civilian population during the current war with Hamas, and that there was no cause for the court to order the government and the army to take any additional action. We hear why this...
- Title
- Day 543 - PM questioned on Qatargate; proof of biblical Armageddon?
- Runtime
- 25:10
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world.
Legal reporter Jeremy Sharon (https://www.timesofisrael.com/writers/jeremy-sharon/) and archaeology reporter Rossella Tercatin (https://www.timesofisrael.com/writers/rossella-tercatin/) join host Amanda Borschel-Dan (https://www.timesofisrael.com/writers/amanda-borschel-dan/) for today's episode.
Yesterday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused police of holding two aides “hostage” after they were arrested over their alleged engagement in illicit ties with Qatar while working for the premier, who interrupted his ongoing corruption trial to provide testimony in the controversial Qatargate investigation. Sharon delves into the latest developments.
The High Court of Justice ruled unanimously on Thursday that Israel has taken a variety of steps to provide for the humanitari...
- Title
- Day 542 - IDF tells Gazans to leave Rafah, Trump threatens Iran
- Runtime
- 24:21
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world.
Times of Israel founding editor David Horovitz (https://www.timesofisrael.com/writers/david-horovitz/) and reporter Sue Surkes (https://www.timesofisrael.com/writers/sue-surkes/) join host Jessica Steinberg (https://www.timesofisrael.com/writers/jessica-steinberg/) for today's episode.
As the IDF warns Gazans to leave Rafah in southern Gaza, saying the military is returning to fight to eliminate terrorist capabilities as part of its military pressure to bring about a hostage deal, Horovitz reviews the situation in the Gaza Strip. He discusses the ongoing divide in Israeli society over how to bring the remaining hostages home, whether through military pressure or negotiations.
Horovitz also looks at the CBS "60 Minutes" interview with released hostages, including freed captive Y...
- Title
- Day 541 - Israel adds pressure on Hamas to advance negotiations
- Runtime
- 22:51
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world.
Diplomatic reporter Lazar Berman joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode.
The Israeli military said Saturday evening it had expanded its ground offensive in the southern Gaza Strip to expand a buffer zone along the borders of the Strip, the IDF said. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced this morning that the security cabinet last night voted to increase pressure on Hamas. This comes as mediation efforts are stepping up. Berman explains where negotiations stand now -- and why.
Last week, Gazans took to the streets in protest against the Hamas regime throughout the Gaza Strip. This morning we learned that Hamas operatives kidnapped, tortured and executed a 22-year-old Palestinian man, Oday Nasser Al Rabay, who participated in last week’s wave of protests, accordi...
- Title
- Day 541 - Israel adds pressure on Hamas to advance ceasefire talks
- Runtime
- 25:29
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world.
Diplomatic reporter Lazar Berman joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode.
The Israeli military said Saturday evening it had expanded its ground offensive in the southern Gaza Strip to expand a buffer zone along the borders of the Strip, the IDF said. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced this morning that the security cabinet last night voted to increase pressure on Hamas. This comes as mediation efforts are stepping up. Berman explains where negotiations stand now -- and why.
Last week, Gazans took to the streets in protest against the Hamas regime throughout the Gaza Strip. This morning we learned that Hamas operatives kidnapped, tortured and executed a 22-year-old Palestinian man, Oday Nasser Al Rabay, who participated in last week’s wave of protests, according to his family. This c...
- Title
- Day 540 - Jonathan Dekel-Chen: US feels like hostages’ only beacon
- Runtime
- 39:59
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world.
Today's we're bringing you an episode of What Matters Now, our weekly podcast exploring key issues currently shaping Israel and the Jewish World. This installment is hosted by arts and culture editor Jessica Steinberg, who is speaking with Jonathan Dekel-Chen, father of released hostage Sagui Dekel-Chen.
Dekel-Chen, a dual Israeli-American citizen, was a vocal and visible hostage parent throughout the months of his son’s captivity. Sagui Dekel-Chen was taken hostage on October 7, 2023, from Kibbutz Nir Oz, while his pregnant wife and two young daughters hid in their safe room.
Dekel-Chen discusses the relief he and the family experienced upon seeing his son released home to Israel, the challenges that Sagui, the family and the Nir Oz community still face, and the sense of rebirt...
- Title
- Day 539 - Huckabee: Judge my actions, not my Judea and Samaria stance
- Runtime
- 45:35
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world.
US bureau chief Jacob Magid (https://www.timesofisrael.com/writers/jacob-magid/) joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan (https://www.timesofisrael.com/writers/amanda-borschel-dan/) for today's Daily Briefing, which will be followed by a full episode of ToI's newest podcast series, the Friday Focus with Lazar Berman (https://www.timesofisrael.com/topic/friday-focus/) .
An Egyptian proposal to end renewed fighting in Gaza would see five living hostages released on the first day of the restored ceasefire, with another five living hostages released every 7-10 days, two foreign diplomats with knowledge of the details told The Times of Israel on Wednesday. Magid delves into what else is being reported about this proposal, one of several on the table right now.
One well-connected US analyst o...
- Title
- Friday Focus with Lazar Berman: Attacks on Christians in Israel are national stain
- Runtime
- 32:08
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Welcome to The Times of Israel's newest podcast series, Friday Focus. Each Friday, join diplomatic reporter Lazar Berman and host deputy editor Amanda Borschel-Dan for a deep dive into what's behind the news that spins the globe.
Much of the Christian world is currently observing the period of Lent, which leads up to Easter, a very busy time in Jerusalem's Old City.
However, along with the celebrations, Israeli Christians and foreign pilgrims often experience harassment and even sometimes attacks.
This week, a second annual report from the Israel-based Rossing Center for Education and Dialogue documented 111 attacks against Christians, including 46 physical attacks, 35 attacks against church properties, and 13 cases of harassment.
Last year’s inaugural report documented 89 cases, including 32 attacks on church properties, 30 formally reported cases of spitting, and seven violent attacks, most of them against multiple victims.
...
- Title
- What Matters Now to Jonathan Dekel-Chen: US feels like the hostages' only beacon
- Runtime
- 39:59
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Welcome to What Matters Now, a weekly podcast exploring key issues currently shaping Israel and the Jewish World, with arts and culture editor Jessica Steinberg hosting and speaking with Jonathan Dekel-Chen, father of released hostage Sagui Dekel-Chen.
Dekel-Chen, a dual Israeli-American citizen, was a vocal and visible hostage parent throughout the months of his son's captivity. Sagui Dekel-Chen was taken hostage on October 7, 2023 from Kibbutz Nir Oz, while his pregnant wife and two young daughters were hiding in their safe room.
He talks about the relief that he and the family felt upon seeing Sagui released home to Israel, the challenges that Sagui and the rest of the family and Nir Oz community still face, and the sense of rebirth that Sagui feels post-captivity.
For 496 days, Sagui didn't know if his own family had survived, as well as extended members of his family and friends.
Dekel-Chen also re...
- Title
- Day 538 - Knesset passes judicial selection law, what now?
- Runtime
- 23:39
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world.
Times of Israel founding editor David Horovitz (https://www.timesofisrael.com/writers/david-horovitz/) joins host Jessica Steinberg (https://www.timesofisrael.com/writers/jessica-steinberg/) for today's Daily Briefing.
Following the early morning passage of the highly controversial law that greatly increases political power and influence over the judicial appointments process in Israel, Horovitz discusses details of the measure, and the fact that it will only come into effect in the next Knesset, meaning after Israel’s next general elections, currently scheduled for October 2026.
Horovitz discusses why this measure is being taken now by the coalition government, and how the opposition parties and Israeli society are reacting to this measure that has been in the making since t...
- Title
- Day 537 - Gazans rise up against Hamas: The end of the beginning?
- Runtime
- 26:15
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world.
Senior analyst Haviv Rettig Gur joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's Daily Briefing.
The 2025 budget bill passed its final reading to become law yesterday afternoon, removing a major threat to the stability of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government. Lawmakers voted 66-52 in favor of the NIS 755 billion ($205 billion) spending bill -- the largest in Israeli history. We discuss which monies went where and why, plus look into the wide-sweeping political ramifications of the budget's passage.
Hundreds of Palestinians protested against Hamas rule and against the war in at least three locations in Gaza on Tuesday, in a relatively rare occurrence in the Strip due to the terror group’s often violent suppression of political dissent. Summing up the seeds of optimism Israelis feel seeing this ...
- Title
- Day 537 - Gazans rise up against Hamas: The end of the beginning?
- Runtime
- 24:10
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world.
Senior analyst Haviv Rettig Gur (https://www.timesofisrael.com/writers/haviv-gur/) joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan (https://www.timesofisrael.com/writers/amanda-borschel-dan/) for today's Daily Briefing.
The 2025 budget bill passed its final reading to become law yesterday afternoon, removing a major threat to the stability of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government. Lawmakers voted 66-52 in favor of the NIS 755 billion ($205 billion) spending bill -- the largest in Israeli history. We discuss which monies went where and why, plus look into the wide-sweeping political ramifications of the budget's passage.
Hundreds of Palestinians protested against Hamas rule and against the war in at least three locations in Gaza on Tuesday, in a relatively rare occurrence in the Str...
- Title
- Day 536 - Govt, high court and AG face off on Shin Bet chief
- Runtime
- 21:30
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world.
Legal reporter Jeremy Sharon (https://www.timesofisrael.com/writers/jeremy-sharon/) and archaeological and religions reporter Rossella Tercatin (https://www.timesofisrael.com/writers/rossella-tercatin/) join host Jessica Steinberg (https://www.timesofisrael.com/writers/jessica-steinberg/) for today's Daily Briefing.
Following the cabinet decision to fire Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar, various opposition political parties and legal organizations filed petitions against the decision in Israel's High Court. Sharon discusses the government's response to the petitions and its stance that the court should not interfere in the decision to fire Bar.
Sharon also reviews Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara's reaction to the government decision and her view that the firing will have implicatio...
- Title
- Day 535 - IDF strikes Hamas leadership, preps for larger operation
- Runtime
- 26:38
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world.
Military reporter Emanuel Fabian joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's Daily Briefing.
A 75-year-old man has been shot dead in a terror attack near the northern town of Yokne’am. Another person, later identified as a 20-year-old soldier, was seriously injured. Fabian updates us with initial accounts of the attack.
A string of senior Hamas officials have been targeted by the IDF in the past week. We learn about the uptick in their assassinations and who several of these figures are.
On Sunday morning, the IDF announced that it had restarted ground operations in northern Gaza’s Beit Hanoun a day earlier. With the former humanitarian zone no longer in use, the IDF said that it was enabling Palestinian civilians to evacuate the “combat zone for their safety.” We learn where the IDF ...
