The Times of Israel Daily Briefing

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 Nava Freiberg joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. Iran and the United States played down hopes for an imminent breakthrough in the three-month-old war on Monday, with Tehran saying that while it had reached understandings on many issues with the US, an agreement was not imminent. For his part, US President Donald Trump says the deal will be "great and meaningful" or won't happen at all. While there was no official Iranian confirmation of the contents of the potential agreement, Freiberg delves into the differing narratives being presented by US and Iranian press. US President Donald Trump sought to reassure Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a phone call that a final agreement with Iran will fully dismantle Tehran’s nuclear program, a senior Israeli official said yesterday. We learn of blowback from politicians in the US and Israel and explore how this potential deal could affect the Lebanon front. As part of an ongoing series of conversations, Freiberg communicated with five residents of Iran who described widespread unemployment and economic hardship, tighter surveillance and targeting of dissidents, and further restricted internet access since the war’s start. We hear more. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: Iran and US voice optimism but temper expectations for imminent breakthrough in talks US official: Iran deal to be signed in coming days; Trump derides ‘loser’ critics Trump said to assure Netanyahu he will thwart Iran nuke program as Israel fears ‘very bad’ deal As US moves to end war, Iranians tell ToI they fear regime clampdown just starting Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Yitzchak Ledee. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Political correspondent Tal Schneider joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. The US and Iran are close to signing a deal involving a 60-day ceasefire extension, during which the Strait of Hormuz would be reopened, Iran would be able to freely sell oil, and negotiations would be held on curbing Iran’s nuclear program — including it giving up its stockpile of enriched uranium, the Axios news site reported on Sunday, citing a US official. Schneider gives insight into Israel's reaction to the potential deal and delves into what could happen on the Lebanon front: Is Hezbollah part of the package? A soldier was killed Friday by a drone near the Lebanese border, the Israel Defense Forces announced Saturday. The slain soldier was named as Staff Sgt. Noam Hamburger, 23, a technology and maintenance soldier in the 401st Brigade, from Atlit in northern Israel. Schneider underlines that this occurred on Israeli soil, where Hezbollah drone attacks are still an everyday occurrence for residents of the north. On Friday night, Yashar! party head Gadi Eisenkot gave his first major interview in recent memory to the Uvda TV news magazine. We hear what was said -- and unsaid. Since the establishment of the State of Israel, young women, from the age of 18, have been obligated to enlist in the IDF. We learn about how the ranks of female fighters have swelled in the past decade -- and the intense backlash from the religious community. Schneider brings us an update from this morning, which illustrates this delicate balance. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: US-Iran deal said to open strait for 60 days, Iran to discuss giving up enriched uranium Trump says deal with Iran ‘largely negotiated, will be announced shortly,’ Hormuz will be opened Liberman slams emerging Iran deal, accuses Netanyahu of failing to win war ‘on any front’ Soldier killed in northern Israel by Hezbollah drone from Lebanon Female troops are under assault, and not just in Bnei Brak Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Ari Schlacht. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Environmental reporter Sue Surkes joins host Gabriella Jacobs for today's episode. Four years ago, Israel’s National Security Council established a unit focused on climate policy. In what Surkes calls a "shock decision," the NSC’s Climate and National Security Forum and Climate Intelligence Forum had ceased to operate as of April 1. We learn what the potential implications could be. Next, we learn about Elad Blumental, the head of OneDay, which provides one-time social volunteering activities. Recently, the NGO pivoted to training volunteer earthquake rescue teams on the heels of repeated State Comptroller reports and Knesset committee hearings warning that Israel is woefully unprepared for an inevitable earthquake. Finally, we learn about a new initiative earmarked for reservists and soldiers who are living with trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Metiv — The Israel Psychotrauma Center launched a new campaign on Sunday to encourage restaurants, cafes, bars and other social venues to create spaces that are more aware, sensitive and accessible. Surkes gives details. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: In shock decision, National Security Council stops work on climate change New ‘PTSD-friendly’ scheme aims to adapt Israel’s public spaces Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Ari Schlacht. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Australia correspondent Nomi Kaltmann joins host Gabriella Jacobs for today's episode. A royal commission is Australia’s highest form of public inquiry, with sweeping powers to compel witnesses and documents.  Australia’s royal commission into antisemitism was established by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese following the Bondi Beach Hanukkah massacre in Sydney. Kaltmann discusses to what extent its findings can shape Australian law, policy and society. Kaltmann describes how the hearings have become a rare public forum for Australian Jews to describe how antisemitism has reshaped life in the aftermath of the bloody October 7, 2023, Hamas invasion of Israel and the subsequent war against the terror group in Gaza. She describes two weeks of hearings which are now nearing their conclusion, in which Jewish Australians and other witnesses gave evidence before the commission.  Kaltmann concludes by explaining the trajectory of the commission going forward and its conclusions thus far.  She remains uncertain whether the commission’s recommendations will, in actuality, stem the surge of antisemitism that Australian Jews have been witnessing of late. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Political correspondent Ariela Karmel and reporter Amy Spiro join host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode. It's been an intensive week for lawmakers, reports Karmel, as the government begins dissolving the Knesset to trigger earlier elections and accelerates several controversial pieces of legislation. Karmel discusses the attorney general bill, a final effort by the right-leaning coalition to remove what remains of the only checks and balances on executive power in Israel. Another element of the attorney general legislation is intended to allow elected officials to operate with less scrutiny, says Karmel, making it more difficult to open investigations or indictments against a prime minister or cabinet members. After singer Noam Bettan garnered second place in the Eurovision Song Contest on Saturday night, Spiro discusses the surprising result, given the intensive politics behind the competition, with several countries that dropped out of the contest in protest of Israel's participation. If Bettan had won first place, Spiro notes that it would have complicated decisions about having Israel host the Eurovision next year, but notes that the song contest has survived other wars, boycotts and geopolitical dramas. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: MKs vote to advance bills splitting and weakening role of AG, making it harder to indict PM New bill aims to make it harder to indict senior officials, including PM, ministers Smotrich attacks AG, rule of law in dramatic Knesset committee hearing Defying predictions, Eurovision juries gave Israel a boost amid voting reforms Israel’s Noam Bettan finishes second at Eurovision as Bulgaria takes the win Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Yitzchak Ledee. IMAGE: Political correspondent Ariela Karmel joins host Jessica Steinberg for today's Daily Briefing. (ToI) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. As negotiations falter, again, between Iran and the US, and the Gulf States express wariness about renewing war, Magid discusses the two sides' current positions on terms to permanently end the war. Among other demands, Iran is seeking guarantees that hostilities will not resume and, in return, would reopen the Strait of Hormuz. It also continues to seek deferring negotiations over its rogue nuclear program — a stance President Donald Trump has thus far rejected. In the meantime, Magid reports, the Board of Peace is getting nowhere regarding Hamas's disarmament. The terror group feels emboldened by Iran's ability to withstand US demands, says Magid, and is tightening its grip in the Gaza Strip. Initial results from last weekend's elections for Fatah’s Central Committee show that PA President Mahmoud Abbas was elected to the panel, reports Magid, as well as his son, millionaire Yasser Abbas. Supporters of exiled prominent Palestinian Mohammed Dahlan were not permitted to participate in the elections, throwing the entire process into question. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: Trump says US attack on Iran called off after Gulf assurances that deal now possible US-Iran talks stalled after Tehran tried skirting up-front nuke concessions — officials US thought Iran war would hasten Gaza’s demilitarization. Instead, Hamas is emboldened Board of Peace envoy: Hamas tightening its grip on Gaza, taxing those with nothing left US mulls asking Israel to provide PA tax funds for Trump’s Gaza plan — sources Early results in Fatah leadership vote show Abbas’s son, intelligence chief elected Backers of Abbas rival excluded from Fatah confab, despite Egypt’s push for inclusivity Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Ari Schlacht. IMAGE: US bureau chief Jacob Magid joins host Jessica Steinberg for today's Daily Briefing (ToI) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 correspondent Emanuel Fabian joins host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode. While Israel’s ceasefire with Lebanon was extended for 45 days, Fabian reports that, on the ground, Hezbollah continues to attack — and Israel to hit back, within US-imposed constraints. The Yellow Line in the Gaza Strip demarcates the 53% of the territory that is under Israel’s control, and Fabian notes that the IDF has taken control of another 7% with a new “Orange Line” placed just below the Yellow Line, enabling the coordination of the movement of humanitarian aid or convoys. The IDF has repeatedly warned of a severe personnel shortage, saying it urgently needs 12,000 more soldiers, and Fabian looks at the crisis in the context of the upcoming elections, with the coalition again seeking to advance a broad Haredi draft-exemption law. This bill, the IDF has made clear, is not the right legislation to address its needs. With tens of thousands of eligible ultra-Orthodox men not conscripted, and an intolerable burden on reservists, the IDF is also seeking to extend mandatory service time. After a soldier was jailed for wearing a “Messiah” patch on his uniform, Fabian reports that IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir came across the enlistee during a routine troop visit and views this transgression as an example of lax IDF discipline. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: 4 IDF troops wounded, one severely, by roadside bomb in south Lebanon ‘Now 60%’: Netanyahu admits Israel taking more territory in Gaza, despite ceasefire IDF warns of severe personnel shortages, last window to solve crisis with legislation Soldier jailed, commanders penalized after IDF chief calls out ‘Messiah’ patch In first remarks on ‘Messiah’ patch incident, IDF chief says ‘path to victory’ goes through a disciplined military Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Ari Schlacht. IMAGE: Military correspondent Emanuel Fabian joins host Jessica Steinberg for today's Daily Briefing (ToI) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 reporter Luke Tress joins host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode. Following Thursday's demonstration at The New York Times building regarding the Nicholas Kristof column about alleged systematic sexual abuse of Palestinian inmates in Israel, Tress notes that protestors discussed concerns about slanted coverage that can instigate violence against Jews or Israel-related targets. As New York's New School student government tries to defund its local Hillel chapter, accusing it of violent international crimes following recent student trips to Israel, Tress discusses the dispute and the trend toward colleges attempting to exclude chapters of the international Jewish student organization. An anti-Israel protest held in Midwood, a predominantly Jewish neighborhood in Brooklyn, showed the ability to get more personal and ugly than those held at public spaces, reports Tress. The presence of swastika graffiti has become more prevalent around New York City, notes Tress, and comes from both the far left, who want to demonize Israel and from far-right pro-Nazi movements. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: Jews protest at New York Times office against column alleging systematic sexual abuse of Palestinians Accused of ‘blood libel,’ NYT defends column alleging Israeli rape of Palestinian inmates Citing Israel’s ‘international crimes,’ NYC student government trying to defund Hillel Anti-Zionist protesters march through NYC Jewish neighborhood, chanting for intifada On synagogues, playgrounds: In NY, swastika graffiti is increasingly common and rarely prosecuted Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Ari Schlacht. IMAGE: Military correspondent Emanuel Fabian joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's Daily Briefing. (ToI) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Reel Schmooze with ToI film reviewer Jordan Hoffman and host Amanda Borschel-Dan, where we bring you all the entertainment news and film reviews a Jew can use. We roll out with three Jangles -- news with a Jewish angle. Borschel-Dan gives her favorite actress, 96-year-old June Squib, a shoutout for her recent Tony nomination for "Marjorie Prime." Hoffman discusses his recent discovery of a famous Jewish porn star and also the new reboot of "Lord of the Flies" which hints that one of the boys is Jewish. We then turn to "Cast a Giant Shadow," the 1966 biopic of Colonel Mickey Marcus. David Daniel "Mickey" Marcus was a complicated character who was foundational to the organization of what became the Israel Defense Force.  The United States Army colonel, who was later dubbed Israel's first general, was also instrumental at the Nuremberg Trials. Kirk Douglas plays Marcus and the rest of the all-star cast includes Senta Berger, Yul Brynner, John Wayne, Frank Sinatra and Angie Dickinson. The movie maven and our host disagreed about the film, so stick around to see if "Cast a Giant Shadow" gets an "oy," "meh" or "not bad" in this week's The Reel Schmooze. The Reel Schmooze is produced by Ari Schlacht and can be found wherever you get your podcasts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Lazar Focus. Each Friday, join host diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman for a deep dive into what's behind the news that spins the globe. The New York Times printed a bombshell accusation against Israel this week. An op-ed by columnist Nicholas Kristof alleged widespread sexual abuse and rape against Palestinian prisoners. The column alleged “a pattern of widespread Israeli sexual violence against men, women and even children — by soldiers, settlers, interrogators in the Shin Bet internal security agency and, above all, prison guards.” Palestinians quoted in the piece said they’d even been mounted and raped by specially trained dogs. Israel called the article “one of the most hideous and distorted lies ever published against the State of Israel," and promised to sue the NYT. Some of the more extreme claims seem highly unlikely, to say the least, but could a group of guards -- or a prison commander -- be abusing prisoners in violation of the law? Israel's Prison Service is not a well-understood security organization, as bodies like the IDF, the Shin Bet, Mossad, and police garner far more attention. But IPS holds thousands of hardened terrorists from groups like Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and is an important part of the fight against those organizations. To better understand the IPS, its oversight, and how prisoners are treated, we speak to Col. Dakar Eilat, who ran two prisons in Israel. He explains the changes in the prison service's approach to terrorist prisoners that took place two decades ago, removing their ability to order terror attacks from inside prison, and then again after the October 7, 2023, Hamas terrorist attacks. There is no question that after October 7, conditions for terrorists have been reduced to the minimum required by law, he says. But guards can't do whatever they want. Everything that happens in prison is recorded by cameras, says Eilat, with footage then sent to prison service headquarters. Eilat shares some of his personal experiences as a prison commander and the use of force. He says that one of his predecessors had been caught using illegal force on prisoners, and the prison commissioner brought him in to end the phenomenon. That doesn't mean that prisoners were treated lightly. There were strip searches of prisoners, and if they resist with force, "they will be met with force," says Eilat. Still, there are multiple oversight mechanisms, he says. Some 130 organizations -- both Israeli and international -- carry out inspections and oversight of prisons, and during some weeks, he had 5 snap inspections of his prisons. As for the NYT allegations, he calls them "bullsh*t". He says that -- beyond the cameras -- doctors in prisons have an independent chain of command and reporting mechanism, and they would catch signs of abuse. Dog training is overseen by animal rights groups, and official investigations of the prison service are carried out by the Justice Ministry and the police. Covering up systematic abuse like that described in the Kristof piece would take hundreds of conspirators, says Eilat. Lazar Focus can be found on all podcast platforms. This episode was produced by Gabriella Jacobs and video edited by Ari Schlacht. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Arts and culture editor Jessica Steinberg joins host Gabriella Jacobs for today's episode. We begin by discussing a series of vociferous protests against Israel’s inclusion in the 61st Venice Biennale contemporary art exhibition, including the jury’s resignation. Steinberg explains that these protests are only the most recent in a much wider cultural boycott of Israel. We move on to talk about “The Eichmann Trial,” a new play written by Motti Lerner and directed by Ilan Ronen and performed exactly where the senior Nazi party member was prosecuted 65 years ago. Through survivors' eye-witness emotional stories, the play reenacts their chilling accounts about what happened in the war, in concentration camps, in ghettos, and in the forests. Steinberg notes that the content of the play has extra resonance now, in a post-October 7, 2023, landscape. We close by exploring the creations of Yaacov Agam, one of the prominent and influential figures in the international and Israeli world of art. Agam's work "clearly reflects the spirit of Israeli creativity, innovation, breaking barriers, the connection between tradition and modernity, and a broad universal vision,” according to the first paragraph of the Hebrew text on the Israel Prize he recently received. Steinberg delves into how his artwork is inspired by his spiritual view of Judaism and his upbringing as the son of a rabbi. Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Ari Schlacht. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Editor David Horovitz joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition on Wednesday submitted a bill to dissolve the Knesset and trigger elections, as the government competed with the opposition to control the process of disbanding parliament and determining when voters will go to the ballot box. The bill did not specify an election date. Horovitz weighs in on the complexities and delves into the timing of the upcoming elections. Netanyahu announced yesterday that he had made a secretive visit to the United Arab Emirates and met with its leader, President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, during the US-Israeli war with Iran earlier this year. For its part, the UAE has strongly denied that this visit took place. What's happening here? The Board of Peace’s Gaza envoy Nickolay Mladenov said at a briefing with foreign reporters in Jerusalem yesterday that Hamas is consolidating its power in the Strip, while dragging its feet in agreeing to a US-backed framework for handing over its weapons that has led to the stalling of plans to rebuild the war-damaged enclave. Horovitz explores these harsh truths. The New York Times published an opinion piece that alleged widespread rape of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails, including by dogs. Backlash, calling the entire article a "blood libel," has noted that Nicholas Kristof's article relied on sources that have alleged ties to the Hamas terror group or have praised it. Horovitz discusses the multi-layered issues surrounding this oped and how The Times of Israel has covered the allegations in it. To close out the program, we hear about The Times of Israel's policy on labeling the territories occupied by Israel since 1967 as the "West Bank," versus Judea and Samaria. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: Bring it on? Why the ultra-Orthodox, the opposition, and maybe Netanyahu think earlier elections will work for them Coalition files bill to dissolve Knesset, doesn’t set an election date Netanyahu says he secretly visited the UAE during the Iran war, hails ‘historic breakthrough’ Accused of ‘blood libel,’ NYT defends column alleging Israeli rape of Palestinian inmates ‘Blood libel’: Israel rejects NYT column alleging widespread rape of Palestinian inmates Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Yitzchak Ledee. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 correspondent Emanuel Fabian joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. The Israel Defense Forces announced Tuesday that its troops recently crossed the Litani River for a weeklong raid against Hezbollah, as the terror group’s leader rejected any attempt by Israeli and Lebanese officials to achieve its disarmament during upcoming peace talks in Washington. We learn what is happening on the ground even as drones continue to penetrate northern Israel. On Friday, Israeli settlers forced Palestinians to exhume the body of a relative from a freshly dug grave and move it to another location, after claiming the deceased was buried too close to an Israeli settlement. We dissect allegations that IDF troops stood by during this event, as well as during other incidents, including violent acts against Palestinians.  Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: IDF says it carried out weeklong raid on Hezbollah sites beyond Lebanon’s Litani River IDF reservist killed in Hezbollah explosive drone attack in northern Israel Hezbollah airs drone footage showing strike on Iron Dome battery in northern Israel Settlers force Palestinians to exhume body of relative buried near West Bank settlement Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Ari Schlacht. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Following US President Donald Trump's comment about the ceasefire with Iran being on "life support," Magid reports on possible Iranian willingness to give up on stockpiles of highly enriched uranium that are buried far underground and Trump's frustration when those terms weren't included in their latest proposal. The European Union approved a round of sanctions against violent Jewish settlers, and Magid names the settler organizations involved in establishing settlements and outposts and the individuals associated with them, which now won't have access to funds from Europe. A donation of $100 million from the United Arab Emirates will help set up a Gaza police force to maintain internal security in the Gaza Strip, reports Magid, although he notes that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is not fully on board with this latest Board of Peace plan. Yasser Abbas, the millionaire son of Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, is up for a position on the powerful central committee of Fatah, and Magid discusses the possible scenarios that could take place during the upcoming conference. Magid briefly notes a slight kerfuffle between Israel's US ambassador Yechiel Leiter and several American Jewish organizations that are cosponsoring an event with the Spanish government that has been strongly critical of Israel. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: Trump says Iran ceasefire ‘on life support’ after Tehran submitted ‘garbage’ proposal EU foreign ministers approve sanctions on violent Israeli settlers, Hamas leaders UAE sends Board of Peace $100 million for training of new Gaza police force — officials Abbas seen positioning son for Palestinian leadership, dismaying those seeking new blood Israeli envoy takes rare swipe at US Jewish groups for cosponsoring Spanish exhibit Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Ari Schlacht. IMAGE: US bureau chief Jacob Magid joins host Jessica Steinberg in today's Daily Briefing podcast. (ToI) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to What Matters Now, a weekly podcast exploring one key issue currently shaping Israel and the Jewish World. This week, host deputy editor Amanda Borschel-Dan speaks with legal expert Dr. Cochav Elkayam-Levy. Almost immediately following Hamas’s murderous onslaught on southern Israel, humanitarian law expert Elkayam-Levy established and now heads The Civil Commission on Oct. 7th Crimes by Hamas against Women and Children. On May 12, the commission released a massive report that documents and chronicles Hamas’s systemic use of rape and sexual violence against women -- and men -- on October 7, while taking hostages and during their captivities. Elkayam-Levy visited The Times of Israel's Jerusalem studio for this wide-ranging conversation. Listener discretion is advised. Since the Hamas onslaught on southern Israel, Elkayam-Levy and her team of forensics and legal experts, alongside professional archivists and others, have carefully gathered witness testimony and over 10,000 pieces of visual evidence that prove the terrorists' use of sex abuse as a tactical war crime. We hear about 13 categories of abuse perpetrated on people from over 50 nationalities. We learn that the tactic of broadcasting the crimes via livestreams has made Hamas heroes in the eyes of some fundamentalists who are already importing the terror group's sadistic methods, as seen in Syrian attacks on Druze in July. Elkayam-Levy discusses the impossible mission of providing a voice for the voiceless and creating a historical database that accurately portrays the scope of the horror. She has faced unfathomable blowback and is clear-eyed about how the commission's report will be received. So this week, we ask Dr. Cochav Elkayam-Levy, what matters now? What Matters Now podcasts are available for download on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Yitzchak Ledee.  IMAGE: Dr. Cochav Elkayam-Levy (Muki Schwartz) / On October 13, 2023, Israeli soldiers inspect the site of the Nova music festival where at least 340 Israeli festival-goers were killed during the attack by Hamas militants on Oct 7, near the border with the Gaza Strip in southern Israel. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit, File) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. Yesterday, Iran handed over its much-anticipated response to the latest US peace proposal. US President Donald Trump quickly declared it "totally unacceptable." We delve into the ongoing skirmishes between Iranian drones and Gulf states, including Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, and speak about potential scenarios facing Trump in the near future. In a lengthy "60 Minutes" interview last night, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed that the war is “not over” despite Trump’s apparent desire to end hostilities and insistence that Iran had been roundly defeated. We hear highlights from what was on -- and off -- camera, including his quasi-acceptance of some responsibility for the October 7, 2023, massacre on Israeli soil. The US will host the third round of ambassador-level talks between representatives from Israel and Lebanon on May 14 and 15. What are the aims of the ongoing talks -- and how feasible is any kind of agreement as long as Hezbollah is still firmly entrenched in Israel's neighbor to the north? A former senior US official and a former senior Israeli official are offering a new vision to restart their nations' bilateral relationship. Berman met with former US ambassador to Israel Tom Nides and former IDF Military Intelligence chief Amos Yadlin last week and brings back a vision with some cautious optimism. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: ‘Unacceptable’: Trump rejects Iran response to US peace offer, as Netanyahu insists war ‘not over’ UAE, Kuwait and Qatar all report drone attacks as Iran ramps up its threats Netanyahu concedes he bears some responsibility for Oct. 7, but says ‘everyone’ shares it IDF reservist killed in Hezbollah explosive drone attack in northern Israel Past top Israeli, US officials reveal new vision for ties rooted in tech partnership Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Yitzhak Ledee filmed and edited this episode. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Political correspondents Sam Sokol and Ariela Karmel join host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode. The opposition parties are shaping up ahead of the upcoming elections, as Sokol and Karmel discuss the familiar and new political figures and the jockeying among parties to maximize votes. Karmel also reports on a new Druze political party, the first time the community has formed one in decades, following their deep sense of frustration with the government. As the Knesset returns to its first session after a prolonged break, Sokol and Karmel discuss the expected legislative blitz, including proposed laws to split the role of the attorney general, a controversial proposed political probe into October 7, restricting Israel’s broadcast media landscape, as well as the military exemption service law for the ultra-Orthodox. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: Former Shin Bet chief Yoram Cohen joins Eisenkot’s Yashar party After joining Yashar, ex-head of Shin Bet says Smotrich a ‘legitimate’ partner, but not Ben Gvir Amid speculation of merger, Eisenkot and Liberman say they’re ‘deepening cooperation’ Golan: Zionist opposition must partner with Arab party Ra’am to topple government Yisrael Beytenu, said to eye merger with Eisenkot, adds hostages’ brother to ranks Contentious proposals dominate planned legislative blitz as Knesset readies to resume PM said to ask Haredim to again shelve draft exemption bill — this time until after election Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Ari Schlacht. IMAGE: ToI political correspondents Ariela Karmel and Sam Sokol join host Jessica Steinberg on today's Daily Briefing podcast. (ToI) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib, the head of Realign for Palestine, an Atlantic Council project that challenges entrenched narratives in the Israel and Palestine discourse. This week, the Board of Peace’s top Gaza envoy, Nickolay Mladenov, is in Israel in an attempt to kick-start the Trump peace plan. He has previously urged the international community to pressure the Hamas Palestinian terror group to disarm and prevent another cycle of violence in the Gaza Strip. This week, we hear why Alkhatib believes the current stalemate in Gaza is being embraced by both Hamas and official Israel. But first, Alkhatib paints a dismal picture of life in the Strip -- rat infestations, sewage in the streets and a strong Hamas presence on the ground. We learn about the recent elections for Hamas leadership and hear background about the leading candidates. Finally, among all the darkness, Alkhatib shares pinpoints of light from among the people who are still not cowed by the terrorist regime. And so this week, we ask Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib, what matters now? What Matters Now podcasts are available for download on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Ari Schlacht. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Reel Schmooze with ToI film reviewer Jordan Hoffman and host Amanda Borschel-Dan, where we bring you all the entertainment news and film reviews a Jew can use. This week, we dive straight into our two films for this week, the 2021 documentary "Bernstein's Wall" and Bradley Cooper's 2023 "Maestro." Our two classical music fans begin with the documentary, highlighting the parts of conductor/composer Leonard Bernstein's life that were previously unknown to them. We hear how the movie employs Bernstein himself as its narrator by weaving together clips from dozens of revealing interviews the celebrity gave over his life.  Shifting over to the Hollywood treatment, we zero in on the Maestro's relationship with his wife, Felicia Montealegre Cohn Bernstein. We learn where Cooper stayed true to the contours of the musician's life -- and where he missed the mark. Stick around to see if "Bernstein's Wall" and "Maestro" got an "oy," "meh" or "not bad" in this week's The Reel Schmooze. The Reel Schmooze is produced by Ari Schlacht and can be found wherever you get your podcasts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Lazar Focus. Each Friday, join host diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman for a deep dive into what's behind the news that spins the globe. Israel has had a rough time of it on the international stage since the Hamas invasion of October 7, 2023 and the subsequent wars. Allegations of collective punishment, genocide, and targeting of religious sites have been made by some of Israel's closest allies, and support for the Jewish state is plummeting in the West. Much of the criticism leveled at Israel, justified or not, revolves around what the world sees from the battlefield. The IDF has a large, well-oiled public communications machine. The IDF Spokesperson's Unit does things other militaries can only dream of. At the same time, there is a feeling in Israel and among its friends that the IDF is too slow and bureaucratic to effectively get its message out in the age of social media and AI. LTC Nadav Shoshani, who returned to active duty in the wake of October 7, argues that despite Israel's inherent disadvantages, the IDF is effectively communicating to the world. In an interview the day before he steps down as the IDF's international spokesman, Shoshani reveals his approach to speaking to the world about the war in Gaza. He admits that Israel's reputation is at a nadir and that the problem must be dealt with. Yet he stresses that Israel is facing structural disadvantages. Much of the world simply doesn't like war. Israel's enemies aren't held to the same standard of truth and accuracy, which allows them to quickly spread lies while Israel is still carrying out investigations. Shoshani lays out some of the lessons he's learned in the position. Israel has to fill information vaccuums, he says, even if it is a message that the country is investigating the incident at hand. He also opened many new social media accounts, in order "to be everywhere and to be active everywhere." Pressed on the persistent problem of IDF soldiers posting problematic content on social media, Shoshani says that he has invested significant effort into confronting the problem, with tangible results. "They understand what's happening," says Shoshani. "They're more sensitive. It's still not where we want it to be, but it is much better." Shoshani takes listeners back to key episodes in the Gaza war like the 2025 announcement by Defense Minister Israel Katz that nothing would be going into Gaza, and the GHF aid site fiasco in which Gazans were killed nearly daily around the food distribution sites. He says that the IDF has acted properly around prisoners taken from Gaza. Shoshani visited the Sde Teiman base, and says Hamas terrorists there are receiving food and medical care, and that there are lawyers on site to make sure the guards adhere to the law. Shoshani also argues that the IDF is doing everything it can to combat settler violence in the West Bank: "We see this as a core mission. Our mission in Judea and Samaria is to keep stability and to keep safety for all the people living in that area, to make sure there is no violence." The military recognizes the problem, he says, and is dealing with it, but that it takes time. Lazar Focus can be found on all podcast platforms. This episode was produced by Gabriella Jacobs and video edited by Ari Schlacht. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. ToI founding editor David Horovitz joins host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode. As the US and Iran continue talks regarding a permanent deal, Horovitz says the regime feels it has established control over the Strait of Hormuz and views the US as vulnerable. Horovitz discusses the deal-making tendencies of Trump, a way of thinking that ultimately worked in favor of the Hamas hostage deal, but is harder to achieve with the dilemmas in Iran, with Hezbollah in Lebanon and with Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Following Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich's recent comment that former prime minister Naftali Bennett’s decision to include the Islamist Ra’am party in his 2021-2022 government was far worse than the governmental failures tied to Hamas’s October 7, 2023, onslaught, Horovitz comments on the level of political hostility and the absence of empathy among Netanyahu's government for all the bereaved Israelis and hostage families. Finally, Horovitz reflects on the recent Golders Green stabbing attack, an iteration of the antisemitic attacks happening all over the Jewish diaspora, and how the British government has handled the situation. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: US, Iran said closing in on framework for permanent deal, as Trump renews bomb threats Board of Peace won’t hold Israel to truce terms if Hamas doesn’t okay disarmament offer Smotrich: Including Arab party in government ‘a thousand times’ worse than Oct. 7 failures We’re not in the 1930s… yet Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Yitzchak Ledee. IMAGE: ToI founding editor David Horovitz joins host Jessica Steinberg on today's Daily Briefing podcast. (ToI) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. US President Donald Trump says the US will be pausing the operation Project Freedom that it launched on Monday to assist vessels stuck in the Strait of Hormuz due to progress made in talks toward a permanent ceasefire with Iran. Magid parses Trump's Truth Social post announcement and updates us on statements made earlier in the day by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The US-led Board of Peace, the newly formed body tasked with overseeing the postwar management of Gaza, does not intend to hold Israel to the terms of the October 2025 Gaza ceasefire if Hamas does not accept the international panel’s framework for the terror group’s disarmament, a document obtained by Magid shows. We hear the potential implications of this new approach. And finally, we turn to a new report on a recurring issue: The US State Department informed Congress last month that the Palestinian Authority has not ceased making payments to the families of security prisoners and slain attackers, despite reforming, and ostensibly ending, its system of cash transfers awarded in accordance with the amount of time served behind Israeli bars. Magid unravels this knotty issue. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: Iran threatens Hormuz shipping, as Trump said to shelve strikes amid diplomacy Iran ceasefire ‘not over,’ US ‘not looking for a fight,’ Hegseth says after Tehran fires on Gulf Draft UN resolution threatens sanctions on Iran unless it opens Strait of Hormuz Board of Peace won’t hold Israel to truce terms if Hamas doesn’t okay disarmament offer US says PA continuing to pay security prisoners despite reformed welfare criteria Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Ari Schlacht. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. Iran fired over a dozen missiles and several drones at the United Arab Emirates on Monday, renewing attacks on the Gulf state for the first time since a fragile ceasefire took hold last month. Berman explains how US President Donald Trump really doesn't want to go back to war. But, at the same time, he might. Lebanon’s parliament speaker said on Monday there could be no negotiations with Israel without a halt to the war that has raged on in southern Lebanon in spite of a ceasefire. Since the Iran negotiations are so intrinsically tied to the conflict in Lebanon, Berman speaks about Israel's difficult position. In the final half of the program, we turn to the concept of "strategic independence." We hear how European leaders on Monday said that Trump’s snap decision to pull thousands of US troops out of Germany is a fresh sign that Europe must take care of its own security. And earlier this week, we heard from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that future defense procurement will focus on expanding Israel’s capabilities and its independence. Berman weighs in. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: Iran restarts attacks on Emirates as US fights to restore traffic in Strait of Hormuz Lebanon’s Hezbollah-allied parliament speaker: No talks with Israel until war ends Europe seeks to ‘take charge’ of its own defense as US to cut presence of troops Netanyahu says project to counter drone threat underway, but ‘will take time’ Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Yitzhak Ledee filmed and edited this episode. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 correspondent Emanuel Fabian joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. US President Donald Trump on Sunday rejected Iran’s latest proposal to end the war with the US and Israel, calling it unacceptable. Meanwhile, Trump said the United States would on Monday morning begin an effort to “guide” stranded ships out of the Strait of Hormuz, which he is branding "Operation Freedom." Fabian fills us in on an IDF briefing he attended on Friday, which assessed the Iran war's achievements so far. Amid constant tit-for-tat explosive conflict between Hezbollah and the IDF, the ceasefire doesn't exist in southern Lebanon, states Fabian. We delve into the Iranian-backed terror group's use of relatively cheap drones that are guided by fiber optic cables, making them effectively immune to electronic jamming. US President Donald Trump’s ​plan for the Gaza Strip, which was initially embraced by Israel and Hamas, calls for Israeli troops to withdraw from the enclave and reconstruction to ⁠start as Hamas lays down its weapons. As Hamas is not showing any signs of disarming, how is the IDF preparing? Religious Zionist rabbis from a range of institutions representing the community expressed their concern over a plan to allow women to serve with men in the Israel Defense Forces Armored Corps, with at least some vowing to instruct the students not to serve in tanks as long as that remains a possibility. Fabian delves into the recent conscription data of fighters from the haredi community versus female fighters. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: Trump: Latest Iran terms unacceptable; US on Monday to start guiding ships out of Hormuz IDF official says Iran war will be ‘one big failure’ if enriched uranium not removed Hezbollah fires rockets at troops in Lebanon, no injuries; IDF strikes terror sites Ministers set to discuss renewing Gaza war as Hamas refuses to disarm — report Religious Zionist rabbis say students will not enlist in Armored Corps with women Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Gabriella Jacobs and edited by Ari Schlacht. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Jewish world and real estate correspondent Zev Stub joins host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode. WATCH the full episode here:   With London Jews feeling scared and angry about last week's stabbing attack of two men in Golders Green, Stub discusses the community sentiment that the government isn't doing enough to fight antisemitism, and similarities to events in Canada and Australia. Stub reports on his trip to the northern city of Kiryat Shmona, noting that the local economy, weakened by more than two years of war, has only 60% of residents who have returned after being evacuated. There is a need for more ultra-Orthodox housing, Stub discusses, reviewing possible government plans to create three Haredi hubs in the south and raising questions about economic viability and the various social service issues inherent in an ultra-Orthodox city. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates.For further reading: Starmer booed at site of Golders Green terror; promises to tackle antisemitism, extremism ‘The city is dead’: Israel’s north struggles to recover as war leaves uneven economic scars Housing snapshot April 2026: Home prices continue slide, bringing yearly drop to 1.7% Separate cities or shared space? Ministries at odds over huge Negev housing plan for Haredim Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Ari Schlacht. IMAGE: Jewish world and real estate correspondent Zev Stub joins host Jessica Steinberg on today's Daily Briefing. (ToI) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Reel Schmooze with ToI film reviewer Jordan Hoffman and host Amanda Borschel-Dan, where we bring you all the entertainment news and film reviews a Jew can use. This week, before diving into our two films for this week, we revisit the 1960 film "Exodus" with a few reflections based on listeners' responses -- and Hoffman's musing while sweeping. We then hear about the movie maven's night out enjoying the Boss, Bruce Springsteen, and the E-Street Band's longtime Jewish musicians. The first film we chew over in this week's episode is a short, 13-minute indie production called "How to Make Challah" by Sarah Rosen. The intergenerational look at New York Jewry is framed within footage filmed by Rosen's aunt of her grandmother making challah in 1975. Now #1 on Netflix in Israel, Sadie Sandler's new "Roommates" left the team almost speechless, but they valiantly rallied at the sight of Jewish acting greats Natasha Lyonne, Nick Kroll and Carol Kane.  Chloe East stars as Celeste, joined by Sadie Sandler as Devon. Does her apple fall far from the Adam Sandler tree? Stick around to see if "How to Make Challah" and "Roommates" got an "oy," "meh" or "not bad" in this week's The Reel Schmooze. The Reel Schmooze is produced by Ari Schlacht and can be found wherever you get your podcasts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 The Times of Israel's senior analyst Haviv Rettig Gur. On Sunday, former prime ministers Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid announced a joint run for this year's Israeli elections.  Immediately, polling showed that the combined electoral slate, dubbed “Together,” would win a total of 26 seats if elections were held Monday, placing them ahead of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s ruling Likud as the Knesset’s largest party, according to Channel 12. Later in the week, Opposition Leader Lapid told Bennett that he was willing to take third place, rather than second, on their joint electoral slate if it would help secure a broader merger with Yashar party chairman Gadi Eisenkot. On this week's episode, in the spirit of the newly completed NFL draft, we play fantasy football and weigh the merits of the current parties and politicians vyying for the Knesset in this year's election. And so this week, we ask Haviv Rettig Gur what matters now. What Matters Now podcasts are available for download on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Ari Schlacht. IMAGE: Haviv Rettig Gur (courtesy) / Green Bay Packers quarterback Taylor Elgersma (19) throws during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, August 16, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Environmental reporter Sue Surkes joins host Gabriella Jacobs for today's episode. We open the episode with a recent annual national monitoring report, carried out on behalf of the Energy and Environmental Protection ministries, on the state of the Mediterranean Sea. Surkes describes how the sea is growing saltier, warmer and more polluted, and why it has become a home to invasive tropical fish. We discuss what that means for beachgoers and fish eaters as we head into the summer season. We then move on to the latest updates in an unusual court case: The Jerusalem District Court on Tuesday ordered the Interior Ministry to grant temporary Israeli status to a Syrian-born woman, the wife of a disabled IDF veteran, who converted to Judaism. The Syrian Alawite woman and her husband have faced a series of legal hurdles as they seek to build a life together in Israel. We hear about their saga. In the second half of the program, Surkes walks through her recent op-ed on Israeli energy policy, which she describes as a growing security risk. We end off the program with an account of her recent visit to the orangutans at the Jerusalem Zoo, who, 10 days ago, welcomed a new baby to their troop. This is not the first orangutan to be born in Israel, but it’s the first at the biblical zoo, and an important addition to the world’s shrinking orangutan population. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: The Mediterranean: Warmer, saltier, more acidic, and rising fast — report After years in limbo, court lets Syrian convert live in Israel with husband, a disabled vet True independence must include the air we breathe Great excitement as first orangutan is born at Jerusalem Biblical Zoo Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Yitzchak Ledee. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. It's no more Mr. Nice Guy for US President Donald Trump on Iran. At the same time, Trump said on Wednesday that talks with Iran have been taking place over the phone in recent days, after he canceled a trip over the weekend for US negotiators to travel to Pakistan to speak with Iranian officials. Berman brings us up to date on where things -- including the US military assets -- stand as Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and the US blockade of Iran continue. IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir said during a visit to troops posted in southern Lebanon on Wednesday that there “is no ceasefire,” as Israel and Hezbollah continued to exchange fire despite a truce that’s been in place for almost two weeks. We hear how Israel is even more restrained today than it was prior to the Iran war in terms of its freedom of movement against Hezbollah in Lebanon. The Israeli Navy late Wednesday began intercepting an activist flotilla sailing to the Gaza Strip in a bid to breach Israel’s naval blockade on the Hamas-ruled enclave, according to the activists and Israeli officials. As of Thursday morning, a third of the vessels were intercepted near Crete. How is Israel handling the PR stunt this year? Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar appointed veteran diplomat George Deek to a newly created role as special envoy to the Christian world last week. Berman is cautiously optimistic, but has major reservations. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: After rejecting Iran’s proposal to open Hormuz, Trump says talks ongoing over the phone IDF chief says there’s ‘no ceasefire’ in south Lebanon amid continued fighting with Hezbollah Navy begins intercepting Gaza flotilla hundreds of miles from the Strip Israel appoints first special envoy to Christian world after scandals strain ties Suspect arrested in attack on nun yesterday in Jerusalem Old City Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Yitzhak Ledee filmed and edited this episode. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. With the lack of progress in the negotiations between the United States and Iran, US intelligence agencies are studying how Iran would respond if US President Donald Trump were to declare a unilateral victory in the two-month-old war, according to a Reuters report. Magid weighs in on any potential schism within the Trump administration as Iran's newest proposal appears to shelve the issue of a nuclear program -- the very reason the war was launched. Amid a growing diplomatic incident, Israel said Tuesday it had yet to receive evidence that a shipment of Russian grain had been “stolen” from occupied Ukrainian territory, while Kyiv said it was preparing sanctions against those involved in the transaction. Magid unravels this tangled issue, which played out live on social media. A list backed by the Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas’s Fatah party won most races in the weekend’s Palestinian municipal elections, election officials said Sunday, in a vote that for the first time in nearly two decades included a city in the Gaza Strip run by Hamas, the terror group that violently ousted Fatah from Gaza in 2007. We hear why this vote was significant -- and why it was not. Last week, Wendy Sherman, who served as deputy secretary of state for much of former US president Joe Biden’s administration, accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of being responsible for the perpetration of a genocide in Gaza. Magid explains how this opinion, coming from a former Biden official, is being heard more as the Democratic Party looks ahead to the next election. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: US intel agencies examining how Iran would react if Trump declares victory in war Trump reportedly unhappy with Iran’s proposal to reopen Hormuz but shelve nuclear issue Israel says no proof Russian grain shipment ‘stolen,’ as Ukraine threatens sanctions Smotrich confirms Finance Ministry hasn’t transferred any tax revenues to PA for past year PA leader Abbas’s loyalists win local elections, including in Gaza’s Deir al‑Balah Biden’s deputy secretary of state: Netanyahu helped ‘create a genocide in Gaza’ Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Podwaves and Ari Schlacht. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Mideast and Russia expert Ksenia Svetlova joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. Former MK Svetlova is the executive director of ROPES (Regional Organization for Peace, Economics & Security) and a senior non-resident fellow at the Atlantic Council. We open the program with an exploration of Iran's historic and current ties with Russia, after Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met yesterday with President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg. Svetlova explores Russia's influence in the region -- specifically its direct ties to Hezbollah -- and assesses how much leverage Moscow may have in the ongoing negotiations between Iran and the United States. In the second half of the program, we focus on Israel's relations with Arab Gulf states in the wake of the war in Iran. We hear how Israel deployed troops and the Iron Dome to its Abraham Accord partner, the United Arab Emirates. She discusses how the region is at a crossroads and the Gulf states are pragmatically discussing whether to deepen ties with Iran, or, potentially, with Israel. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: Trump reportedly unhappy with Iran’s proposal to reopen Hormuz but shelve nuclear issue In Saint Petersburg, Iran’s FM blames US for failure of Pakistan talks Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Ari Schlacht edited this episode. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Political correspondents Sam Sokol and Ariela Karmal join host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode. Sokol reports on the Sunday announcement of a joint campaign and list for former prime minister Naftali Bennett and Opposition Leader Yair Lapid ahead of the 2026 elections, under Bennett's stewardship. Karmel and Sokol discuss that Yashar leader Gadi Eisenkot is not part of the campaign and list, given his own entry into the 2026 race, that his decisions will test the fortunes of the Bennett-Lapid bloc. Members of the Likud party and government coalition reacted to the announcement, reports Sokol, and he and Karmel discuss the possible Likud B breakaway party that would offer an alternative right-wing option. Karmel and Sokol also discuss that the government coalition is dismissive of the Bennett-Lapid merger, reviewing the comments and memes immediately circulated about the two politicians and their announcement. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: Launching joint slate, Bennett and Lapid promise ‘the era of division is over’ Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid announce united run under Bennett in 2026 elections Bennett-Lapid reunion jolts electoral race, but path to unseating Netanyahu elusive as ever Eisenkot welcomes Bennett-Lapid union but says: To win, we need to bring in more votes Backing public transit on Shabbat, Bennett steers campaign into jammed center lane Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Ari Schlacht. IMAGE: Political correspondents Ariela Karmel and Sam Sokol joins host Jessica Steinberg on today's Daily Briefing (ToI) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 correspondent Emanuel Fabian joins host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode. WATCH the full episode here: Fabian notes that the Iranian ceasefire still stands, although the IDF and air force are ready to return to fighting if necessary. With a Lebanese ceasefire still in place, Fabian reports that Israel continues to demolish Hezbollah sites while the terrorist group carries out attacks on Israeli troops stationed in Lebanon. Fabian discusses the latest disclosure of two Israel Air Force technicians who spied for Iran, trading information about their base and imagery for small sums of money. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: PM instructs IDF to strike Hezbollah targets ‘with force’ after repeated truce violations Amid truce, Hezbollah attacks IDF in south Lebanon; troops kill 6 gunmen in Bint Jbeil Hezbollah fires rocket salvo at northern Israel shortly before ceasefire extended IDF probes soldiers seen damaging solar panels in south Lebanon Christian village 2 IDF aircraft mechanics charged with spying for Iran, leaking fighter jet info Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Ari Schlacht. IMAGE: Military correspondent Emanuel Fabian joins host Jessica Steinberg on today's Daily Briefing. (ToI) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Reel Schmooze with ToI film reviewer Jordan Hoffman and host Amanda Borschel-Dan, where we bring you all the entertainment news and film reviews a Jew can use. This week, before diving into the nuts and bolts of the iconic epic Hollywood adventure, we learn how the 1960 film "Exodus" is part of Hoffman's genesis story. Hoffman lays out the film's plot, which is based on a 1958 Leon Uris novel. We learn about director Otto Preminger, who was a very big deal in Tinsel Town during his era, which is how he managed to capture an all-star cast including a dashing Paul Newman, high-heeled Eva Marie Saint, Sal Mineo's fury and the "good Arab" John Derek, whom we recently saw in "The Ten Commandments." We give a big shoutout to Ernest Gold's soundtrack -- as well as the many covers of it. We then hear a sharp criticism from Borschel-Dan on the poor historical accuracy of the film: The real boat, the Exodus 1947, never weighed anchor in Cyprus, where the first third of the film takes place. Hoffman notes that the film raises abiding issues, including ideology pitting brother against brother and the everlasting hope of coexistence in the land. Stick around to see if "Exodus" got an "oy," "meh" or "not bad" in this week's The Reel Schmooze. The Reel Schmooze is produced by Ari Schlacht and can be found wherever you get your podcasts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Lazar Focus. Each Friday, join host diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman for a deep dive into what's behind the news that spins the globe. The world, and most Israelis, were horrified this week as a photo of an IDF soldier smashing a statue of Jesus in Lebanon spread across social media. The act was roundly condemned by the army and by Israel's leaders. Yet, it happened. And it wasn't the first time Israeli soldiers had disrespected Christian sites in Lebanon, nor was it the only instance of Israel drawing the ire of Christians around the world. Rabbi David Rosen is a leader in Israeli and Jewish ties with Christians, especially the Catholic Church. Drawing on decades of experience, including numerous meetings with popes, he lays out the moral reasons for investing in ties with the Christian world, and why it is in Israel's national interest to get these relations right. He calls the modern Catholic Church a "loyal friend to the Jewish people," marking the "most dramatic transformation in the course of human history." The vast majority of the Christian world does not want to be seen as antisemitic, and sees itself as an ally of the Jewish people. But there is much to be done. Israel still has not concluded its decades-long talks with the Vatican, despite promising to wrap them up in the 1990s. Moreover, Israeli society doesn't understand the Christian world. Most religious Israelis have had no meaningful relationships with Christians, and see them through shallow stereotypes of historical antisemitism -- "almost a reverse image of some of the anti-Semitic cartoon images." Even worse, extremists continue to harass Christians in the Old City of Jerusalem and beyond. Rosen points at urgent tasks Israel must complete undertake if it is to get ties with Christians right. It must fix the "fundamental and enormous educational flaw" in schools by creating curricula to familiarize Israeli students with contemporary Christians, including their communities inside of Israel. Police must crack down on harassment of Christians in order to stamp out the phenomenon. Finally, he says, a senior official position must be created to build Israel's strategy toward churches and the broader Christian world. "There is no strategic thinking, no strategic approach whatsoever on the part of sequential governments of government after government in Israel," he laments, "because basically there has not been an understanding that this needs to be a priority in any way." Lazar Focus can be found on all podcast platforms. This episode was produced by Gabriella Jacobs and video edited by Ari Schlacht. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Editor David Horovitz joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. Lebanese and Israeli representatives are set to meet in Washington, DC, today. It was reported yesterday that Lebanon was hoping to extend the shaky ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel by a month. At the same time, Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar openly considered the notion of peace between the two nations at an Independence Day speech on Wednesday. Horovitz weighs in. Has the Iran conflict become a shipping war? According to reports on Wednesday, the US military has intercepted at least three Iranian-flagged tankers in Asian waters and is redirecting them away from their positions near India, Malaysia and Sri Lanka. At the same time, Iranian forces seized two container ships on Wednesday, according to global security monitors and the country’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Horovitz unravels the stalled negotiations even as the double US and Iranian blockades at the Strait of Hormuz may lead to a military escalation. In the second half of the program, we turn to the observation of two national days this week and share a glimpse of Israel today. Horovitz notes the overt politicization of state ceremonies, a phenomenon that began in 2018 and reached a crescendo this week. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: From grief to trepidation: This year’s fateful transition from Memorial Day to Independence Day Lebanon said to seek one-month truce extension; Hezbollah again targets troops with drone US intercepts Iran oil tankers in Asian waters as demining of Hormuz expected to take months Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Gabriella Jacobs and edited by Yitzhak Ledee. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. US President Donald Trump unexpectedly announces an extension of the truce with Iran hours before the April 22 deadline, reports Magid, adding that the president's recent spate of muddled messaging hasn't helped matters. Magid notes that a divide within the Iranian leadership is slowing decision-making, as it continues to play hardball. US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee heads to the US for a second round of Israel-Lebanon talks that appear to have some momentum, says Magid, but will require the ability of the Lebanese government to crack down on Hezbollah if any real progress is to be made. Magid notes that the April 11 deadline set by the Board of Peace for Hamas to respond to the disarmament deal has passed. Hamas doesn't want to be blamed for the collapse of talks, says Magid, but the Board of Peace is still aiming for a phased disarmament. Finally, Magid reports on another deadly incident in the central West Bank village in which two Palestinians were killed, allegedly shot by an IDF reservist from the Hagmar regional defense unit. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: In major about-face, Trump announces extension of Iran truce hours before deadline Vance reportedly set to depart for Pakistan, but still unclear if Iran will join talks New round of Israel-Lebanon talks set for Thursday as US said trying to extend truce ‘They’re not easy’: Board of Peace envoy admits Hamas disarmament talks stalled 2 Palestinians, one of them 14, killed in alleged settler attack in West Bank Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Ari Schlacht. IMAGE: US bureau chief Jacob Magid joins host Jessica Steinberg on today's Daily Briefing (ToI) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to What Matters Now, a weekly podcast exploring key issues currently shaping Israel and the Jewish World, with host Jessica Steinberg speaking with author Rachel Goldberg-Polin. Rachel Goldberg-Polin began writing her new book, "When We See You Again," as a way of finding some relief from her pain after she buried her son, 23-year-old Hersh Goldberg-Polin, who was executed by his Hamas captors in August 2024, after being held captive for 330 days in a Gaza tunnel. Goldberg-Polin speaks about the process of writing the book, urged by her husband, Jon Polin, and how the book became a kind of answer to people asking her how she was. The bulk of the book takes place after the Goldberg-Polins buried Hersh on August 31, 2024, and is an accounting of their lives in what Goldberg-Polin terms the Before and After. What Matters Now podcasts are available for download on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Ari Schlacht. IMAGE: Author Rachel Goldberg-Polin joins host Jessica Steinberg for an episode of What Matters Now See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 joins host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode. As the shekel crossed the below-3-to-the-dollar threshold, its strongest level in 30 years, Wrobel notes that the shekel's strength against the dollar shows its resilience and the market's belief in the currency following the war with Iran, although it does create problems for Israeli exporters. With Israeli airspace reopened following the ceasefire with Iran, Wrobel reports on how Israeli airlines are responding to passengers as they work at getting back to full speed. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: Shekel breaks below 3 to the dollar in first since 1995; exporters warn of economy risk Israeli airlines accused of reselling stranded customers’ seats for wartime windfall Comptroller pans government for failing to plan for air travel turbulence during war Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Ari Schlacht. IMAGE: Tech editor Sharon Wrobel joins host Jessica Steinberg on today's Daily Briefing. (ToI) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 correspondent Emanuel Fabian joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. On Sunday, for the first time since hostilities with Hezbollah escalated last month during the Iran war — when the terror group resumed rocket and drone attacks on Israel — Israeli reporters were allowed by the Israel Defense Forces to enter southern Lebanon, in an escorted visit to the newly established security zone. Fabian was there and reports back on the experience of entering Lebanon and the new road infrastructure that has been laid there. We discuss how the Israeli military is, in essence, reestablishing a security zone that it left some 26 years ago. Fabian explains why commanders say that this time around, it will not carry with it the same dangers that troops faced during the 18-year occupation of southern Lebanon in 1982-2000. In the second half of the program, we turn to a briefing Fabian attended on Friday. The IDF said that it remains on high alert and ready to return to fighting in both Iran and Lebanon if the fragile ceasefires in both countries collapse or expire without an extension in the coming weeks. We also learn about the IDF's somewhat pessimistic assessment of the truces announced by US President Donald Trump. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: 26 years later, IDF restores its south Lebanon security zone — with key changes IDF on high alert amid fragile, temporary ceasefires in Iran and Lebanon Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Gabriella Jacobs and edited by Ari Schlacht. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. A damning Wall Street Journal report depicts US President Donald Trump as making key decisions about the war in Iran in a slapdash manner without input from his advisers, stating he was eager for a ceasefire to address rising fuel prices. As the ostensible end of the two-week ceasefire with Iran looms, Berman assesses five points of apparent failure on the part of the joint US and Israel conflict with Iran, including the focus on the Strait of Hormuz and Iran's new position there; the percentage of missiles still available to Iran; the current strength of Iran's proxies; the uptick of Iranian-linked terror abroad and the status of the Iranian nuclear program. We then turn our gaze to the Lebanon front, where Hezbollah was granted a reprieve from the conflict with Trump's imposed ceasefire. What are Israel's concerns -- even as this could be an opportunity for direct talks between Lebanese and Israeli leadership? Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: IDF reservist killed, nine wounded by explosive in southern Lebanon amid truce IDF reservist killed by Hezbollah explosive in Lebanon amid truce, 3 troops hurt Iran parliament speaker touts ‘progress’ in US talks, but Strait of Hormuz still shut Iran reimposes Hormuz closure after US maintains blockade; IRGC gunboats fire at ships Trump: Iran ‘got a little cute’ by blocking Hormuz again, but talks going ‘really well’ Netanyahu: ‘Road to peace’ with Lebanon begins; Trump: Israel ‘PROHIBITED’ from bombing there Amid truce with Israel, Aoun says Lebanon to now seek ‘permanent agreements’ Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Yitzhak Ledee filmed and edited this episode. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Reel Schmooze with ToI film reviewer Jordan Hoffman and host Amanda Borschel-Dan, where we bring you all the entertainment news and film reviews a Jew can use. We start the program with a "Jangle" -- a Jewish angle -- on this week's entertainment news. Hoffman brings a tale of our friendly neighborhood Spider-Man, who defends three Israelis in Times Square who are being attacked by a would-be social media influencer. Hear what transpires. Our main feature this week is Israeli director Nadav Lapid newest film, "Yes!" The film has raised eyebrows -- and not a little amount of ire -- in Israel for its messaging, with the Minister of Culture Miki Zohar weighing in.  Now screening in the United States, the film premiered in 2025 at the Cannes Film Festival. The film focuses on an artistic couple that is willing to do almost anything to succeed in their art, including sex work and writing a horrific anthem calling for the complete destruction of Gaza. Stick around to see if "Yes!" got an "oy," "meh" or "not bad" in this week's The Reel Schmooze. The Reel Schmooze is produced by Ari Schlacht and can be found wherever you get your podcasts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Lazar Focus. Each Friday, join host diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman for a deep dive into what's behind the news that spins the globe. The shorthand term "Gulf states" doesn't describe a monolith. The Arab states along the Persian Gulf -- Saudi Arabia, Oman, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain -- all have unique internal dynamics, and approach their relationships with both Israel and Iran in different ways. Yet they do share a common threat -- the Shiite regional heavyweight just across the water, Iran. Placing a priority on stability and prosperity, the Gulf states have sought to prevent a war between the US and Iran. And if that war did break out, they hoped to secure immunity from Iranian attacks by maintaining diplomatic channels with the Islamic Republic and by showing that they were working for a ceasefire. That effort failed spectacularly. All the Gulf states were targeted by Iran, and the UAE was the country hardest hit by Iran in the war that began on February 28. The war made the countries look weak, as none of them hit back, nor were they able to put together a unified diplomatic initiative to end the war. Moran Zaga, expert on the Gulf states at the University of Haifa and at MIND Israel, explains how each of the countries is rethinking its approach to the Iran threat, and whether they are open to deeper ties with Israel. For now, she says, they are facing new and pressing challenges that threaten their economic well-being -- the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the possibility that the Houthis will shut down the approaches to the Red Sea, and Iran's insistence that it should decide who gets to enter the Persian Gulf. Lazar Focus can be found on all podcast platforms. This episode was produced by Gabriella Jacobs and video edited by Ari Schlacht. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. US President Donald Trump made headlines this morning by announcing that Israeli and Lebanese "leaders" were set to speak to each other directly today. It was later announced that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will speak with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun today. Magid weighs in on this historic planned phone call and discusses this week's talks in Washington, DC, between Israeli and Lebanese representatives, the highest-level meeting between the countries to date. At the same time, no dates have been decided for the second round of talks between the US and Iran. There are reports that nuclear issues are among the subjects being discussed by the countries, and that talks may resume in Pakistan. Magid explains. The Gaza Board of Peace gave Hamas until the end of last week to accept a disarmament proposal. Magid reports how the terrorist organization has answered with several "yes, but" responses. Finally we turn to a pair of resolutions that were voted down by the US Senate that were aimed at preventing sales of weapons and bulldozers to Israel. We hear how Wednesday's vote saw the vast majority of Democrats join in favor of the block, demonstrating a substantive shift in the party’s approach toward Israel. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: Security cabinet said to consider one-week Lebanon ceasefire amid US pressure Israeli, Lebanese envoys hold historic summit in Washington to discuss peace deal US Senate foils effort to nix Israel arms sale, but 75% of Democrats vote to block it Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Podwaves and Ari Schlacht. IMAGE: Israeli and Lebanese flags fly near the border with Lebanon, in northern Israel, April 7, 2023. (Ayal Margolin/Flash90) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Health reporter Diana Bletter joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. Israel and Lebanon held a historic summit on Tuesday in Washington, DC, as envoys for the two nations met with the hopes of reaching a peace deal that would end decades of conflict. The talks ended without a clear way forward on the goal of demilitarizing Hezbollah and no date for a follow-up meeting had been set as of Tuesday evening. On Tuesday morning, the Iranian-backed terror organization Hezbollah fired dozens of rockets to Israel, sending tens of thousands of Israelis to bomb shelters and wounding one. Bletter explains what life is like in the north and focuses in on a visit she paid to Ora Hatan in Shtula. Hatan, who will light a torch next week for Israel's Independence Day, has cooked thousands of meals for IDF soldiers since the conflict erupted in the north on October 8, 2023. A Beersheba family court judge on Friday ruled that the sperm of Yotam Haim, an Israeli hostage who was mistakenly killed by troops after escaping Hamas captivity in Gaza, may be used to conceive a child, saying it was his express wish before his death. Bletter delves into some of the 250 cases of postmortem sperm retrieval and the questions the procedure raises. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: Israeli, Lebanese envoys hold historic summit in Washington to discuss peace deal Judge rules slain hostage’s family may use his sperm with a surrogate Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Gabriella Jacobs and edited by Ari Schlacht. IMAGE: Ora Hatan’s family restaurant, Hemdat HaGalil, in Shtula, destroyed by Hezbollah rockets in 2024, on April 12, 2026. (Diana Bletter/Times of Israel) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. ToI founding editor David Horovitz joins host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode. As Israel marks Holocaust Remembrance Day, Horovitz discusses comments made by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at his pre-recorded speech at Yad Vashem, in which he focused on the blows dealt to the Iranian regime by Israel and the US on behalf of the free world. While mediators aim to maneuver the US and Iran back to talks, Horovitz reviews the gaps between Tehran and Washington, the newly declared US naval blockade on Iran, and the acute dangers of the patient, malevolent regime's survival. With Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors heading to a first, single meeting on Tuesday in Washington, Horovitz notes that both sides have the same goal, disarming Hezbollah, while the terrorist army wants to stop the talks. Finally, Horovitz briefly discusses Peter Magyar's landslide victory in Hungary, a blow for US President Donald Trump and the Israeli premier, creating a shift, too, in the EU. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: Netanyahu rebukes Europe as Israel commemorates Holocaust in shadow of Iran war Vance: Lot of progress made in talks toward ‘grand deal,’ but ball in Iran’s court US positions warships in region as it moves to enforce naval blockade of Iran Officials seek to temper expectations as Israel, Lebanon envoys set to hold historic meeting Hungary’s PM-elect vows return to ICC, but stresses ‘special relationship’ with Israel Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Ari Schlacht. IMAGE: An IDF Merkava tank in southern Lebanon by the border with northern Israel on March 27, 2026 (Jalaa Marey/AFP) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. The IDF is reportedly gearing up for renewed conflict with Iran as the ceasefire talks between the United States and the Islamic Republic collapsed over the weekend and US President Donald Trump issued an ultimatum that Iran open the Strait of Hormuz by 5 p.m. Israel time today. Berman tells us where things stand now and takes us through some possible scenarios for the near, and farther future. We hear how China has responded to the war so far and whether the Gulf States are keen for it to restart. We turn to the planned Lebanon talks set for Washington, DC, on Tuesday. Can Lebanon really broker a deal to rein in the Iranian terror proxy Hezbollah? And finally, in a major shift in European politics, long-time leader Viktor Orban conceded defeat on Sunday after a landslide election victory by the upstart opposition Tisza party. What could this mean for the country's relationship with Israel -- and the European Union's stance on the Jewish state. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: After talks fail, IDF planning for return to war, Trump mulls strikes on Iran — reports Trump declares US Navy to begin blockading Strait of Hormuz ‘effective immediately’ Post-Orban Hungary would not expose Israel to more EU pain, though support may ebb After 16 years in power, Hungary’s Orban concedes defeat to center-right opposition Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Yitzhak Ledee filmed and edited this episode. IMAGE: An anti-US billboard depicting American aircraft caught in a fishing net with signs that read in Farsi: 'The Strait of Hormuz will remain closed, The entire Persian Gulf is our hunting ground,' at the Eqelab-e-Eslami, or Islamic Revolution square in downtown Tehran, Iran, April 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 correspondent Emanuel Fabian joins host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode. During the fragile ceasefire with Iran, Fabian reports on the 40-day war in numbers, including 80 to 90 Iranian missile strikes during the first day, decreasing to a steady pace of 10 to 20 strikes a day on average for the rest of the war. As the US continues to clear mines from the Strait of Hormuz, Fabian discusses conflicting reports about the waterway, which appears to be largely closed to vessel traffic. Dozens of rockets were launched by Hezbollah at northern Israel over the weekend, notes Fabian, as the IDF continues operating in southern Lebanon to prevent attacks. The IDF also conducted several strikes at Hamas in Gaza over the weekend, says Fabian, but it's a far quieter front than Lebanon. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: The war in numbers: 650 Iranian missiles fired; 24 killed in Israel, West Bank; 10,800 Israeli strikes US says Navy destroyers working to de-mine Strait of Hormuz IDF and Hezbollah trade strikes, rockets as Israel and Lebanon gear up for direct talks Several Gazans said killed in IDF strikes; soldier seriously hurt in operational accident Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Ari Schlacht. IMAGE: Released by Iran's Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC)'s official website Sepah News on February 17, 2026, showing a rocket being fired from a boat during a military exercise by members of the IRGC and navy in the Strait of Hormuz. (Sepah News/AFP) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to What Matters Now, a weekly podcast exploring key issues currently shaping Israel and the Jewish World, with host Jessica Steinberg speaking with comic Shahar Cohen. Comedian Shahar Cohen, raised in Jerusalem and living in Tel Aviv, spoofs Israeli life and society. He dons wigs and plays a cast of mostly female characters who represent the range of Israeli society. In a wide-ranging interview, Cohen discusses how each character represents part of him as well as what Israelis are feeling, particularly over the last two and a half years of war, first with Hamas, and now during the war with Iran and Hezbollah in Lebanon. Cohen thinks of himself as the comic who is expected to walk Israelis through war and trauma, offering a form of therapy. He talks about the need for escapism and relief following the Hamas terrorist attack of October 7, 2023, when more than 1,200 Israelis were killed and 251 people taken hostage. With an upcoming tour in the US, and one million views and counting on his most recent videos about his Nofar character as a soldier in the IDF Home Front Command, Cohen joked, "I actually manage the war now." What Matters Now podcasts are available for download on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Ari Schlacht. IMAGE: Comic Shahar Cohen from 'That Girl in the Alert Room,' March 2026 (Courtesy) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Lazar Focus. Each Friday, join host diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman for a deep dive into what's behind the news that spins the globe. The fledgling ceasefire between the US and Israel on the one hand, and Iran on the other, is holding. Even before it went into effect, a pointed debate began over who won, and whether US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu achieved what they set out to accomplish 41 days ago. John Spencer, chair of war studies at the Madison Policy Forum, says that it is way too early to determine the outcome of the war, as it is impossible to know what the outcome will be. Negotiations on a long-term settlement have not even begun yet. Moreover, Spencer argues, wars should be judged based on the stated goals of the campaign. Both Trump and Netanyahu made clear on multiple occasions that, though they would love to see the regime in Tehran fall, regime change is not a goal of the campaign. And, he says, there is no guarantee that the regime survives. It often takes time for the public to rise up and topple oppressive rulers. Spencer also notes that Israel is clearly stronger than it was on October 6, 2023, and Iran and its axis are much weaker. As for the Strait of Hormuz, which emerged as a central factor in the war, Spencer does not doubt that the US spent plenty of time and resources planning for the possibility that Iran would close the waterway. He recalls war-gaming such a scenario 15 years ago as a US officer, and stresses that there is a permanent task force in the Pentagon to think about keeping the Strait open. There are plenty of possible reasons for the US to decide not to force Hormuz open at this point, including global markets, diplomatic openings, and the potential costs of an operation. Spencer says that in his eyes, Iran's strategy failed, in that it validated all the fears about it in the region, and is likely to push Arab states further into the arms of the US and its regional alliance. Lazar Focus can be found on all podcast platforms. This episode was produced by Gabriella Jacobs and video edited by Ari Schlacht. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Editor David Horovitz joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. On Tuesday night, US President Donald Trump announced a two-week ceasefire between the US, Israel and Iran. By Wednesday, he renewed his threat to use unprecedented force against Iran if it doesn’t comply with the terms of the ceasefire, ahead of scheduled peace talks between Washington and Tehran. But just what the terms of the ceasefire are is in question as Israel continues its campaign in Lebanon against Hezbollah, while Iran and mediator Pakistan declare the US and Israel in breach. Ahead of scheduled negotiations in Islamabad, Horovitz unravels some of the remaining knotty issues facing the three sides, even as each declares victory. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: Trump threatens to renew war if Iran doesn’t comply with ‘real agreement’ US and Israel set out ambitious, vital war goals; as of the ceasefire, none have been achieved Netanyahu left with vague promises, no clear victories after another war ends without a decisive win Netanyahu: Iran’s enriched uranium will be removed, by agreement or in resumed fighting Vance to lead US negotiators at first round of Islamabad talks with Iran on Saturday IDF launches largest airstrikes yet on Hezbollah; Trump: Iran truce doesn’t cover Lebanon Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Yitzchak Ledee. IMAGE: Government supporters gather to mark the 40th day since the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran, Iran, April 9, 2026. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Reel Schmooze with ToI film reviewer Jordan Hoffman and host Amanda Borschel-Dan, where we bring you all the entertainment news and film reviews a Jew can use. We start the program with two "Jangles" -- Jewish angles -- on this week's entertainment news. In a follow-up to our previous program, we hear how the comic Modi dropped out of a Passover event after finding out that New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani was participating. A principled stance? And then, Hoffman pays tribute to Tzruya ‘Suki’ Lahav, who played violin with Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band half a century ago, and died last weekend. However, in honor of the end of the Passover holiday, we turn our gaze to "The Ten Commandments," which this year turns 70. The 1956 Cecil B. DeMille "sandal epic" sees Charlton Heston as Moses going head-to-head with Yul Brynner as Rameses. The supporting cast also glitters with Anne Baxter as Nefretiri, Edward G. Robinson as Dathan, Yvonne De Carlo as Sephora and Debra Paget as Lilia. Although screened annually in the US, Hoffman hadn't watched it for several decades, and this is Borschel-Dan's first time. But it's a movie that, as Hoffman puts it, "people know even if they haven't seen it." The duo goes into the weeds with the biblical and Jewish influences on the work, including a surprise member of the tribe for Hoffman. And, while dated in its treatment of women on screen, the film also offers an insightful feminist moment. Stick around to see if "The Ten Commandments" got an "oy," "meh" or "not bad" in this week's The Reel Schmooze. The Reel Schmooze is produced by Ari Schlacht and can be found wherever you get your podcasts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. US President Donald Trump celebrated the rescue operation for a downed US airman in Iranian territory, reports Magid, offering new details of the daring operation that included significant sabotage against Iranian forces, and a contingency plan in which the rescue teams had to assemble helicopters on the spot. It's crunch time for talks with Iran, Magid discusses, as Trump offered a deadline with his threat to blow up every bridge and power plant on Tuesday night if Iran doesn't accept the US proposal for a deal and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. A Friday deadline also looms for Hamas with a phased disarmament plan over eight months, says Magid, as Nikolai Mladenov, the High Representative for the Board of Peace, issued his own ultimatum to the terrorist group. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: Trump recounts rescue of 2 downed airmen in Iran: ‘We could have ended up with 100 dead, as opposed to one or two’ Downed US airman said to have directed strikes on Iranian positions from hiding place Trump: US has plan to destroy every bridge and power plant in Iran Tuesday night if no deal Hamas given until week’s end to accept disarmament proposal — sources Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Ari Schlacht. IMAGE: A tall plume of smoke billows from a fire next to Azadi Tower (C) following strikes near Mehrabad International Airport in Tehran on March 7, 2026 (Atta Kenare/AFP) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Political correspondent Sam Sokol joins host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode. Following an interim High Court order allowing a larger gathering despite wartime restrictions for Saturday night's antiwar protest in Tel Aviv, Sokol reports on the backlash from the Knesset coalition and religious parties demanding similar treatment for the traditional Passover mass prayers at the Western Wall. Sokol also discusses the passage of the 2026 budget, the government's largest budget to date, due to increased defense spending and billions of shekels in ultra-Orthodox educational expenditures following an unexpected political maneuver during a long night of voting. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: Cops violently disperse protesters at Tel Aviv anti-war rally, after court raised attendance cap Flouting wartime restrictions, over 1,000 men gather for address by top Haredi rabbi High Court raises wartime limit on Western Wall, Temple Mount access from 50 to 100 Levin says government should ignore High Court ruling allowing wartime protests AG halts transfer of budget funds for Haredi institutions after contentious vote Opposition MKs voted to allocate NIS 800 million for Haredi schools. How did that happen? Knesset approves 2026 budget, Israel’s largest ever, sending billions to Haredi institutions Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Ari Schlacht. IMAGE: Israelis attending anti-war protest take shelter in Tel Aviv's Habima parking lot as alert for Iranian missile sounds on April 4, 2026 (Miriam Alster/Flash90) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 correspondent Emanuel Fabian joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. US intelligence has assessed that around half of Iran’s ballistic missile launchers are still intact despite over a month of US and Israeli bombardment across the country. Fabian explains why this is not the measure to take of the campaign's success. We learn about the frequency of Iranian missiles shot at Israel and the damage that is being wrought, even as the IDF says it is turning to a new phase in its operations -- Iran's economy. Turning to Lebanon, Fabian describes the massive build-up of soldiers there, and an operation that saw the death of Sgt. First Class Guy Ludar, 21, and seriously wounded another from the Commando Brigade’s Maglan Unit. We hear what the war goals are for Lebanon, even as leaked statements from a high-ranking IDF officer indicate that it is not a total disarmament of the terrorist organization. All is somewhat quiet on the Gaza front, says Fabian, even as many soldiers are still stationed there, as well as the West Bank. The issue of a lack of manpower in the IDF was addressed over the holiday weekend with a surprise announcement that reservists will now be required to serve nine weeks instead of six. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: US intelligence said to assess around half of Iran’s missile launchers still intact Iran said restoring bombed missile bunkers within hours after being struck 6 wounded as Iran cluster bombs smash homes in central Israel; IDF hits Iran infrastructure IDF says soldier killed, another seriously hurt by ‘friendly-fire’ in southern Lebanon Hezbollah attacks damage homes in north; IDF said to destroy east Lebanon bridge IDF official says disarming Hezbollah unrealistic, not a goal of Lebanon operation Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Gabriella Jacobs and edited by Ari Schlacht. IMAGE: IDF reservists of the 226th Reserve Paratroopers Brigade operate in southern Lebanon, in a handout photo issued by the military on April 5, 2026. (Israel Defense Forces) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to What Matters Now, a weekly podcast exploring key issues currently shaping Israel and the Jewish World, with host Jessica Steinberg speaking with Rabbi Angela Buchdahl. Buchdahl speaks about being a rabbinic figure and representative of the mainstream American Jewry, particularly while on book tour for her recently published memoir, "Heart of a Stranger, An Unlikely Rabbi's Story of Faith, Identity and Belonging." Buchdahl weighs in on the current rise in antisemitism entering the workplace and discourse, and how it has made Jewish identity rise to the fore as a kind of primary identity. Speaking to the Times of Israel right before Passover, Buchdahl discusses the master narrative of Passover and the need to have faith in Jewish continuity and to hold on to resilience and grit in the face of oppression. Buchdahl speaks about New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and the conversations she's held with people deeply connected to the mayor about her concerns. The Central Synagogue rabbi talks about her congregation's Zionism, their reactions after the Hamas terrorist attack of October 7, 2023, and their deep connections to hostage families over the course of the two years of the war in Gaza. She also speaks about her own connection to Israel as a second home, even when she takes issue with some of its policies and actions of the government. What Matters Now podcasts are available for download on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Ari Schlacht. IMAGE: The sanctuary of Central Synagogue in Manhattan, New York, photographed in 2010, and where Rabbi Angela Buchdahl is senior rabbi (Courtesy) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Lazar Focus. Each Friday, join host diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman for a deep dive into what's behind the news that spins the globe. The US and Israel are trying to drastically weaken Iran, and maybe even bring down the regime, entirely from the air. They are certainly not the first combatants to strive for far-reaching goals through air power. In fact, countries have tried to win wars from the air for over a century. Airpower has a tendency to capture the imagination of civilian and military planners, leading them to believe that this time, new technology will give them the edge needed to transform warfare and avoid long, costly ground campaigns. But strategic air campaigns almost always fall short of their goals. They do not topple regimes, do not cause the public to rise up (and often create solidarity among the enemy public), and achieve results that are anything but decisive. Airpower certainly has its place, especially in destroying specific targets and supporting ground forces. Israel has taken that further, eliminating layers of Iranian, Hezbollah, and Hamas leadership from the air. Can the two most capable air forces in the world win the war against Iran from the air? Or will this be the latest case study that shows how difficult it is to achieve strategic goals from the air? Joined by diplomatic reporter Nava Freiberg, Lazar walks the listener from the 18th century, through the world wars, Vietnam, and Kosovo to explain what air power can accomplish -- and what mistakes overoptimistic planners continue to make. Lazar Focus can be found on all podcast platforms. This episode was produced by Gabriella Jacobs and video edited by Ari Schlacht. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Religion and archaeology correspondent Rossella Tercatin joins host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode. Tercatin discusses the efforts of Queen Farah Phalavi, the third wife of the former Shah of Iran, who used her art degree and wealth from soaring oil prices before the Islamic revolution, to assemble an art collection of masterpieces for the Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art, now hidden for much of the last 47 years. She also reports on a new haggadah by Bar-Ilan University biblical scholar Prof. Joshua Berman that examines what the Torah and Haggadah tell us about Egypt and Egyptian culture, and their influence on the story of Passover and the Israelites' Exodus from Egypt. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: One of the most inaccessible art collections in the world awaits liberation in Tehran How the Exodus story subverts pharaonic texts to mock ancient Egypt Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Yitzchak Ledee. IMAGE: A visitor walks past China's late leader, Mao Zedong painting series by American artist Andy Warhol at Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art in Tehran, Iran on October 19, 2021. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. As missile fire continues from Iran, Hezbollah and the Houthis, we discuss whether the war with Iran may — or may not — be coming to a close. US President Donald Trump has delivered various estimates for a timeline to end the war. Ahead of his expected speech this evening, Magid reviews recent Trump administration statements regarding the goals of the war and what has been achieved, as well as whether a deal needs to be made to finish it. Trump also declared that Iran’s surviving stockpiles of enriched uranium did not concern him at all since they are buried underground and inaccessible. Magid attempts to unravel the rhetoric and discern what is happening on the ground. We also delve into the US’s overt displeasure over the uptick in extremist settler violence in the West Bank, as expressed in a rare statement by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: Trump: No deal needed to end the war, Iran won’t be able to obtain a nuke ‘for years’ Trump said to tell aides he’s willing to end Iran war without reopening Hormuz UAE said pushing for military op to reopen Strait of Hormuz, is willing to take part Frustrated with allies, Trump tells countries needing fuel to go to Hormuz and ‘just take it’ Rubio says US ‘concerned’ by settler attacks, insists Israel will ‘do something’ Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Podwaves and Ari Schlacht. IMAGE: Smoke rises after an Israeli airstrike hits a building near the airport road in Beirut, Lebanon, March 31, 2026. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. US President Donald Trump reportedly told aides he is willing to end the military campaign against Iran even if the Strait of Hormuz remains largely closed and leave a complex operation to reopen it for a later date. At the same time, his administration is reportedly conducting negotiations based on a 15-point document presented to the Iranian regime. Berman attempts to unravel Trump's current strategic thinking, even as American troops are set to reach the region. How do the Gulf states see this phase of the war? We hear who is on board with continuing the conflict, and who is working to end it. As top Israeli leaders openly declare their intention to create another security zone in southern Lebanon, Berman reviews the Jewish state's historic trauma with a similar 18-year operation. And finally, we learn about a now-resolved, but still damaging scandal that erupted this week as top Catholic clergy were barred from worshipping at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre for Palm Sunday. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: Four soldiers killed, 2 wounded in south Lebanon clash with Hezbollah Trump said to tell aides he’s willing to end Iran war without reopening Hormuz Israel shifts to hitting Iran’s economy, as it enters ‘completion phase’ of war Facing a resurgent Hezbollah, Israel slouches back to a security zone in Lebanon Holy Sepulchre Easter services to go ahead as Church leaders reach deal with police Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Yitzhak Ledee filmed and Ari Schlacht produced and edited this episode. IMAGE: A woman prays in front of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem's Old City, April 5, 2020. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalia) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 correspondent Emanuel Fabian joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. Like all Israelis, Fabian is experiencing the ongoing US-Israel war against Iran first-hand. We hear that his area of the country has been more battered of late, and about his onsite reporting from a crater caused by a several-hundred-kilogram warhead yesterday. We turn to the IDF's airstrikes on Iran and what it is targeting now that the majority of military targets have been struck. Who turned out the lights in Iran yesterday? Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Sunday that Israel would capture additional territory in southern Lebanon to expand a security zone on Israel’s northern border, as the Israel Defense Forces expanded its ground operation against the Hezbollah terror group. Fabian explains what this could look like. We learn about the IDF's Alpinist Unit -- IDF soldiers on skis -- who conducted a rare border crossing in snowy mountains from Syria to Lebanon. The IDF is pulling the Menashe Regional Brigade’s 941st “Netzah Israel” Battalion, a reserve unit made up mostly of former soldiers of the Kfir Brigade’s ultra-Orthodox Netzah Yehuda Battalion, out of the West Bank. We learn why. And finally, we hear what is happening on the ground in Gaza as operations continue there. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: Iranian missile attack sparks blaze in chemical plant, fears of hazardous leak Blackouts hit parts of Tehran as Israel conducts strikes in Iran amid peace talks PM says Israel to expand south Lebanon buffer zone as IDF pushes deeper into territory IDF chief: Detention, alleged assault of CNN crew in West Bank ‘grave ethical incident’ IDF pulls entire battalion from West Bank action after alleged assault of CNN crew Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Gabriella Jacobs and edited by Ari Schlacht. IMAGE: A poster shows former Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, at the site of a destroyed house that was hit in an Israeli airstrike in Sarafand village, south Lebanon, March 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Health editor Diana Bletter and environmental reporter Sue Surkes join host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode. With the northern city of Kiryat Shmona and surrounding towns facing constant fire from Hezbollah rockets, Bletter reports on the sense of desolation and concern from residents that the IDF won't finish the job in Lebanon, requiring them to go through another round of war in another six months' time. Surkes discusses Israeli organizational efforts to help the Arab community in the north build emotional resilience during wartime, given concerns over a lack of adequate shelter in their communities and the terrible wave of internal violence. After the Health Ministry budget was cut by $20 million, Bletter reports on fundraising efforts by Israeli hospitals, which are running their operations underground during the war. Finally, Surkes briefly examines how birds struggle to breed in open spaces amid the noise pollution from nearby roads. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: Northern residents concerned IDF won’t be allowed to ‘finish the job’ against Hezbollah In mixed Haifa, weary residents face near-constant Iranian and Hezbollah missile fire Facing violence on all fronts, Arab Israelis are unprecedentedly open to mental health help As Iranian missiles rain down, hospitals scramble to raise funds for underground shelters Road racket killing the mood for birds breeding in half of Israel’s open spaces – study Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Ari Schlacht. IMAGE: Israeli security and rescue forces at the scene where a missile fired from Lebanon toward Israel caused damage in Kiryat Shmona, March 24, 2026. (Ayal Margolin/Flash90) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Reel Schmooze with ToI film reviewer Jordan Hoffman and host Amanda Borschel-Dan, where we bring you all the entertainment news and film reviews a Jew can use. This week, the team takes our listeners -- and our boss -- up on their recommendations. After Borschel-Dan asked listeners for their favorite stand-up comedians, we received a deluge of responses. We decided to launch our stand-up tour with "Modi: Know Your Audience," which is available freely on YouTube. While both had heard of the very Jewish performer, this was their first-time watching a full-length show.  Next, we discuss "The Rise of the Red Hot Chili Peppers: Our Brother, Hillel," which is now streaming on Netflix. The documentary sheds light on the origins of the still-hot band and focuses on its original guitarist Hillel Slovak. Born in Israel, gifted guitarist Slovak was the catalyst that brought both bassist Flea and lead singer Anthony Kiedis to the music world. For our duo of reviewers, it was a chance to revisit their high school soundtrack. Stick around to see who got the "oy," the "meh" and the "not bad" marks in this week's The Reel Schmooze. The Reel Schmooze is produced by Ari Schlacht and can be found wherever you get your podcasts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib, the head of Realign for Palestine, an Atlantic Council project that challenges entrenched narratives in the Israel and Palestine discourse. This week, the Board of Peace’s top Gaza envoy Nickolay Mladenov revealed the principles of the disarmament proposal submitted to Hamas earlier this month. He urged the international community to pressure the Palestinian terror group to accept the offer in order to prevent another cycle of violence in the Gaza Strip. But before diving into what these principles entail, we place Hamas and the Gaza Strip into the context of the current US-Israel war on Iran. Hamas, argues Alkhatib, triggered this war -- and potentially the downfall of the Islamic Republic -- through its murderous onslaught on southern Israel on October 7, 2023. Will it now be the last terror proxy standing? And so this week, we ask Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib, what matters now. What Matters Now podcasts are available for download on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Ari Schlacht. IMAGE: Khan Yunis, in the southern Gaza Strip, February 27, 2026. (Abed Rahim Khatib/Flash90) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Lazar Focus. Each Friday, join host diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman for a deep dive into what's behind the news that spins the globe. The war in Iran has reached a new, somewhat odd, phase. After hammering the Islamic Republic for four weeks, US President Donald Trump dropped a bombshell announcement this week -- that he was in talks with Tehran over an end to the war. Iran initially denied the talks, then acknowledged that there were contacts, and released a series of demands for the war to end. Now, the US and Israel continue to strike Iran, the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, and Trump talks about Iran talks. Raz Zimmt, Iran expert at the Institute for National Security Studies, joins Lazar to make sense of what is happening inside Iran, and where the war might go from here. He explains who is running Iran, and why the country is moving in an even more hardline direction. Zimmt argues that Iran's motivation for building a nuclear weapon has gone up drastically, and Ali Khamenei's fatwa against one is no longer in place now that he is dead. The regime shows no signs of cracking, Zimmt argues, though its military industries and capabilities have been badly degraded. If talks with the US fail, he says, the war seems headed for further escalation. That may come in the form of an invasion of Kharg Island, which Zimmt says is the wrong way to force Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz. Lazar Focus can be found on all podcast platforms. This episode was produced by Gabriella Jacobs and video edited by Yitzhak Ledee. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Editor David Horovitz joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. In today's episode, we take a step back and take a look at the holistic picture that brought the US and Israel to declare war on the rapacious Iranian regime. We discuss attempts to initiate high-level negotiations with Iran and the potential consequences of a "premature" ceasefire. Turning our gaze to Lebanon and Gaza, Horovitz describes how toppling Iran may be easier than the elusive "total victory" in Gaza or the suppression of Hezbollah in Lebanon. We finish our conversation with a brief review of the stagnant status quo in Gaza amid a new effort from the Board of Peace to inject new momentum into the disarmament of Hamas. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: Seeking a deal with different faces of the same regime, Trump risks subverting his own vital war goals 9 injured as Iran fires 6 missile salvos at Israel within hours, many with cluster warheads Trump: Iran wants deal ‘so badly’; White House says campaign ‘very close’ to meeting goals Hezbollah fires missiles at central Israel; 2 soldiers seriously hurt in Lebanon Hezbollah chief rejects Israel talks as ‘surrender’ amid continued IDF strikes Board of Peace envoy lays out principles of disarmament plan presented to Hamas Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Gabriella Jacobs and edited by Ari Schlacht. IMAGE: Pro-government supporters wave Iranian flags during a rally in a square in western Tehran, Iran, March 25, 2026. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Mideast expert Ksenia Svetlova joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. WATCH the full episode here: https://youtu.be/7Ove9pjO0b0?si=scSvUXwQmNxtcMfq Former MK Svetlova is the executive Director of ROPES (Regional Organization for Peace, Economics & Security) and a senior non-resident fellow at the Atlantic Council. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are reportedly moving closer toward actively joining the fight against Iran, as the war in the Middle East threatens their economies. According to the Wall Street Journal on Tuesday, the Gulf states are “inching toward” a more active role, after Riyadh allowed US forces to use an air base within its borders. In today's special episode, Svetlova gives context to the ongoing US and Israeli war with Iran, and sets the scene of the relationships between the Islamic Republic and the Gulf states it is currently hitting. We hear how Iran's proxy war -- a "ring of fire" -- was initiated against Israel, and also against Iran's neighboring Muslim states. We explore what the goal of the 1979 Islamic Revolution was, and how -- when other Arab states failed to go along with it -- Iran has attempted to export the upheaval to the region. And finally, drawing on Russian-language reporting, Svetlova assesses the status of Iran's regime and whether it is anywhere near being compromised. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: Saudi Arabia and UAE ‘inching toward’ joining fighting against Iran — report A long road to the end: The death throes of Iran’s regime could last for years Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Ari Schlacht edited this episode. IMAGE: A visitor walks past a U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft as it on display at the World Defense Show in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, February 8, 2026. (AP Photo/Baraa Anwer) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Following the bombshell announcement from US President Donald Trump that the US is engaged in talks with Iran on terms for ending the war, Magid discusses the potential for a deal and Trump's five-day postponement of threatened US strikes on Iranian energy sites. Magid reports on the various mediators, including Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt... and Vice President JC Vance, seen as a key US administration figure who wants this war to come to a swift end. The Gulf states, by contrast, are not necessarily interested in a rapid conclusion that leaves the regime in power, notes Magid, as diplomats from several Gulf countries have indicated that they seek generational damage as opposed to de-escalation. The IDF's former top Iran researcher, Danny Citrinowicz, told Magid last week that Iran isn't about to give up its ostensible right to enrich uranium, and that diplomacy would be needed in addition to the military campaign. Is he being vindicated? Finally, Magid discusses the wait for a Hamas response to a new disarmament proposal for Gaza. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: Trump: Deal with Iran to end war close; Israel will be happy; strikes on energy sites postponed Netanyahu: Potential Iran deal touted by Trump would protect Israel’s ‘vital interests’ Gulf states opposed war with Iran. Most are now pushing to keep the fight going War aimed at preventing Iranian nukes may actually lead to them, ex-IDF expert warns Hamas given proposal for gradual weapon handover in months-long process — officials Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Ari Schlacht. IMAGE: US President Donald Trump speaks before signing an executive order on fraud in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, DC, on March 16, 2026 as Vice President JD Vance (C) and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Chairman Andrew Ferguson (R) look on. (Annabelle Gordon/AFP) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. Just after recording time today, US President Donald Trump announced that the administration is conducting negotiations with Iran to end the war and has paused his threat to bomb power stations if Iran doesn't open up the Strait of Hormuz.  We discuss how the focus of the war is currently on the Strait of Hormuz, and is even garnering increased support from Arab Gulf states. We hear Berman's projections on the length of the war -- and who may or may not join in the conflict. We then turn to increasing reports that the IDF is planning a much wider ground operation in southern Lebanon than the "targeted" operation that was launched last week. Is there an endgame? Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: Iran warns it will hit Israeli, Gulf power plants if US targets Iranian electric stations Trump’s shifting Strait of Hormuz strategies raise questions about US war preparation How Trump’s Iran war goals and time frames have shifted over course of conflict Israel blows up bridge allegedly used by Hezbollah to move troops into south Lebanon Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Yitzhak Ledee produced and edited this episode. IMAGE: A cargo ship carrying vehicles sails through the Arabian Gulf toward the Strait of Hormuz in the United Arab Emirates, March 22, 2026. (AP Photo)  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 correspondent Emanuel Fabian joins host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode. As the IDF looks into the failure to intercept the Iranian missiles that struck Dimona and Arad, causing massive damage and injuries, Fabian discusses the air force's interception rate, which is around 90% for missiles heading to populated areas. Fabian reports on the ongoing efforts of the IAF to track down and take out Iran's air defense systems, nuclear-related sites and ballistic missile launchers, which are scattered throughout the regime, with current weather conditions complicating the operation. With four IDF divisions operating in south Lebanon, Fabian reviews the number of troops and their work to demolish Hezbollah sites, while the Iranian proxy continues striking northern Israel. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: Over 150 injured, 11 seriously, in Iranian missile strikes on southern cities of Arad, Dimona IDF says it hit Tehran university site used to develop components for nuclear weapons US said to strike Iran’s Natanz enrichment site, IDF hits missile production sites Hezbollah rocket injures 5 in north, buildings damaged in barrages as IDF strikes Lebanon Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Ari Schlacht. Image: The scene where a missile fired from Iran toward Israel caused damage to residential buildings in the southern Israeli city of Dimona, March 22, 2026 (Chaim Goldberg/Flash90) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 author and journalist Matti Friedman. The first half of our episode is dedicated to an in-depth discussion of Friedman's newest book, "Out of the Sky," set for publication next week. The book is a deep dive into the meaning and myth surrounding a team of Jews living in British Mandate Palestine who -- after escaping the Holocaust -- parachute back into Nazi Europe in 1944. The most famous of the unit is Hannah Senesh, whom readers will know as the tragic young woman who heroically attempted to save Jews and left behind Hebrew poetry, including "Eli, Eli." In his new book, Friedman busts myths surrounding the mission's participants and then tells their even more stunning real tales. In the second half of the program, we draw upon Friedman's personal experiences in Lebanon, which he recounted in a previous book, "Pumpkin Flowers." We discuss the crossroads Israel again finds itself as it contemplates a large ground maneuver on a road too well-traveled in southern Lebanon. And so, this week, we ask Matti Friedman, what matters now. What Matters Now podcasts are available for download on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Gabriella Jacobs and edited by Yitzhak Ledee. Matti Friedman / Troops of the 300th 'Baram' Regional Brigade operate in southern Lebanon, in a handout photo issued by the military on March 18, 2026. (Israel Defense Forces) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Reel Schmooze with ToI film reviewer Jordan Hoffman and host Amanda Borschel-Dan, where we bring you all the entertainment news and film reviews a Jew can use. In today's Oscar episode, movie maven Hoffman gives us a Jewy recap of this year's Academy Awards. We learn about surprising Jewish roots among some winners and how a person we thought was a sure thing came home with nothing. We then turn to the most recent installment of "Superman" and discuss the hero's Jewish roots and the film's political overtones. (Check out Hoffman's review of the film here.) Stick around to see who got the "oy," the "meh" and the "not bad" marks in this week's The Reel Schmooze. The Reel Schmooze is produced by Ari Schlacht and can be found wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Close-up of Javier Bardem's political attire at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party on March 15, 2026, at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art in Los Angeles. (Evan Agostini/Invision/AP) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Lazar Focus. Each Friday, join host diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman for a deep dive into what's behind the news that spins the globe. Almost three weeks of the US-Israeli war on Iran have gone by. There are undoubtedly important achievements. This week, Israel assassinated Ali Larijani, perhaps the most important leader left in the Islamic Republic. It also took out leaders of the brutal Basij force, and there is no question that Iran's ability to launch ballistic missiles and drones at its enemies has been severely degraded. Top officials in Gulf states are speaking out more openly about Iranian attacks, with a senior UAE adviser saying that the strikes will push the Gulf closer to Israel. Despite the impressive -- even unprecedented tactical achievements -- key questions remain. How does this war end? How will Israel "create the conditions" for Iran's people to topple the regime, and will we be back at war again in the coming years if they don't? Caroline Glick, a veteran journalist who has served as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's international affairs adviser during both Iran wars, lays out why Israel is fighting against Iran less than a year after Netanyahu declared that the 12-day war last June achieved a historic victory. She says that Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump are aligned on the goals on the campaign, and reports of discord do not reflect reality. Glick makes clear that it is up to the Iranian people to achieve their freedom, but Israel is doing what it can to pave the way from the air. Lazar Focus can be found on all podcast platforms. This episode was produced by Gabriella Jacobs and video edited by Yitzy Ledee. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. ToI founding editor David Horovitz joins host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode. Following overnight Iranian cluster warhead fire that killed four, Horovitz discusses the complex challenge of intercepting the warheads that can fall in multiple locations. He also details the specific aspects of safeguarding Ben Gurion International Airport, which is now reducing the number of people allowed on each outgoing flight due to the fraught realities. As the war nears the end of its third week, Horovitz examines the attritional aspects of the missile attacks, as Iran and Hezbollah keep up multiple strikes. He also talks about what he regards as the existential threat posed by the Islamic Republic, as well as whether the Iranian people will rise against the regime if and when the US and Israel signal that the time is ripe to do so. Horovitz looks at the divergence in messaging from US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, even as they and their militaries maintain close alignment, and whether this war will end with Iran retaining its enriched uranium stockpile and able to advance its rogue nuclear program. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: Iranian cluster bombs kill foreign worker in Israel, 4 Palestinian women in West Bank Passenger limits reimposed on outbound flights after private jets hit by missile debris Regimes are ousted from within, but the US and Israel must not let up until that happens in Iran PM urges Iranians to celebrate Persian fire festival, in apparent bid to spark protests Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Ari Schlacht. IMAGE: A U.S. Air Force Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker is seen on the runway at Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv amid ongoing missile attacks from Iran toward Israel, March 5, 2026 (Yossi Aloni/Flash90) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. An elderly couple, identified as Yaron and Ilana Moshe, were killed early Wednesday morning in Ramat Gan by a cluster missile as Iran continued to fire salvoes at Israel through the night and into the morning. From midnight to 8 a.m., there were four rounds of missile fire that caused injuries and damage to property. Iran confirmed on Tuesday that Israel had assassinated overnight Ali Larijani, one of the most important Iranian officials still alive. Larijani, the secretary of Iran’s National Security Council, was the regime’s key figure after the assassination of supreme leader Ali Khamenei by Israel on February 28. Berman weighs in on his significance and how this may affect the regime moving forward. US President Donald Trump on Monday accused allies of showing low “enthusiasm” for the coalition he proposed to help secure the Strait of Hormuz, the world’s most vital route for oil tankers. Berman discusses the different responses from NATO allies, China and India. And finally, we speak about the blowback that Trump is facing within his own MAGA movement after director of the US National Counterterrorism Center Joe Kent's dramatic resignation letter. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: Ramat Gan couple in their 70s killed by Iranian cluster missile Larijani’s death removes key pillar of regime. Will it be enough to make Iran collapse? Ali Larijani was hardline voice in Iran’s regime for decades, with supreme leader’s ear Pro-regime crowds gather in Iran as authorities seek to squelch potential protests on Nowruz Trump slams allies’ low ‘enthusiasm’ for his proposed coalition to open Hormuz Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Yitzhak Ledee produced this episode and Ari Schlacht edited. IMAGE: Mourners attend the funeral procession for senior Iranian military officials and civilians killed during the US-Israel campaign as a portrait of Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, son and successor of the late Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is seen at center, in Tehran, Iran, March 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 correspondent Emanuel Fabian joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. This morning, the IDF confirmed killing Basij paramilitary force commander Gholamreza Soleimani in a strike in Iran overnight. Soleimani was targeted while at a tent camp that was recently established by the Basij. And just after recording time, the IDF also confirmed that top Iranian official Ali Larijani was killed in an airstrike in Iran overnight. Larijani, the secretary of Iran’s National Security Council, was targeted by the Israeli Air Force in the capital Tehran. We learn from Fabian what else Israel is targeting in its current waves of strikes on Iran, including the entire chain of weapons manufacturing. We then turn to Lebanon, where the IDF is currently pushing even more forces deeper into southern Lebanon to create an expanded buffer zone, as Hezbollah attacked towns in northern Israel with rockets and drones. In the second half, Fabian relates a bizarre and disturbing saga that he was swept up into concerning menacing Polymarket gamblers who threatened ToI's military correspondent and his family over a report that did not work in their bet's favor. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: Iran’s new supreme leader purportedly issues fresh statement as questions linger over his health IDF pushes deeper into south Lebanon as Hezbollah keeps up fire at northern Israel Gamblers trying to win a bet on Polymarket are vowing to kill me if I don’t rewrite an Iran missile story Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Gabriella Jacobs and edited by Ari Schlacht. IMAGE: Members of Iranian paramilitary forces (Basij) during an anti-Israeli rally in Tehran, January 10, 2025. (AFP) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Political reporter Ariela Karmel joins host Jessica Steinberg for today’s episode. As the Knesset increases its activity during the war, Karmel discusses the subjects up for debate, including controversial legislation regarding the politically appointed probe into the October 7 massacre. Following last week’s announcement by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich to enact a 3% cut across the budget to bolster defense spending, including the earmarked funds for the long-awaited rehabilitation of the northern communities, Karmel discusses the contentious debate from the residents, coalition and opposition. Karmel also reports on the severe lack of shelters in the Bedouin communities, predating October 7, brought to the forefront during the June war with Iran, and now leaving two-thirds of the community without any access to shelter during the current war. Check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: Coalition advancing controversial legislation amid war with Iran Northern communities protest cuts to rehabilitation budget amid war As Hezbollah strongholds crop back up, northern farmers regrow destroyed fields With missiles flying again, most Negev Bedouin still exposed without any shelter Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Ari Schlacht. IMAGE: Damage after a missile fired toward Israel overnight struck Zarzir, in northern Israel, March 13, 2026 (Michael Giladi/Flash90) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Bret Stephens, a The New York Times columnist and the editor-in-chief of Sapir magazine. Recent polling indicates that only roughly half of Americans support the US-Israel war against Iran's Islamist regime. Stephens weighs in on why the current conflict can be both "Trump's war" and a just war.  Far from feeling that Israel dragged the US into this war, he says that for the first time in recent history, the US has a partner with whom to wage a war. "This war is different, not because it's a war for Israel. It's a war with Israel," says Stephens. But is the American public capable of internalizing the Iranian regime as an existential threat? In answer, Stephens asks whether a patient with stage II cancer should be advised to wait to treat it until it develops into stage IV. "Thank goodness we're acting now rather than just waiting on events," says Stephens. Assessing today's global dynamics and the authoritarian axis of Iran, Russia, North Korea and China, he turns to the 1930s, when the world was experiencing a series of conflicts that eventually led to World War II. He warns there is no Hollywood ending in sight. And so this week, we ask Bret Stephens, what matters now. What Matters Now podcasts are available for download on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Gabriella Jacobs and edited by Ari Schlacht. IMAGE: New York Times columnist Bret Stephens (YouTube screenshot) / Beirut, Lebanon, March 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Health reporter Diana Bletter joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. In improved pop-up clinics, underground parking lots converted to wards and fortified operating rooms, hospitals and health clinics around the country are once again providing services under fire since the joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran began on February 28. Bletter tells us about the first instance that a Lebanon threat brought a Galilee hospital underground and talks about emergency preparedness. In the second half of the program, we drill down into life in the north right now. Bletter talks about what it is like for her personally, as well as reporting on the stalwart northerners who are maintaining Israel's pioneering spirit and staying rooted on the frontline. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: From fortified ORs to popup clinics, Israel’s medical centers streamline wartime operations Under a rain of Hezbollah missiles, determined northern farmers still sow for the future Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Gabriella Jacobs and edited by Ari Schlacht. IMAGE: An Israeli artillery unit deployed at a position in the upper Galilee in northern Israel near the Lebanon border, fires towards southern Lebanon on March 14, 2026. (JALAA MAREY / AFP) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Einat Wilf, a former MK, author and CEO of the newly formed Oz party. Wilf describes the potential fall of the Iranian Islamic Republic's regime as a shift in the magnitude of the fall of the Soviet Union. We discuss the seismic ripple effects on Gaza and the Palestinian Authority. Wilf proposes that this moment is a window of opportunity for Israel to end the ideology of "Palestinianism" -- the end to the Jewish state -- that could quickly shut again. She talks through Israel's need to create firm civil borders of its control in the West Bank and to maintain military control of the remaining areas and have what she calls, "an active occupation."   And in the final portion of our conversation, we hear why Wilf formed her new party at this time and what it stands for. And so this week, we ask Einat Wilf, what matters now. What Matters Now podcasts are available for download on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Gabriella Jacobs and edited by Ari Schlacht. IMAGE: Motorbikes drive past a billboard depicting Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, center, handing the country’s flag to his son and successor Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, right, as the late revolutionary founder Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini stands at left, in a square in downtown Tehran, Iran, March 10, 2026. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Reel Schmooze with ToI film reviewer Jordan Hoffman and host Amanda Borschel-Dan, where we bring you all the entertainment news and film reviews a Jew can use. In today's escapism episode, movie maven Hoffman begins with a recommendation of a new, very Jewy podcast, Classical Music Happy Hour with pianist Emanuel Ax. We then discuss the 2025 independent film, "Fantasy Life," written and directed by Matthew Shear. His directorial debut is produced by and stars Amanda Peet, Shear, and a slew of Jewish (or Jew-ish) actors, including Alessandro Nivola, Judd Hirsch, Bob Balaban, Andrea Martin and Zosia Mamet. Next, we turn to the classic Larry David series, "Curb Your Enthusiasm," which Borschel-Dan had never seen. Hoffman assigned her the iconic "Palestinian Chicken" episode. See how she liked it. Check out who got the "oy," the "meh" and the "not bad" marks in this week's The Reel Schmooze. The Reel Schmooze is produced by Ari Schlacht and can be found wherever you get your podcasts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Lazar Focus. Each Friday, join host diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman for a deep dive into what's behind the news that spins the globe. Two weeks into the war against Iran, the Islamic Republic has made good on its threats and attacked all the Gulf Arab states. But while the focus on reporting has been on those countries, players on Iran's northern border are also under fire. Iran has fired two missiles at Turkey, a major regional power; has hit targets in Azerbaijan; continues to pound Iraqi Kurdistan; and Iran's proxy Hezbollah even attacked British zones in Cyprus. The northern theater should not be overlooked. Each of these actors has a complex relationship not only with Iran, but also with Israel. Some, like Cyprus and Azerbaijan, are close allies, while Turkey has turned into a leading adversary and a backer of Hamas. Gallia Lindenstrauss, a leading Turkey expert, examines how each is reacting to the outbreak of war, and what might lie ahead in their ties with Israel. Lazar Focus can be found on all podcast platforms. This episode was produced by Gabriella Jacobs and video edited by Ari Schlacht. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Editor David Horovitz joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. Lebanese terror group Hezbollah blasted some 200 rockets and 20 drones at northern Israel for hours on Wednesday evening, repeatedly sending hundreds of thousands of Israelis to shelters. At the same time, much of the rest of the country was also sent to safe rooms with four salvos of ballistic missiles shot from Iran. We hear how this is affecting Israelis' spirits right now. Yesterday, the UN Security Council called for Iran to halt its attacks on Gulf states. Notably, the resolution did not mention US or Israeli strikes on Iran and was passed by 13 votes with two abstentions. Horovitz weighs in. In counterpoint to the support from Israelis at large, Americans are not overwhelmingly in favor of their new war. We discuss the mixed messaging coming from the Trump administration -- and how much skin Israel has in the game for mutual war goals to be attained.  Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: Seeking clarity, and safety, in a war marked by incoherent leadership and a momentous goal Hezbollah fires 200 rockets at north, Iran launches missiles in ‘integrated operation’ UN Security Council demands Iran halt attacks on Gulf states Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Gabriella Jacobs and edited by Ari Schlacht. IMAGE: Iraqis step on US and Israeli flags during a protest against US and Israeli attacks on multiple cities across Iran, in Baghdad, Iraq, March 12, 2026. (AP Photo/Hadi Mizban) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 correspondent Emanuel Fabian joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. About half of the roughly 300 ballistic missiles Iran has launched at Israel in the current war carried cluster bomb warheads, according to Israel Defense Forces assessments published Tuesday, a day after the munitions killed two people and seriously wounded another in central Israel. Fabian gives insight into the number of munitions used by the US, Israel and Iran. Turning to Lebanon, we hear that Hezbollah is raining down projectiles on northern Israel, but potentially rationing the use of key anti-tank rockets as they engage Israeli troops. At the same time, the Israel Defense Forces announced on Tuesday that it had completed a wave of airstrikes targeting branches of a Hezbollah-linked financial institution across Lebanon, as it keeps up the pressure on the Iran-backed terror group. We then turn to Gaza and learn how Hamas is continuing to attempt to cross the Yellow Line. Fabian also updates us on the tunnel demolitions and the discovery of Hamas fighters hiding underground.  And finally, we introduce a new segment, Five Minute Frontlines. Join video reporter Eli Katzoff as he explores what's happening on the ground throughout the country.  Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: Iran has fired some 300 missiles at Israel, about half with cluster bomb warheads — IDF US says it destroyed minelayers near Hormuz after Trump warns Iran not to mine strait Hezbollah rationing munitions as it braces for full-scale Israeli invasion – sources IDF hits Hezbollah command centers and finance body as rockets fly at northern Israel Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Gabriella Jacobs and edited by Ari Schlacht. IMAGE: Rescue workers gather at the site where Israeli airstrikes hit apartments in Beirut, Lebanon, March 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. During a briefing and in a one-on-one phone interview with Magid, US President Donald Trump discusses a possible timeframe for ending the war with Iran, a decision he says will be made with Israel. The US leader notes that if the regime harms oil exports, he will strike Iran harder than before. Magid notes that Trump is not happy with the choice of the new Iranian leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, but isn't discussing his removal, unlike Israel, which has not ruled out his assassination. He also discusses whether Trump is betraying anti-regime protestors by not creating a government that will support them. There appears to be some behind-the-scenes discomfort with the war against Iran from Vice President JD Vance, reports Magid, although the Vice President has been publicly supportive of the continued operation. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: Trump: Iran war could be over soon, but not this week; oil disruption would trigger harsher strikes Trump to Times of Israel: It’ll be a ‘mutual’ decision with Netanyahu regarding when Iran war ends Netanyahu tells Iranians freedom is near as Israel hits Iran’s oil depots for first time Trump: ‘I have to be involved’ in picking Iran’s next leader, Khamenei’s son ‘unacceptable’ Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Ari Schlacht. IMAGE: President Donald Trump speaks at a news conference, Monday, March 9, 2026, at Trump National Doral Miami in Doral, Fla. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. Overnight, the Israeli military says, it pushed deeper into southern Lebanon as part of its “enhanced forward defense posture” after Hezbollah began attacking Israel a week ago. While there are Israeli boots on the ground, Berman clarifies that the IDF is not -- yet -- taking part in a ground maneuver. We turn to Iran and the question of a potential schism between the US and Israel over Israel's targeting of Iranian oil sites. How long can the US continue the conflict in light of the ripple effects on the global economy? The Times of Israel's US bureau chief Jacob Magid conducted a telephone interview with US President Donald Trump yesterday. We hear the main headlines today, and Magid will fill us in on the rest of the conversation on the podcast tomorrow. And finally, we speak about the choice of Mojtaba Khamenei to succeed his father, Ali Khamenei, as supreme leader. Berman discusses who he is and how the move is a direct rebuke to US President Donald Trump, who had declared the son “unacceptable.” We also delve into the apparent differences of opinion among the leadership as Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian apologized Saturday for attacks on regional countries, even as its missiles and drones flew toward Gulf Arab states Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: Two IDF soldiers killed in Hezbollah attack in southern Lebanon Black clouds over Tehran rain down oil drops after Israel strikes oil facilities Trump to Times of Israel: It’ll be a ‘mutual’ decision with Netanyahu regarding when Iran war ends Trump: Next Iranian supreme leader ‘not going to last long’ without US approval More hardline than his father, Mojtaba Khamenei’s appointment signals defiance and revenge Pezeshkian apologizes for attacks on Gulf neighbors even as Iran forces step up strikes Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Gabriella Jacobs produced this episode and Ari Schlacht edited. IMAGE: A thick plume of smoke from a U.S.-Israeli strike on an oil storage facility late Saturday lingers in the cloudy sky over Tehran, Iran, March 8, 2026. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 correspondent Emanuel Fabian joins host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode. Following a long weekend of Iranian and Hezbollah strikes that sent Israelis to shelter multiple times, Fabian notes that while the frequency of Iranian strikes has remained similar, the threat level is possibly lower, given the smaller number of missiles in each strike, making it easier for Israeli air defense systems to intercept each missile. At the same time, Hezbollah in Lebanon has been ramping up its rocket strikes and drones on northern Israel, notes Fabian. Israel's Air Force conducted many waves of strikes in Iran, bombing the regime's oil and fuel depots, Fabian reports, hitting the infrastructure involved in ballistic missile production, which forms the biggest threat to Israel. Fabian also discusses the rare IDF operation to search for the body of airman Ron Arad in Lebanon, as ground forces have moved deeper into the country in recent days. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: Black clouds over Tehran rain down oil drops after Israel strikes oil facilities 2 soldiers hurt in Hezbollah missile attack; IDF says it hit 600 of terror group’s targets Israel pounds Iran missile sites, airport as Tehran fires back repeated salvos, threatens Europe Israel says commando raid deep in Lebanon failed to find remains of Ron Arad Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Ari Schlacht. IMAGE: Israelis take shelter in an underground parking lot in Tel Aviv during the war with Iran and Lebanon as missiles are fired toward Israel, March 6, 2026 (Chaim Goldberg/Flash90) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Lazar Focus. Each Friday, join host diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman for a deep dive into what's behind the news that spins the globe. We are one week into a stunning US-Israel bombing campaign against the Islamic Republic. Senior Iranian leaders, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, have been eliminated, and Iran's ability to attack its neighbors and to defend itself has been severely damaged. But it is still fighting, and launching attacks on countries across the region. What are US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu trying to achieve in this war? And if it is regime change, is that even possible without sending in ground troops? A possible way to thread that needle -- to avoid committing US or Israeli forces but to still take ground from the Islamic Republic -- is to use local opposition forces. The Kurds are being talked about as a possible vanguard of ethnic uprisings against the regime. That is probably overambitious. There are only a few thousands Iranian Kurds under arms, and they have ample reasons to be wary of American promises. Still, every day that goes by sees the US and Israel degrade Iranian forces, while they gain more freedom of action over the country. But there is still a long way to go before Trump and Netanyahu can consider ending the campaign while still achieving their goals. Lazar Focus can be found on all podcast platforms. This episode was produced by Gabriella Jacobs and video edited by Ari Schlacht. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 author and public intellectual Micah Goodman. In the sixth day of the United States and Israel's joint war against the Iranian Islamic Republic, Goodman takes stock and allows himself to wonder: What if we actually won this war against the evil regime? We discuss the trickle effect on the Iranian people, the Mideast region and the world at large. At this historic juncture, Goodman is hopeful that not only will World War III be averted, but peace may come to the region as Israel's existential threats are neutralized. And so this week, we ask Micah Goodman, what matters now. What Matters Now podcasts are available for download on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Eli Katzoff and edited by Ari Schlacht. IMAGE: Dr. Micah Goodman/ A billboard showing a portrait of the late Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran, Iran, March 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Political correspondent Sam Sokol and police reporter Charlie Summers join host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode. Following the deadly strike on Sunday that killed nine people in Beit Shemesh, Sokol and Summers discuss the shock and mourning in the centrally located city with a strong Haredi enclave. Purim celebrations and revelry continued in some parts of Beit Shemesh, report the pair, as some synagogues flouted the Home Front Command directives regarding gatherings, while others reflected a somber, cautious mood. Sokol takes a moment to update us on matters in the Knesset, where most committee meetings were canceled due to the hostilities, and speculates on whether war with Iran will boost Netanyahu at the ballot box in the upcoming elections. Finally, Summers reports on an end-of-Purim street party in Jerusalem, where police kept a hands-off approach, and the scene of a missile strike in the capital earlier in the week. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: 9 killed as Iranian missile destroys synagogue, smashes bomb shelter in Beit Shemesh ‘Everything is gone’: Deadly Iranian strike on Beit Shemesh leaves residents reeling After deadly missile impact, Beit Shemesh struggles to maintain Purim cheer Will the war with Iran boost Netanyahu’s prospects at the ballot box? Israeli opposition leaders rally behind government as Israel and US strike Iran Flouting wartime restrictions, revelers party in Jerusalem streets for Purim’s final hours Three wounded in Iranian missile strike on highway outside Jerusalem Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Ari Schlacht. IMAGE: Ultra-Orthodox Jews celebrate the Jewish holiday of Purim in the ultra-Orthodox city of Bnei Brak amid the war with Iran and ongoing missile fire toward Israel, March 3, 2026 (Chaim Goldberg/Flash90) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Editor David Horovitz joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. US President Donald Trump on Tuesday denied that Israel dragged the US into war with Iran, insisting that if anything, the opposite could be true and that he felt Iran was going to attack first. These remarks come as politicians and media influencers on both sides of the US aisle condemn "Israel's war" and point their fingers at the Jewish state. In the first half of the program, we take a deep dive into Iran's greater existential threat to the Mideast -- and the world at large. Which nations appear to start internalizing that the extremist Islamist nation may actually do what it threatens it will? In the second half, we talk about the opportunity afforded at this time for Iranians to rise up and change their regime. It would be, posits Horovitz, more possible to see some form of "total victory" against the terror regime, as opposed to wiping out Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: Trump says he may have forced Israel’s hand into war with Iranian ‘lunatics’ Isolationist US right-wing commentators decry Iran war; Trump says he doesn’t care US officials say diplomatic path was at dead end when Trump approved Iran strikes Iran and its proxies pose ongoing threat to US after Khamenei killing, US intel warns Hoping to pressure end to war, Iran aims fire at Arab neighbors. It hasn’t worked, yet Israel okays plan to slowly reopen airspace from Wednesday night for repatriation flights Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Gabriella Jacobs and edited by Ari Schlacht. IMAGE: A boy waves an Iranian flag in front of a police facility struck during the US–Israeli military campaign in Tehran, Iran, March 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. As the US tells American citizens to evacuate the Middle East in a warning posted on X, Magid discusses the mixed messaging about the war with Iran from Trump administration officials across a range of statements and press conferences on Monday. US President Donald Trump spoke about the need to rid the Iranian regime of its nuclear capabilities, to destroy its missiles and navy, and then bring about regime change, reports Magid, as well as mentioning possible negotiations with the successors to leader Ali Khamenei, who was killed Saturday in a strike. Trump's stated goals were followed by comments made by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance, each of whom offered their own takes on the goals of the war, says Magid. During Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's interview with Fox News, the premier laughed off the idea of Washington being dragged into the war, reports Magid, insisting that Trump believed the US needed to strike Iran to address the threat posed by the regime. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: ‘Depart now’: US tells its citizens to urgently leave almost all Mideast countries, including Israel As war widens, Trump says US has yet to launch largest strikes on Iran Rubio cites planned Israeli attack as a key reason US launched strikes against Iran Netanyahu: Iran’s nuclear program would have been ‘immune within months’ absent war Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Ari Schlacht. Image: President Donald Trump speaks at the Port of Corpus Christi in Corpus Christi, Texas, Friday, Feb. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Gonzalez) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 correspondent Emanuel Fabian joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. Rockets and drones launched from Lebanon set sirens blaring across northern Israel in the early hours of Monday, as the Hezbollah terror group entered the fray to assist its backer, Iran, after the killing of the supreme leader. Fabian describes how this strike from the terror group has allowed the IDF to add Hezbollah heads to an ongoing campaign to decapitate the leadership of Iran. Nine people were killed and more than 40 were injured when a missile destroyed a Beit Shemesh synagogue and caused extensive damage to a public bomb shelter beneath it, as well as surrounding homes. Fabian explains what we know about the failure to down this missile and why the impact was so deadly. Three American soldiers have been killed, and five have been seriously wounded in the ongoing conflict with Iran, the US Central Command said Sunday, announcing the first US casualties in the conflict. We also learn how a strike on a UK base in Cyprus has potentially changed its willingness to aid the effort against Iran. Fabian turns back to 8:10 a.m. on Saturday and explores how the conflict began. Israeli Air Force fighter jets have dropped over 2,000 bombs in strikes against hundreds of Iranian regime targets and military sites since the start of the war with the Islamic Republic on Saturday morning. How does this compare with the June 12-day war? And finally, as Purim is set to begin this evening for most of the Jewish world, are Israelis allowed to gather for the reading of the Book of Esther? Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: IDF strikes in Beirut after Hezbollah enters fray and fires rockets, drones at north Four of the 9 victims of Iranian missile strike on Beit Shemesh named by authorities 9 killed as Iranian missile destroys synagogue, smashes bomb shelter in Beit Shemesh ‘Everything is gone’: Deadly Iranian strike on Beit Shemesh leaves residents reeling 3 American soldiers killed, 5 seriously injured in war with Iran — US military Drone hit British military base in Cyprus, local and UK officials say IDF: Over 2,000 bombs dropped on Iran in 30 hours, air supremacy achieved on 1st day Trump says he’s agreed to talk to Iran’s leaders, but estimates operation will take weeks Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Adina Karpuj. IMAGE: Hezbollah supporters wave their group's flags and an Iranian national flag during a protest in Beirut, Lebanon, February 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Bilal Hussein) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, 86, was killed Saturday in a joint US-Israeli strike on his Tehran compound at the outset of a long-planned military operation against the Islamic Republic. Berman weighs in on how, after Khamenei's almost 37 years in power, the regime may choose a new leader -- or whether the people could rise up and create a new paradigm. We speak about the widespread nature of Iran's retaliatory strikes, including on many of its neighboring Arab states. As opposed to the June 2025 12-day war, Iran seems bent on punishing US allies in the region. We hear how these nations, including Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, are responding so far. International opinion on the US-Israel "preemptive strike" is mixed. Berman explores how nations are walking a fine diplomatic line in their public support -- or condemnation -- of the new war. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: Khamenei set Iran’s direction for decades. Now the public he suppressed has hope After Khamenei killed, Iran set for largely opaque supreme succession End of an era as Iran confirms Khamenei is dead; Trump: Justice for Iranians and beyond Woman killed, dozens injured as Iranian missile strikes Tel Aviv residential block Strait of Hormuz: Key oil route in middle of Iran crisis Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Gabriella Jacobs produced this episode and Ari Schlacht edited. IMAGE: Government supporters mourn during a gathering after state TV officially announced the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, shown in the poster, in Tehran, Iran, March 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 correspondent Emanuel Fabian joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. Israel and the US launched a major joint strike on Iran on Saturday, with waves of attacks on sites across the Islamic Republic. US and Israeli officials confirmed that this coordinated strike has been months in the making. Fabian updates us that strikes targeted Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian, alongside other top regime and military commanders. We hear what we currently know about the strikes' results, even as Iran has retaliated with some 40 ballistic missiles so far. Schools have been canceled for the near future and medical centers around Israel have switched to emergency mode, moving critical patients and operations to underground complexes or protected spaces. Finally, Borschel-Dan asks Fabian what he knows about a projected timeline for the war, based on what he is hearing from the IDF. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: US and Israel launch major joint assault on Iran; Trump indicates goal is to topple regime Full text of Trump’s declaration of ‘major combat operations’ against Iran Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Adina Karpuj. IMAGE: Smoke rises on the skyline after an explosion in Tehran, Iran, February 28, 2026.(AP Photo) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Reel Schmooze with ToI film reviewer Jordan Hoffman and host Amanda Borschel-Dan, where we bring you all the entertainment news and film reviews a Jew can use. In today's Oscar-themed episode, movie maven Hoffman begins with a rant against the cynical social media uproar over a misstepped statement made at the Berlin Festival. We then hear about the 2025 hit "Blue Moon," which portrays a pivotal night in the life of master lyricist Lorenz Hart. The film is up for two Academy Awards, but one of our team would not give it the time of day again.  Next, we turn to a 14-minute animated film called "Papillion," which captivated the pair. It is a painterly immersive dive into the life of Alfred Nakache, who competed in the 1936 Berlin Olympics in Nazi Germany, only to end up in Auschwitz that is one of five films competing for best short animation. Check out the "oy," the "meh" and "not bad" marks given to these films in this week's The Reel Schmooze. The Reel Schmooze is produced by Ari Schlacht and can be found wherever you get your podcasts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Lazar Focus. Each Friday, join host diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman for a deep dive into what's behind the news that spins the globe. There is a religious community in Israel dedicated to spreading peace throughout the country and beyond. Days after October 7, this community opened its doors for hundreds of Israelis from diverse backgrounds, stressing the importance of maintaining peaceful dialogue between ethnic and religious groups. That community is Muslim. The Ahmadiyya number only around 2,000 in Israel, but are part of a global community of some 20 million. In today's Lazar Focus, Imam Imad Al Masri, a Jordanian cleric living in Haifa, explains the origins of his sect and makes an impassioned case for the Ahmadiyya vision for spreading peace around the world. As he marks the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, he discusses the community's outreach in Palestinian areas, including in the Gaza Strip under Hamas rule and during the recent war there. Al Masri recounts the reaction of the Ahmadiyya community to the October 7, 2023, attacks and how they dealt with initial suspicions from their Jewish neighbors. As Israel maintains a shaky ceasefire in Gaza and prepares for a possible war with Iran, the Ahmadiyya present an unwavering call for peace that many find refreshing and uplifting. Lazar Focus can be found on all podcast platforms. This episode was produced by Gabriella Jacobs and video edited by Ari Schlacht. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Editor David Horovitz joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. Negotiators resumed US-Iran nuclear talks in Geneva on Thursday, hours after senior American officials made the case that Iran poses a major threat to the United States and is actively working toward a nuclear bomb. Horovitz updates us on US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance's statements and describes the intense US military buildup in the Mideast. He then assesses the Israeli public's willingness to join in on any eventual strike against Iran and how Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could leverage the crisis in this election year. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a two-day visit to Israel on Wednesday and Thursday, where he pledged to work in lockstep with the Jewish state to confront Islamist terrorism. In what Horovitz describes as a regrettably rare sentiment from world leaders, the Indian premier told the Knesset that his nation stands “firmly” with Israel. We learn what else happened behind the scenes. In an effort to circumvent a Supreme Court order to expand egalitarian prayer access at the Western Wall, lawmakers voted 56-47 Wednesday afternoon in favor of the preliminary reading of a bill giving the Chief Rabbinate full control over prayer at all parts of the holy site -- not just the Orthodox prayer plaza. It has drawn harsh condemnation from progressive Jewish groups, which condemned the controversial legislation as “patronizing and antisemitic.” Horovitz weighs in. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: Facing Trump, Hamas bet on survival and is being vindicated; Iran’s regime has the same game plan As talks resume, Rubio, Vance accuse Iran of trying to restart its nuclear program Iranian FM arrives in Geneva for talks as US demands any nuclear deal last indefinitely F-22 jets deploy at Israeli Air Force base as US builds up forces for Iran strike In the Knesset, Modi says India stands firmly with Israel ‘in this moment and beyond’ MKs approve preliminary bill cementing Orthodox control over entire Western Wall Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Podwaves. IMAGE: A Valar Atomics microreactor is seen on a C-17 aircraft, without nuclear fuel, at March Air Reserve Base, California, February 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Matthew Daly) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. In the foreign policy portion of his lengthy State of the Union address, US President Donald Trump repeated his oft-mentioned talking points about Iran, Magid reports, noting the president's terminology about never hesitating to confront threats against the US. Trump has said he is "aware of" last week's killing of Palestinian-American 19-year-old Nasrallah Abu Siam in an armed settler attack in the West Bank, and Magid reviews why the US administration has not commented or gotten involved in this latest incident of Jewish settler violence. As the US Embassy in Israel announces first-time pop-up locations for consular services in the Jewish settlements of Efrat and Beitar Illit, Magid discusses the decision to hold the project in these new locations. With a formal communication channel established between the Board of Peace and the Palestinian Authority, Magid discusses how the PA is seeking legitimacy and aims to be as involved as possible in the Gaza reconstruction. Magid also reports on conversations with Arab and European diplomats involved in the Board of Peace, and their comments about the enormous amount of pressure required to be applied on Hamas and Israel for the disarmament of Hamas to succeed. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: Trump: US ‘wiped out’ Iran’s nuclear program ‘but they want to start all over again’ US avoids condemning settler killing of Palestinian-American in armed West Bank attack In first, US embassy to provide consular services at pop-ups in West Bank settlements US approves formal communication channel between PA and Board of Peace — officials Waving off the skeptics, US feeling bullish after Board of Peace inaugural confab Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Ari Schlacht. IMAGE: President Donald Trump exits the House Chamber after delivering the State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress in the House chamber at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. (Kenny Holston/The New York Times via AP, Pool) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Archaeology reporter Rossella Tercatin and diplomatic reporter Nava Freiberg join host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. If Iran attacks Israel, it will be “perhaps the most serious mistake in their history,” warned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday evening, threatening an overwhelming response to any aggression. As the world awaits US President Donald Trump's State of the Union address tonight, Freiberg updates us with the push-pull diplomacy of the past day. The Palestinian technocratic body tasked with managing postwar Gaza announced last week that it was opening applications for “qualified candidates” seeking to serve in a “transitional police force” to be deployed in the Strip. This comes as Hamas appears poised to keep hold of its control of civilian and security infrastructure even as the Trump peace plan moves ahead. The Great Isaiah Scroll, the oldest nearly complete book from the Hebrew Bible ever found, is on display in its full length for the first time since 1968. Tercatin was on hand at Jerusalem's Israel Museum for the unveiling and fills us in. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: Trump said frustrated with limits of military leverage against Iran Netanyahu: An attack on Israel would be ‘most serious mistake’ in Iranian history Hamas seen working to maintain control of Gaza via Trump-backed bodies Gaza oversight committee seeks ‘qualified’ candidates to join Strip’s police force Great Isaiah Scroll, oldest near-complete biblical book ever found, on show in entirety for 1st time since 1968 Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Ari Schlacht produced this episode. IMAGE: Hamas gunmen in the Shijaiyah neighborhood of Gaza City, November 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.