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. 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 NowSee 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 the 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. 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 that 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 vast 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 Alipinist Unit -- IDF soldiers on skis -- who conducted a rare border crossing in snowy mountains from Syria to Lebanon. The IDF is pulling out 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, from 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.