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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 Israeli precision strike on a hospital in southern Gaza overnight targeted a Hamas brigade commander, the military said Thursday morning, after medics in the Strip reported six killed, including a surgeon, and at least 20 wounded in the attack. As winter approaches, Berman speaks about the Board of Peace's recent efforts to restart the Trump peace plan, even as Hamas still cynically hunkers down in Gazan hospitals and shows no signs of disarming. Next we turn to Iran. US Vice President JD Vance said he is weighing direct talks with a top Iranian security official, according to a report on Wednesday that said President Donald Trump empowered him to resume negotiations on ending a war they have cited as a key reason for the Republicans’ steep losses in the midterm elections. Berman explains how diplomacy is only one of three options the US could pursue on Iran and lays out the other two. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has recently moved from his Washington, DC, residence to a US military base due to Iranian threats against his life. We delve into the recent cloak-and-dagger operations attributed to Iran and what they may mean. Iran is producing 50 ballistic missiles a month, about half its prewar capacity, according to Western intelligence estimates reported on Wednesday, shortly before Iran unveiled a new underground “missile city.” The Houthis, meanwhile, are being restocked by China. Will China now enter the fray? Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: Report: Vance weighing direct talks with Iran, Trump sees June MOU as blunder US treasury chief Bessent moved to military base amid Iranian threats, sources say Iran said producing up to 50 ballistic missiles a month, as IRGC unveils underground ‘missile city’ IDF targets top Hamas commander in strike on south Gaza hospital; 6 said killed 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 Jessica Steinberg for today's episode. After three years of war, Fabian discusses the IDF's efforts to handle its additional deployments and desire to relieve the reserve army by expanding the Nachal and Golani infantry brigades with an additional battalion each. After the Board of Peace issued a statement pressing Israel to allow more humanitarian aid into Gaza following tremendous rainfall, Fabian discusses responses from the IDF and COGAT, the Defense Ministry agency overseeing aid into Gaza, which allowed tents and trucks with winter gear into the war-torn area, but not prefabricated homes, which Israel says will end up being used by Hamas. A Defense Ministry delegation is on an official trip to Morocco to inaugurate the official defense attaché office, as Fabian notes the significance of having an Israeli military representative in an Arab country in North Africa. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: IDF to establish new reconnaissance-strike battalions in Golani, Nahal brigades Israel says winter supplies delivered to Gaza amid flooding; Board of Peace says it must do more Under criticism, PM’s office insists winter supplies entering Gaza but Hamas must disarm before reconstruction Israeli defense officials visit Morocco to deepen ties, inaugurate attaché office 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 appears on the Daily Briefing with host Jessica Steinberg (Flash 90) 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. Analyst Ben Sales joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. Sales, who covered the 2021 Capitol Hill riot, hears echoes of what he calls the "Trump playbook" in the steps Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his supporters have taken since the October 27 national election. What are these signs, and could demonstrations -- such as the right-wing rally set for today outside the Knesset -- turn violent? Sales compares and contrasts the lead-up to the January 6, 2021, riot with the state of play in Israel today. How is the media in both countries potentially responsible for inflaming the situation? We also learn about a historical precedent in Israel: Rioters stormed the Knesset in 1952. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: Is Netanyahu laying the groundwork for an Israeli January 6? Police said to see little evidence to back Shin Bet probe into foreign election interference 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. ToI founding editor David Horovitz joins host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode. As Yashar party leader Gadi Eisenkot is tasked by President Isaac Herzog to form a government, Horovitz reviews the timeline and the political challenges facing the nominated leader. Horovitz otes the recent prevarications by Yisrael Beytenu chairman Avigdor Liberman, after his bombshell announcement that he would be open to a government with ultra-Orthodox parties that oppose universal military service, later clarifying that he still seeks mandatory enlistment for all. As the Shin Bet reportedly failed to find any evidence of a foreign interference campaign in the recent election, Horovitz discusses the questionable request by Shin Bet chief David Zini, known for his allegiance to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. As US President Donald Trump remarked on the 'great dislike' for Israel among US voters, Horovitz mentions the leader's recent declaration to cut off Israeli military aid by the end of 2026, discussing whether Israel will still be able to purchase American defense products in the future. Finally, Horovitz discusses a recent concert featuring Radiohead's Jonny Greenwood and Israeli rocker Dudu Tassa performing Arabic music, and the harmony portrayed in that one-time performance. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: 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. Eisenkot tasked with forming government, vows ‘creative and unconventional’ path to ‘emergency’ coalition Liberman bashed Netanyahu’s enlistment bill. The one he put on the table is weaker Under fire for urging ‘compromise,’ Liberman says he still wants Haredim to serve Report: Shin Bet has no evidence of election interference, ‘everyone except Zini’ understands nothing will come of it AG: Fraud probes have turned up nothing that would ‘even remotely’ affect election results Trump: Republicans did poorly in midterms because of a ‘great dislike’ for Israel Rubio says Iranians making ‘outrageous and ridiculous’ demands in negotiations Dudu Tassa and Jonny Greenwood let their stirring Arabic music speak louder than politics IMAGE: Times of Israel founding editor David Horovitz appears on the Daily Briefing podcast with host Jessica Steinberg (Flash 90) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to "Still Life in Israel with Jessica Steinberg," a new weekly podcast in which The Times of Israel’s arts and culture editor explores what life in Israel looks and feels like right now, through conversations with the artists, writers, musicians, and other voices helping us make sense of this moment. For this second episode in the new series, we speak with Mark Feuerstein, a veteran character actor who has appeared in dozens of films and television series, including "The West Wing," "Prison Break," "Royal Pain," and "In Her Shoes." Feuerstein is in Israel filming the YES intelligence thriller "Midair” produced by Paramount-owned Ananey Studios in collaboration with KODA and Jaya Entertainment. Feuerstein plays a CIA agent in this latest role, racing to neutralize a mysterious weapon aboard a fighter jet flying above Israel, before the crisis turns into a catastrophe. The actor arrived in Israel a month ago for his first trip to the country in 40 years, and he discusses his New York Jewish upbringing, raising his three kids in Los Angeles, and the existential realities of being an "October 8" Jew. Feuerstein also talks about being Jewish in Hollywood, where there is both subtle and blatant antisemitism since the October 7, 2023 Hamas terrorist attack and how he has responded. At the end of the podcast, Steinberg adds the Still Life calendar, a brief listing of upcoming arts and culture events over the next few weeks. For further reading: Global industry professionals spurn major Israeli music showcase amid cultural boycott Israel’s traumas, absurdities come into focus via a veteran photojournalist’s lens Jerusalem’s largest Biennale yet asked artists to plumb their depths Still Life in Israel podcast episodes are available for download on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Ari Schlacht. IMAGE: Actor Mark Feuerstein appears on Still Life in Israel with host Jessica Steinberg (Courtesy) 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 Gabriella Jacobs for today's episode. Residents of the Western Galilee — a diverse mix of Jews, Muslims, Druze and Christians — came out in full force to vote in the October 27 polls. Bletter discusses the factors which these Israeli citizens say informed their voting decisions. On election day, Bletter visited Yarka, Nahariya and Mazra'a and noticed a different energy than in past elections. Yet now, as the country struggles to form a new government, Bletter reports a total lack of consensus across the region, and that the initial atmosphere of optimism has faded into uncertainty.  After the break we take a look at Israel’s trailblazing protocols for repatriating October 7 hostages, which are detailed in new study published in the journal Healthcare. 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 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. Continuing in our decade-by-decade comedy viewing, this week's featured Schmooze film is 1998's "Slums of Beverly Hills." Set in 1976, the film was written and directed by Tamara Jenkins and is loosely based on her life story of growing up poor with her divorced Jewish father and brothers. Brilliantly cast, it stars then 19-year-old Natasha Lyonne as a 14-year-old Vivian Abromowitz who is on the cusp of discovering -- and exercising -- her feminine power. Alan Arkin is Murray, her 65-year-old out-of-luck father; Marisa Tomei is her drug-addled 29-year-old cousin; David Krumholtz is her obnoxious older brother and Kevin Corrigan plays the friendly Jewish pot dealer from next door. There are great scenes with Jessica Walter, Carl Reiner and Rita Moreno, who all play against type and are even better for it. The movie is racy, and it includes disturbing and provocative scenes (dildo dance, anyone?). Let’s hear who gave this film an “oy,” “meh” or the prized “not bad” this week on 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 "A Mandatory Listen," a new weekly podcast in which The Times of Israel deputy editor Amanda Borschel-Dan asks the big questions facing Israel and the Jewish people. For this seventh episode in the new series, we speak with Palestinian activist and writer Samah Salaime to hear why this past election was so significant for the Arab Israeli voter. Salaime is a longtime contributor to the +972 Magazine, where she focuses on feminism and Arab-Jewish relations.   She was born in the northern town of Tur’an located between Haifa and Tiberius and moved to the mixed Jewish-Arab oasis of Neve Shalom/ Wahat al-Salam in 2000, where she raised her three boys. Salaime, a social worker by education and training, was a fellow at the prestigious Mandel School for Educational Leadership and, among other accolades, was awarded the Rappaport Prize for Longstanding Achievement in 2020. In this post-election period, in which the Arab vote translated into an unprecedented combined 19 mandates for The Joint List and Ra'am, Salaime provides nuanced insight into what drew Arab Israeli citizens to the ballot box this time and the parties for whom they voted. In this tolerant, free-flowing conversation, the pair voice frustration with Israeli society's longtime status quo of mutual distrust and wonder aloud about another way forward. A Mandatory Listen podcast episodes are available for download 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 Lazar Focus. Each Friday, join host and diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman for a deep dive into what's behind the news that spins the globe. The midterms were a disaster for US President Donald Trump and the Republican Party. The Democrats seized control of the House of Representatives and the Senate, including in traditionally deep-red states like Texas, South Carolina, and Kansas. They also made important gains at the state level across the country. Several proudly anti-Israel candidates won their races, including Abdul Al-Sayed in Michigan and a trio of Zohran Mamdani-backed Democrats in New York City. Was the election about the US relationship with Israel? And what does it mean for the future of that relationship? To analyze the implications of the 2026 midterms, we are joined once again by Michael Oren, a scholar of the Middle East, Israel's former ambassador to Washington, and an expert on the US-Israel relationship. He said that the 50-year special relationship between Israel and the US ended on Tuesday, and the implications will be felt beyond the issue of military aid. Even though Israel wasn't responsible for many of the processes driving US politics, it is on the receiving end of them. MAGA isolationism and the rise of the Democratic Socialist might have their roots in domestic politics, but they have profound implications for Israel. Israel, said Oren, accelerated those processes by failing to curb West bank violence and avoiding any mention of peace with the Palestinians or Syria. Jerusalem can mitigate some of the fallout and soften some of the blows, he said. Still, it should start diversifying its military and economic partners, and make clear that it will not be bound by any deal between the US and Iran. As the US moves to cut off military aid, he said, Israel should be working overtime to transform the relationship into one of a technological and AI partnership, especially with the Pentagon. Lazar Focus is available on all podcast platforms. This episode was produced by Gabriella Jacobs and video edited 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. US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said that the United States will cease providing $4 billion in annual military aid to Israel by the end of this year, in comments that reportedly caught Israeli security and financial officials off guard. Fabian describes what this could mean for the IDF's capabilities -- and how it may actually free Israel to operate on its own in the region. The Israeli military on Monday morning wrapped up an 11-day operation in Hebron, launched following a deadly shooting attack at a checkpoint on the outskirts of the West Bank city, after the political leadership finally approved the withdrawal of troops. We learn about the goals of the operation, whether they were met and how the IDF chief of staff Eyal Zamir attempted to contain it ahead of its pre-election launch. Seven Palestinian terror operatives, including a top Hamas commander who held an Israeli hostage, were killed in Israeli strikes in the Gaza Strip earlier this week, the military and Shin Bet security agency announced on Wednesday. Concurrently, the IDF finally released details about early indications of the Hamas onslaught on southern Israel from October 6, 2023. Fabian updates us on both headlines. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: Trump aid bombshell could set off scramble to reprioritize upcoming arms buys IDF ends controversial 11-day Hebron operation that followed deadly shooting attack 1 reported killed in first southern Lebanon IDF airstrike in weeks IDF: Gaza strikes kill 7 terrorists, including Hamas commander who held hostage IDF identified Deif, other top Hamas commanders entering tunnels on eve of Oct. 7 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. With Democrats sweeping control of Congress following the midterm elections, Magid attributes the shift to the deeply unpopular Iran war among voters, and discusses whether the change could lead to further alienation of Israel on Capitol Hill. While in Michigan for Election Day, Magid reports on his conversations with Jewish voters, examining how the midterm elections and the race between the winning anti-Israel candidate Abdul El-Sayed and former Republican lawmaker Mike Rogers divided the local Jewish community that is normally heavily Democratic. After US President Donald Trump announced during a Fox News interview that the US will end $4 billion in annual military aid to Israel by the end of 2026, Magid questions the timing of the statement, whether the date is correct, and notes that the White House was not clarifying the US leader's statements. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing live blog for more updates. For further reading: Democrats take control of US House and Senate in sharp rebuke of Trump, Republicans Anti-Israel El-Sayed wins Michigan Senate race, pledges no money for ‘apartheid, genocide’ For pro-Israel diaspora, Israel’s Arab voters are a point of pride. For Israeli Jews, they’re a national security threat Trump says US to end $4 billion in annual military aid to Israel by end of 2026 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: US bureau chief Jacob Magid appears on the Daily Briefing with host Jessica Steinberg (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. US reporter Luke Tress joins host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode. As Democrat Abdul El-Sayed faces off against Republican Mike Rogers in Michigan’s midterm election, Tress discusses the latest antisemitic campaigning from far-left media personality Hasan Piker and where the Jewish vote may end up in the close race. Tress reports on the races in New York, where candidates from both parties are generally supportive of Israel but the Jewish vote may show a broader dissatisfaction with the Democratic Party. A House committee report on the premier organization for psychologists in the US, the American Psychological Association, shows anti-Israel rhetoric, notes Tress. Israeli singer Omer Adam drew 20,000 people to a New York concert, offering a night off from antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiment, and Tress brings up color from the scene. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: El-Sayed, AIPAC, antisemitism and Israel: 5 US midterm races to watch Hasan Piker compares Michigan Jewish voters to Ku Klux Klan ahead of El-Sayed Senate vote American Psychological Association brushed off antisemitism complaints — US House report Israeli pop star Omer Adam provides NYC Jews with a celebratory refuge 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: New York reporter Luke Tress appears on today's Daily Briefing with host Jessica Steinberg (AP) 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. For months, analysts have pegged the conclusion of elections in Israel and the US as the benchmark for the restart of the Iran War. Berman looks at what is happening on the military and diplomatic fronts and where signs are pointing. Ahead of the US midterm elections on Tuesday, a Gallup poll found that the unpopular Iran War ranked third in terms of issues Americans are voting on. With an increased buzz that it is the Jewish state that is pushing for a restart to fighting, where does this leave the US-Israel relationship? And finally, could it be US Donald Trump who leads the push for a unity government in Israel? Berman sets the table in Washington. Who is invited? Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: Iranian army: War could be longer than previous one, Trump won’t dictate its duration Trump said weighing who to scapegoat for Iran war as he clashes with PM over renewed attack Bennett, Golan pledge to back Eisenkot as PM, as bloc mulls which coalition to seek 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 "Still Life in Israel with Jessica Steinberg," a new weekly podcast in which The Times of Israel’s arts and culture editor explores what life in Israel looks and feels like right now, through conversations with the artists, writers, musicians and other voices helping us make sense of this moment. For this first episode in the new series, we speak with former hostages Aviva and Keith Siegel. Aviva Siegel was freed from captivity after 51 days and immediately turned to advocacy for her husband, Keith, who remained a hostage for 484 days. The couple discusses the hours before October 7, when they went food shopping on the night of October 6, following a holiday evening with their family. The pair talk about Keith's desire to return to their home in Kibbutz Kfar Aza, and Aviva's inability to do the same. They talk about the need to tell the truth about what happened to them in captivity, as the couple's story was turned into a play that was recently performed at Tel Aviv's Habima National Theater on the third anniversary of October 7. Aviva Siegel's book, "Survived to Tell: A Hostage’s True Story of October 7 and 51 Days in Captivity," was recently translated into English. "Survived to Tell: A Hostage’s True Story of October 7 and 51 Days in Captivity," by Aviva Siegel is out now and available here. Still Life in Israel podcast episodes 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 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 joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. Yashar leader Gadi Eisenkot vowed Saturday to swiftly utilize the new Knesset’s parliamentary majority, declaring that Israelis had voted decisively against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government in last week’s election. Anti-Netanyahu parties won 67 of the 120 Knesset seats, but of those, Zionist anti-Netanyahu parties won only 48, with the other 19 going to two Arab parties. Karmel explains how Eisenkot will likely get the first shot at forming a government and how, from the Knesset's swearing-in on November 11, he vows to push forward his legislative aims -- regardless of the governing coalition. Around 2,000 people demonstrated on Saturday evening in support of a Jewish-Arab government in Tel Aviv. Borschel-Dan and Karmel discuss the obstacles to a possible coexistence coalition, which would be Israel's second. Borschel-Dan points to the June 2022 legal gridlock over the continuation of the West Bank emergency regulations that led Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid to dissolve that short-lived government. Check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: Eisenkot vows to swiftly utilize Knesset majority ‘against Oct. 7 government’ Some 2,000 rally in Tel Aviv to demand Jewish-Arab government; counterprotesters rail at ‘stolen’ election Senior Arab MK says Joint List ready to back anti-Netanyahu government from outside 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.