Podcasts about idf chief

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Military reporter Emanuel Fabian joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. Overnight, an Israeli airstrike in Iran killed Saeed Izadi, the head of the Palestine Corps in the IRGC Quds Force, who funded and armed Hamas ahead of the terror group’s October 7 onslaught as part of a multi-front plan to destroy Israel. Fabian describes who he was and how central he was in drafting Iran's ultimate strategy to eliminate Israel. Also hit last night was Iran’s Isfahan nuclear site for the second time since the start of the conflict, as Iran fired an overnight volley of five ballistic missiles at central Israel. The strike on the first day of the conflict destroyed several critical sections, including uranium conversion infrastructure and labs. Last night's strikes were intended to cause further damage to Iran’s nuclear program. IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir told Israelis yesterday that they must prepare for a “prolonged campaign” against Iran to “eliminate a threat of this magnitude,” indicating that a quick end to the campaign was unlikely. We ask Fabian to decipher this cryptic message from the head of the IDF even as US President Donald Trump told reports that Israel appears to be "winning." Also yesterday, reporters were told that Israel is not running low on air defense interceptors amid its conflict with Iran, denying reporting that the IDF’s stockpile of interceptor missiles is being depleted. Fabian explains why this may still be the case. Iran is not only firing traditional ballistic missiles at Israel: At least one ballistic missile launched by Iran at Israel in a barrage on Thursday morning was carrying a cluster bomb warhead, marking a dangerous new development. We speak about this type of missile, as well as Iran's drips-and-drabs retaliation to the continued Israeli strikes. To close out, we review the stunning operation to eliminate Iran’s top military commanders early June 13 was code-named “Red Wedding” after the infamous scene in the “A Song of Ice and Fire” book series and “Game of Thrones” TV show, due to the almost fantastical way it was carried out. Fabian explains why. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: IRGC Palestinian division chief, an architect of Oct. 7, killed in overnight strike in Iran IDF hits Isfahan nuclear site for 2nd time; Iran fires 5 missiles in overnight barrage IDF chief warns Israelis must brace for ‘prolonged campaign’ against Iran Denying reports, IDF indicates that it’s not running low on missile interceptors Iranian missile with cluster warhead scattered bombs in central Israel, IDF says Inspired by brutal TV scene, first strikes on Iran said code-named ‘Red Wedding’ Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves. IMAGE: Israeli soldiers and first responders check the damage caused to a building from an Iranian strike in Beit She'an on June 21, 2025. (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. Military reporter Emanuel Fabian joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. Two Israeli soldiers were killed in Gaza over the past two days. Fabian describes the situations that led to the deaths of Staff Sgt. Danilo Mocanu, 20, and Sgt. Yosef Yehuda Chirak, 22. Even as Israel has begun to allow humanitarian aid trucks into the Gaza Strip, the United Nations humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher warned that 14,000 babies in Gaza could die within 48 hours. Yesterday, the United Nations received permission from Israel for 93 aid trucks to enter the Gaza Strip, but questions remain over how it will get to the Gazans who need it -- and not be usurped by Hamas. Gaza’s Hamas-run civil defense agency said IDF strikes killed at least 19 people overnight, as Israel faces mounting international pressure over its military offensive. Dozens of others have been reported dead in unverifiable numbers in the past several days since the operation ramped up on Saturday. IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir warned in a video statement on Tuesday that the IDF is prepared to capture more territory in the Gaza Strip if Hamas does not agree to release the remaining hostages it is keeping in captivity. We hear what appears to be the IDF's operational strategy during Operation Gideon's Chariots. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: IDF soldier killed in Strip; Hamas-linked agency raises day’s Gazan death toll to 91 Israel allows UN to bring 93 aid trucks into Gaza as international pressure mounts Israel will seize more of Gaza if Hamas doesn’t free hostages, IDF chief warns Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves and video edited by Thomas Girsch. IMAGE: IDF troops operate in the Gaza Strip, in a handout photo published on May 11, 2025. (Israel Defense Forces)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 reporter Emanuel Fabian joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. According to the Hamas health ministry, two IDF airstrikes early Wednesday hit the Karama School in Tuffah, a suburb of Gaza City, killing 15. Later in the day, an Israeli strike near a restaurant and market in the city killed at least 33 people, including women and children. Fabian reports on these two incidents and assesses where the IDF is currently heading in Gaza based on statements from IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir yesterday. A Hamas commander was killed in an Israeli airstrike in the southern coastal Lebanese city of Sidon early Wednesday morning. What was Khaled Ahmad al-Ahmad responsible for? Three Israeli soldiers were wounded in two attacks carried out by Palestinians in the northern and southern West Bank on Wednesday afternoon. Even as the fighting in Gaza is ramping up, we learn that the concentration of forces are still largely in the West Bank. As the army is searching for manpower, it apparently has no lack of woman power. Women still cannot enlist into all fighting units, but where they can, they’re showing up in record numbers. Fabian talks about this and a new rededicated unit -- where women can serve -- aimed at fighting drones along the northern border. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: Hamas-run authorities say at least 48 killed in series of IDF strikes in Gaza Hamas, Hezbollah commanders killed in IDF strikes in Lebanon 3 soldiers wounded, 2 seriously, in West Bank attacks Ultra-Orthodox incensed as IDF chief orders boost in community’s conscription IDF sees continued surge in female combat recruits amid Gaza war Revived air defense battalion to aim new weapons at drone threat in north Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves and video edited by Thomas Girsch. IMAGE: Soldiers stand near an Israeli army mobile canon at a position by Israel's border with the Gaza Strip, on May 6, 2025. (Jack GUEZ / AFP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Israel's security cabinet has approved the intensification of its Gaza military operation per the recommendation of IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir. Per reports Israel will increase its strikes on Hamas, while holding on to territories seized, so that the terrorist organization can not pop its head up in those areas once again. Prime Minister Netanyahu stated that the move will lead towards the defeat of Hamas and the rescue of the remaining hostages. This story, and all the latest news from Israel on this week's Israel Uncensored with Josh Hasten.

For review:1. US CENTCOM Commander Visits Israel. General Michael Erik Kurilla, head of the US Central Command (CENTCOM), held an assessment with IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, the IDF said Thursday. 2. UK Telegraph Newspaper Report:  Iran has reportedly ordered its military personnel to leave Yemen and is pulling back its support for the Houthis amid extensive US airstrikes on the rebel group. 3. Russian Envoy: "Some (Ukrainian) security guarantees, in some form, may be acceptable."  Russian negotiator Kirill Dmitriev held two days of talks with American envoy Steve Witkoff, as part of President Donald Trump's push for a ceasefire and peace deal between Russia and Ukraine. 4. US Combatant Command Restructure? NBC Report: The Defense Department is considering relinquishing the role atop the NATO chain of command, which has always been held by an American four-star, historically by the head of US European Command, since the alliance's founding. 5.  The Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group sailed through the Malacca Strait on Friday as it makes its way to U.S. Central Command. The PLA Navy's Shandong CSG sailed back into the South China Sea on Thursday after participating in drills against Taiwan. 6.  Japan's Self-Defense Force to develop new long-range, precision-guided missiles to “prevent and eliminate invading troops.” 7.  Australian military leaders are scrambling to cobble together fresh air defense capabilities.  

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Legal reporter Jeremy Sharon and archaeology reporter Rossella Tercatin join host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. Yesterday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused police of holding two aides “hostage” after they were arrested over their alleged engagement in illicit ties with Qatar while working for the premier, who interrupted his ongoing corruption trial to provide testimony in the controversial Qatargate investigation. Sharon delves into the latest developments. The High Court of Justice ruled unanimously on Thursday that Israel has taken a variety of steps to provide for the humanitarian needs of Gaza’s civilian population during the current war with Hamas, and that there was no cause for the court to order the government and the army to take any additional action. We hear why this ruling is important in the context of other accusations against Israel on the international stage. The IDF issued a statement on Monday night announcing that it had disciplined several officers and troops for vandalizing Palestinian property in Jinba after an investigation it conducted into the incident. Villagers claim that troops had stood by while the settler extremists attacked residents and prevented a Red Crescent ambulance from evacuating the wounded. IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir went to Jinba himself to investigate the incident on Sunday, as did Sharon. He reports back. Almost one in four US adults who were raised Jewish no longer identify as such, a new report by the prominent Pew Research Center released on Wednesday has shown. The report focuses on the phenomenon of “switching religions” around the world, and it is based on data obtained by polling almost 37,000 Americans and over 41,000 individuals in 35 other countries, including Israel. Tercatin gives highlights. For the first time, a team of Israeli archaeologists has uncovered ancient artifacts at northern Israel’s “Armageddon” site that might offer proof of an epic battle documented in the books of Kings II and Chronicles between a king of Judah and an Egyptian pharaoh. We hear how the old adage "an army marches on its stomach" may give us insight into this historical battle. Please see today's ongoing liveblog for more updates. Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves. For further reading: Netanyahu says his two aides ‘being held hostage’ in Qatargate ‘witch hunt’ High Court says petitioners ‘not even close’ to showing Israel starving Gazan civilians ‘There’s no justice’: Palestinian villagers reel after brutal settler, IDF rampage Pew Research Center survey: A quarter of US adults raised Jewish no longer identify as Jews Archaeologists find first evidence of epic biblical battle at ‘Armageddon’ IMAGE: People protest against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government outside the Knesset, Israel's parliament in Jerusalem, March 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode, Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor and Tel Aviv-based journalist Neri Zilber hosts Haaretz Military Correspondent Amos Harel to discuss the new IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir. They cover his first week in the post and future plans for the army, the state of the IDF now 17 months into this war, the threat of a renewed Israeli military offensive into Gaza, the prospects of the ceasefire-hostage talks succeeding, the IDF inquiries into the failures surrounding Hamas' October 7 attack, and more. No Time to Lose: A Blueprint for Reforming the Palestinian AuthoritySupport the showFollow us on Instagram, Twitter/X, and Bluesky, and subscribe to our email list here.

The US in independent talks with Hamas. USAID billions have gone into the hands of terrorists. Analysis from (Res) Brig. General Danny Van Buren on the war and the new IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir. Some Israeli families return to homes in the north.

The US in independent talks with Hamas. USAID billions have gone into the hands of terrorists. Analysis from (Res) Brig. General Danny Van Buren on the war and the new IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir. Some Israeli families return to homes in the north.

The US in independent talks with Hamas. USAID billions have gone into the hands of terrorists. Analysis from (Res) Brig. General Danny Van Buren on the war and the new IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir. Some Israeli families return to homes in the north.

The US in independent talks with Hamas. USAID billions have gone into the hands of terrorists. Analysis from (Res) Brig. General Danny Van Buren on the war and the new IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir. Some Israeli families return to homes in the north.

The US in independent talks with Hamas. USAID billions have gone into the hands of terrorists. Analysis from (Res) Brig. General Danny Van Buren on the war and the new IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir. Some Israeli families return to homes in the north.

The US in independent talks with Hamas. USAID billions have gone into the hands of terrorists. Analysis from (Res) Brig. General Danny Van Buren on the war and the new IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir. Some Israeli families return to homes in the north.

The US in independent talks with Hamas. USAID billions have gone into the hands of terrorists. Analysis from (Res) Brig. General Danny Van Buren on the war and the new IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir. Some Israeli families return to homes in the north.

The US in independent talks with Hamas. USAID billions have gone into the hands of terrorists. Analysis from (Res) Brig. General Danny Van Buren on the war and the new IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir. Some Israeli families return to homes in the north.

The US in independent talks with Hamas. USAID billions have gone into the hands of terrorists. Analysis from (Res) Brig. General Danny Van Buren on the war and the new IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir. Some Israeli families return to homes in the north.

The US in independent talks with Hamas. USAID billions have gone into the hands of terrorists. Analysis from (Res) Brig. General Danny Van Buren on the war and the new IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir. Some Israeli families return to homes in the north.

The US in independent talks with Hamas. USAID billions have gone into the hands of terrorists. Analysis from (Res) Brig. General Danny Van Buren on the war and the new IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir. Some Israeli families return to homes in the north.

The US in independent talks with Hamas. USAID billions have gone into the hands of terrorists. Analysis from (Res) Brig. General Danny Van Buren on the war and the new IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir. Some Israeli families return to homes in the north.

The US in independent talks with Hamas. USAID billions have gone into the hands of terrorists. Analysis from (Res) Brig. General Danny Van Buren on the war and the new IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir. Some Israeli families return to homes in the north.

The US in independent talks with Hamas. USAID billions have gone into the hands of terrorists. Analysis from (Res) Brig. General Danny Van Buren on the war and the new IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir. Some Israeli families return to homes in the north.

The US in independent talks with Hamas. USAID billions have gone into the hands of terrorists. Analysis from (Res) Brig. General Danny Van Buren on the war and the new IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir. Some Israeli families return to homes in the north.

The US in independent talks with Hamas. USAID billions have gone into the hands of terrorists. Analysis from (Res) Brig. General Danny Van Buren on the war and the new IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir. Some Israeli families return to homes in the north.

The US in independent talks with Hamas. USAID billions have gone into the hands of terrorists. Analysis from (Res) Brig. General Danny Van Buren on the war and the new IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir. Some Israeli families return to homes in the north.

The US in independent talks with Hamas. USAID billions have gone into the hands of terrorists. Analysis from (Res) Brig. General Danny Van Buren on the war and the new IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir. Some Israeli families return to homes in the north.

The US in independent talks with Hamas. USAID billions have gone into the hands of terrorists. Analysis from (Res) Brig. General Danny Van Buren on the war and the new IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir. Some Israeli families return to homes in the north.

The US in independent talks with Hamas. USAID billions have gone into the hands of terrorists. Analysis from (Res) Brig. General Danny Van Buren on the war and the new IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir. Some Israeli families return to homes in the north.

The US in independent talks with Hamas. USAID billions have gone into the hands of terrorists. Analysis from (Res) Brig. General Danny Van Buren on the war and the new IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir. Some Israeli families return to homes in the north.

The US in independent talks with Hamas. USAID billions have gone into the hands of terrorists. Analysis from (Res) Brig. General Danny Van Buren on the war and the new IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir. Some Israeli families return to homes in the north.

The US in independent talks with Hamas. USAID billions have gone into the hands of terrorists. Analysis from (Res) Brig. General Danny Van Buren on the war and the new IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir. Some Israeli families return to homes in the north.

The US in independent talks with Hamas. USAID billions have gone into the hands of terrorists. Analysis from (Res) Brig. General Danny Van Buren on the war and the new IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir. Some Israeli families return to homes in the north.

The US in independent talks with Hamas. USAID billions have gone into the hands of terrorists. Analysis from (Res) Brig. General Danny Van Buren on the war and the new IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir. Some Israeli families return to homes in the north.

The US in independent talks with Hamas. USAID billions have gone into the hands of terrorists. Analysis from (Res) Brig. General Danny Van Buren on the war and the new IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir. Some Israeli families return to homes in the north.

The US in independent talks with Hamas. USAID billions have gone into the hands of terrorists. Analysis from (Res) Brig. General Danny Van Buren on the war and the new IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir. Some Israeli families return to homes in the north.

For review:1. New IDF Chief of Staff: 2025 - A Year of War. New IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir stated that 2025 would be “a year of war” with a focus on the Gaza Strip and Iran.2. US Unfreezes $95 Million Aid Package to Lebanese Armed Forces.3. US Pauses Intelligence Sharing with Ukraine. Comments from top Trump administration officials suggest the decision is part of the broader negotiations between President Trump and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy to negotiate a peace deal with Russia, and that intelligence could begin flowing to Ukraine again soon. CIA Director John Ratcliffe called the suspension a “pause".4. Denmark picked Norwegian ammunition maker Nammo to restart a shuttered ammo plant for production of small- and large-caliber ammunition, the country's defense ministry said. Nammo will produce 155 mm and 120 mm shells at the Elling plant, as well as 5.56 mm and 7.62 mm caliber cartridges.5.  As development continues, the USAF is fielding inquiries on Foreign Military Sales for new MH-139 Grey Wolf Helicopter. The MH-139 Fleet is primarily tasked with supporting nuclear security, as well as ferrying VIPs in the Washington, DC-area. 

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Military reporter Emanuel Fabian joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. Eli Sharabi, 52, Or Levy, 34, and Ohad Ben Ami, 56, are back home in Israel after 491 days of captivity. Sharabi was kidnapped from Kibbutz Be’eri when Hamas terrorists rampaged through southern Israel on October 7, 2023. His wife and daughters were murdered in their home’s safe room and he and his brother Yossi were taken captive. Brother Yossi has since been confirmed dead and Hamas is holding his body. Or Levy, 34, was kidnapped from the Supernova rave near Kibbutz Re’im on October 7. His wife Eynav was killed, and their now three-year-old son Almog has been staying with his grandparents since. Ohad Ben Ami, was kidnapped from Be’eri. His wife Raz Ben Ami was also abducted, and released as part of a week-long ceasefire in November 2023. We learn about initial health assessments and hear about the ceremony this morning, in which Hamas forced the men to speak onstage in Dir El Balak and thank the terror organization for their "good treatment." We discuss how the IDF is still operating in parts of the Gaza Strip and what is meant to happen in the next two weeks of phase 1 of the already mediated deal, even as phase 2 is still in process. Defense Minister Israel Katz ordered IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi on Friday to reprimand the head of the Military Intelligence Directorate, Maj. Gen. Shlomi Binder, after he reportedly warned during a military assessment meeting about potential security risks relating to US President Donald Trump’s plan to take over the Gaza Strip and displace its population. Fabian weighs in on this incident and what it may signify. We discusses what is happening on the ground in the West Bank as the IDF continues its almost three-week ongoing intensive counter-terrorism operation there. The Israeli Air Force carried out strikes on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon on Thursday night, targeting weapons storage sites in the Nabatieh area and the Beqaa Valley. Fabian updates us on the extended truce in Lebanon and expected next steps ahead of the February 18 deadline.Please see today's ongoing live blog for more updates. Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves. For further reading: Gaunt and frail, hostages Eli Sharabi, Or Levy and Ohad Ben Ami freed after 16 months Poll: 70% of Israelis support second phase of hostage-ceasefire deal Katz reprimands IDF intel chief for warning discourse on Trump’s Gaza plan could prompt violence IDF fighter jets hit Hezbollah weapons depots that Israel says violated ceasefire IMAGE: Israeli hostage Eli Sharabi, who has been held hostage by Hamas in Gaza since October 7, 2023, is paraded by Hamas gunmen before being handed over to the Red Cross in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip, February 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this show, Tamar has two guests who fill us in on some of the latest happenings in Israel and around the world. Topics discussed: * Will the Arabs in Gaza leave for a better and safer future? * Israel has a new IDF Chief of Staff. Is he from the 'Conceptzia' mentality group-think? * Will U.S. President Trump and PM Netanyahu re-draw the map in the Middle East to ensure more security and safety and possibly help prevent future wars? * Also, BRICS, the dollar, and will the new U.S. administration be able to get done everything they are hoping to? -with guests: Dr. Martin Sherman, Founder and Director of the Israeli Institute for Strategic Studies at: www.strategic-israel.org Dr. Mordechai Ben-Menachem commentator on mid-east and world issues, and author of the book: Muslim Winter https://tinyurl.com/y6g85sec The Tamar Yonah Show 02FEB2025 - PODCAST

In this episode, Yaakov Lappin and I discuss President Trump's suggestion that the Gazans should be relocated to Egypt and Jordan, before talking about the mass movement of Gazans back to the north of the Strip and the flawed security and inspection mechanism in place as they do so. We then discuss the nominees for the next IDF Chief and finally close on Iran's threat of a ‘massive cost' to the region if it's nuclear weapons program is attacked.ALSO!! RSVP Today for An Evening With John Spencer, live in NYC, where he will speak on the topic of “Israel's War Against Hamas - A Just War Held To An Unjust Global Standard”Sign up here: "ISRAEL IN URBAN WARFARE: A JUST CAMPAIGN HELD TO AN UNJUST GLOBAL STANDARD." WITH JOHN SPENCER AND BENJAMIN ANTHONY Tickets | The MirYam Institute simpletix.comSupport the showThe MirYam Institute. Israel's Future in Israel's Hands.Subscribe to our podcast: https://podfollow.com/1493910771Follow The MirYam Institute X: https://bit.ly/3jkeUyxFollow Benjamin Anthony X: https://bit.ly/3hZeOe9Like Benjamin Anthony Facebook: https://bit.ly/333Ct93Like The MirYam Institute Facebook: https://bit.ly/2SarHI3Follow Benjamin Anthony Instagram: https://bit.ly/30m6uPGFollow The MirYam Institute Instagram: https://bit.ly/3l5fvED

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Times of Israel founding editor David Horovitz joins host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode. Horovitz reviews the fraught, ongoing process of the hostage releases, both those that took place last Sunday and the four living women expected to be released on Saturday. He comments on how every day carries a new twist in the ceasefire and hostage exchange, and the terrifying moment of transfer in Gaza City, last Sunday. He also talks about some of the behind-the-scenes aspects of the ceasefire, how and why it finally came about, the cooperation between the Trump and Biden administrations, the weakened Hezbollah and positioning of Hamas, along with the fact that it's not an easy deal for Israel, but it will save hostages' lives. Discussion of phase two of the deal has also begun, as hostage families plea for their loved ones' lives. Horovitz discusses some of the politics that will enter that part of the process, and how that could affect the stability of Netanyahu's political coalition and what he might do about that. Horovitz talks about the likelihood of the Palestinian Authority taking some portion of control over Gaza, and the tremendous amount of nuance involved in any discussion of that possibility. Finally, he talks about the resignation of IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi, due to take effect in March, and what it has meant to have Halevi take responsibility for the failures that led to October 7, as well as why many Israelis still feel loyal to him. For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Top officials said already gearing up for 2nd phase hostage talks, ahead of schedule Israel said to tell Hamas it expects Arbel Yehud to be among next freed hostages Farewell Herzi Halevi, uniformed embodiment of our national tragedy, leader of the fightback IDF chief Halevi’s resignation letter: Oct. 7 failure will stay with me for rest of my life Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves. IMAGE: Varda Ben Baruch, grandmother of Idan Alexander who is held hostage by Hamas in Gaza, holds a sign as she stands outside the Prime Minister's office in Jerusalem, January 23, 2025. (Photo by Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ya'akov Katz is back to discuss the wild week we've had here. I caught up with him on Wednesday evening, Israel time, and had intended to focus on the resignation the day before of IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi. But, of course, we spent more than half our time discussing the terrible hostage deal that we agree was absolutely necessary. And we get into how the deal might unfold in the coming weeks. Then, we got into the Halevi thing. Herzi Halevi was in office on October 7, and shortly after the disaster, he said he was responsible and would resign. Soon. More recently he had indicated he'd step down in June, but that was suddenly moved up. It's no secret that PM Netanyahu wants Halevi gone—and he has made it very clear that he assigns blame for October 7 to the IDF and Shin Bet. When it comes to his own government and the fact that he is the man at the top of the pyramid, Netanyahu balks. So. Halevi is going—but not until the first stage of this hostage deal is done. Minister of Defense, Yisrael Katz, is regarded as Bibi's guy. He is also not taken terribly seriously by the defense establishment. That may or may not be fair, but it is a fact. The replacement for Halevi will be chosen by Netanyahu. Not Katz. And that person faces an unenviable challenge: restore public trust in the IDF and take a hard look at the army's entrenched bureaucracy and how that needs to be revamped. As always, Yaakov and I spare no one and seem to agree on pretty much everything this week! Listen to the podcast here or watch on YouTube….link below.State of Tel Aviv is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Yaakov Katz is an Israeli-American author and journalist. Between 2016 and 2023, Yaakov was editor-in-chief of The Jerusalem Post where he continues to write a popular weekly column.He is the author of three books: “Shadow Strike – Inside Israel's Secret Mission to Eliminate Syrian Nuclear Power”, “Weapon Wizards—How Israel Became a High-Tech Military Superpower” and “Israel vs. Iran: The Shadow War.”Prior to taking up the role of editor-in-chief, Yaakov served for two years as a senior policy adviser to Naftali Bennett during his tenure as Israel's Minister of Economy and Minister of Diaspora Affairs.In 2013, Yaakov was one of 12 international fellows to spend a year at the Nieman Foundation for Journalism at Harvard University.Originally from Chicago, Yaakov has a law degree from Bar Ilan University. He lives in Jerusalem with his wife Chaya and their four children. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.stateoftelaviv.com/subscribe

After Israel’s top general announced his resignation, the race is on for the next IDF chief of general staff. Defense Minister Yisrael Katz is to begin interviewing candidates in the coming days for the role of IDF chief. Reporter Arieh O’Sullivan spoke with Yonah Jeremy Bob, the senior Jerusalem Post military analyst and author of "Target Teheran," about the top candidates for the post and their challenges. (photo: flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

IDF chief of staff Lt.-Gen. Herzi Halevi announced he will resign on March 6, taking responsibility for the Israeli military's October 7 failures. Brig-Gen. (res.) Yossi Kuperwasser, former head of the research division of IDF Military Intelligence, spoke to KAN reporter Naomi Segal about the developments. (Photo: IDF Spokesperson's Unit) 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 reporter Emanuel Fabian joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. This morning, a “final round” of Gaza truce talks was due to start in Qatar. According to AFP, today’s meetings “are aimed at finalizing the remaining details of the deal,” with the heads of Israel’s intelligence agencies, the Middle East envoys for the incoming and outgoing US administrations, and Qatar’s prime minister present. Mediators are to meet separately with Hamas officials, the source says. Fabian explains what he knows so far about security arrangements that may be put in place in Gaza in the event of a ceasefire. Five Israel Defense Forces soldiers were killed and 10 were wounded in an explosion in northern Gaza on Monday, the military said, raising Israel’s toll in over 15 months of fighting in the Strip to 407. The slain troops were all serving with the Nahal Brigade’s Reconnaissance Unit. On Saturday, four soldiers were killed and six were wounded during fighting, also in the northern Gaza Strip. We hear initial findings about these two terrible incidents. The IDF said Monday it had struck several Hezbollah sites in Lebanon overnight, saying the targets violated the terms of the ceasefire agreement. It said it did so after the international ceasefire monitoring mechanism failed to address them, despite being advised on the matter. This is not the first time -- and it's likely not the last, says Fabian. Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels launched ballistic missiles within hours of each other on Monday evening and early Tuesday morning, triggering sirens that sent hundreds of thousands of Israelis rushing into shelters. This comes after a Friday night retaliatory attack by the Israeli Air Force against Houthi targets in Yemen. Fabian shares why the Houthis may not yet be deterred. IDF Deputy Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Amir Baram on Friday notified his commander, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, that he would leave his role as planned at the end of February. Is it because he wants Halevi's job instead? For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Israeli officials: Deal will see 33 hostages freed in 1st stage, most of them alive Five soldiers killed, 10 wounded in explosion in northern Gaza, IDF says IDF announces 4 soldiers killed, 6 wounded during fighting in northern Gaza IDF says it hit Hezbollah sites after ceasefire monitors failed to address threats For second time in hours, Houthi missile at Israel triggers cross-country sirens Couple, out for walk after overnight sirens, find chunk of Houthi missile on their roof 20 Israeli jets attack two ports and a power plant used by Houthis in Yemen IDF deputy chief of staff requests to step down, indicates he hopes to succeed Halevi Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves. IMAGE: Pictures in Jerusalem of Israelis held hostage by Hamas terrorists in Gaza, January 13, 2025. (Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, I'm joined by my colleague Yaakov Lappin to discuss the appalling comments made by former IDF Chief of Staff Moshe ‘Bogie' Yaalon against the Israel Defense Forces, including a false accusation that Israel is engaged in ethnic cleansing in the Gaza Strip. We then discuss the implications of President Trump's tweeted ultimatum to the captors of Israel's hostages and we round out the show discussing the chaos spreading across Syria and what that might mean for Israel. Enjoy!To Register For The MirYam Institute Annual Regional Briefing on Tuesday, December 10 in NYC, click on the link below:MirYam Institute Annual Benefit Briefing 2024 miryaminstitute.orgSupport the showThe MirYam Institute. Israel's Future in Israel's Hands.Subscribe to our podcast: https://podfollow.com/1493910771Follow The MirYam Institute X: https://bit.ly/3jkeUyxFollow Benjamin Anthony X: https://bit.ly/3hZeOe9Like Benjamin Anthony Facebook: https://bit.ly/333Ct93Like The MirYam Institute Facebook: https://bit.ly/2SarHI3Follow Benjamin Anthony Instagram: https://bit.ly/30m6uPGFollow The MirYam Institute Instagram: https://bit.ly/3l5fvED

Former Defense Minister and IDF Chief of Staff Moshe "Boogie" Ya'alon threw Israel under the bus over the weekend, accusing the Jewish State of carrying out "ethnic cleansing" against the Arabs population in Gaza. His despicable comments have already been used by Israel-haters and Anti-semites around the world in the PR battle against Israel. On this week's Israel Uncensored, Josh Hasten says that Ya'alon's hatred of the current government led by Prime Minister Netanyahu, is so strong, he was willing to give a victory to those seeking Israel's demise.

In this episode, I sit down with Yaakov Lappin to discuss the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon - and we quickly arrive at points of very significant disagreement. We then discussed the ongoing war inside the Gaza Strip and the implications the ceasefire deal with Lebanon might have on that theatre before we quickly tackle the question of the fate of the IDF Chief of Staff, Hertzi Halevi and the readiness of Israel's northern citizens to return to their homes. Finally, you can still purchase tickets to The MirYam Institute Annual Regional Briefing, taking place on Tuesday, December 10th in Manhattan. Full speaker details and ticket purchase are available via this link.Support the showThe MirYam Institute. Israel's Future in Israel's Hands.Subscribe to our podcast: https://podfollow.com/1493910771Follow The MirYam Institute X: https://bit.ly/3jkeUyxFollow Benjamin Anthony X: https://bit.ly/3hZeOe9Like Benjamin Anthony Facebook: https://bit.ly/333Ct93Like The MirYam Institute Facebook: https://bit.ly/2SarHI3Follow Benjamin Anthony Instagram: https://bit.ly/30m6uPGFollow The MirYam Institute Instagram: https://bit.ly/3l5fvED

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Military reporter Emanuel Fabian joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. Fabian was in Lebanon last week, where troops have pushed into the “second line of villages,” about 4-5 miles from the border. He describes what he saw and speaks about a briefing he had with a senior Israeli defense official, who told reporters Thursday that there is a substantial chance of Israel reaching a ceasefire agreement in Lebanon. Five Hamas terrorists who participated in the October 7 onslaught were killed in a recent airstrike in the northern Gaza Strip, the Israel Defense Forces announced on Friday, noting that two were commanders who led the massacre and kidnapping of civilians from the Mefalsim area during the brutal attack. Fabian updates us on what is going on inside Gaza right now, even as winter rains are approaching. This morning, Defense Minister Israel Katz said he will not approve the promotion of two officers from the IDF Southern Command until their role in the failures of October 7 are investigated. This comes after IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi announced a new round of senior appointments in the military, including 11 new brigadier generals and four new colonels, as well as six brigadier generals and 19 colonels who are moving to new positions at the same rank. We discuss several of the new appointments and some of the pressures on Katz. Emirati authorities have found the body of Rabbi Zvi Kogan, an emissary to Abu Dhabi's Chabad chapter missing since Thursday, the Prime Minister's Office and Foreign Ministry said in a joint statement Sunday. This is a developing story, but Fabian describes what we know so far. For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel's ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Aiming to enable return of displaced Israelis, IDF pushes deeper into south Lebanon Woman lightly wounded as Hezbollah fires rockets and drones at center, north Defense official says major chance for Lebanon truce after US envoy visits for talks IDF says it killed five Hamas terrorists who led Mefalsim area massacres on Oct. 7 Body of slain Chabad rabbi found in UAE; Israel condemns ‘antisemitic act of terror' Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves. IMAGE: Lt. Col. Roi Katz, a battalion commander in the 188th Armored Brigade in southern Lebanon, November 20, 2024. (Emanuel Fabian/Times of Israel)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

**The sound of a siren warning of rocket fire is heard in this episode of the Haaretz Podcast** Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's "gamble" on extending the war in Gaza in anticipation of Donald Trump winning the U.S. election seems to have paid off, according to Haaretz senior military analyst Amos Harel. In conversation with Haaretz Podcast host Allison Kaplan Sommer, Harel said that Netanyahu "kept promising total victory, what he actually had was sort of a Forever War. It was not forever, but he was waiting for November, and for January 20 and for his friend Trump to be back in the White House." What is the Israeli premier hoping to get out of his bet? Harel believes that in renewing the Bibi-Trump bromance, Netanyahu believes he can win U.S. support for measures that will stop his criminal trial - Trump after all, will certainly sympathize - and move ahead with the judicial coup that will damage Israeli democracy. Also on the podcast, Harel discusses and explains what stood behind Netanyahu's  decision to fire Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on the day of the U.S. election, and his not-so-veiled threat that the IDF Chief of Staff and head of Shin Bet security service may be next if they don't fall in line.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 reporter Emanuel Fabian joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. Three Israeli men were shot dead by a terrorist at the Allenby Bridge crossing between Jordan and the West Bank. The assailant, reportedly a truck driver from Jordan, arrived at the terminal and opened fire at the crossing's employees. One of the three victims of the terror shooting attack at the Allenby Bridge Crossing this morning is named as Yohanan Shchori, 61, from the West Bank settlement of Ma'ale Efraim. The second victim of the shooting attack at the Allenby Bridge crossing is named as Yuri Birnbaum, 65, from the West Bank settlement of Na'ama. An American woman was shot and killed by IDF troops during a protest near Nablus in the northern West Bank on Friday. Separately, a 13-year-old Palestinian girl was reported shot dead when extremist settlers stormed a village near Nablus and clashed with villagers. We learn about both incidents. Two Palestinian Islamic Jihad battalion commanders were killed in a recent Israeli airstrike in the Gaza Strip. Also on Saturday, the IDF said it had carried out airstrikes on command rooms operating from two former schools in Gaza City. We learn first about the strikes in the school compounds and then hear about a strike in the humanitarian zone near a hospital that killed the two PIJ commanders. More than 50 rockets were launched from Lebanon at the Galilee Panhandle and Kiryat Shmona area overnight, some of which impacted Kiryat Shmona, causing damage. On Friday, during a tour of the Golan Heights, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi said the IDF is “very focused” on fighting Hezbollah and preparing offensive actions in Lebanon against the Iran-backed terror group. What is offensive is Halevi referring to? For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel's ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: 3 Israelis killed in terror shooting at crossing between West Bank and Jordan US activist said shot dead by IDF at W. Bank protest; girl killed as settlers storm village Two PIJ commanders killed in IDF strike in central Gaza, IDF and Shin Bet say IDF says over 50 rockets fired at north overnight; some damage, no injuries Military ‘very focused' on fighting Hezbollah, prepping offensive, IDF chief says Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod Waves. IMAGE: Police at the scene where three Israelis were killed in a terror shooting attack at Allenby Bridge, a crossing between West Bank and Jordan, September 8, 2024. (Yonatan Sindel/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 reporter Emanuel Fabian and reporter Canaan Lidor join host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi held an assessment and approved battle plans for “the various fronts,” the military said yesterday, as the country braced for an attack from Iran and its Lebanese proxy Hezbollah. How is the IDF ramping up its preparations for "peak alertness"? The military wing of Hamas on Monday said that members of the terror group assigned to guard Israeli hostages killed a male captive and seriously wounded another two female hostages. The Israel Defense Forces said it could neither confirm nor deny the claim. Fabian tells us what little we know. The United Nations Security Council is set to meet today to discuss Gaza in the wake of this weekend's Israeli airstrike on what it says was a terror HQ inside a school that was being used as a shelter. Fabian updates with new numbers of terrorists killed during Saturday's strike. In a petition filed Sunday to the Tel Aviv District Court, 14 Tel Aviv residents and the Rosh Yehudi group accused the municipality of facilitating sex-segregated prayers on public grounds by Muslims on their holidays, while preventing similar activities by Jews on Yom Kippur and beyond. Lidor gives background to this tinderbox issue. Today is the annual Jewish day of mourning, Tisha B'Av. Lidor notes a sad new addition to the lamentations traditionally recited today. For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel's ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: IDF on ‘peak alert' for Iran, Hezbollah attacks; US expects it may happen this week IDF chief approves multi-front battle plans as Israel girds for Iran, Hezbollah attack Hamas says its guards killed a hostage, wounded two others; IDF investigating claim IDF names another 12 Hamas, Islamic Jihad terrorists killed in Gaza school strike Sidelined by war, fight over gender-segregated prayer in Tel Aviv resumes in court October 7 trauma reconnects Israelis with a 2,000-year-old Jewish day of mourning Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.  IMAGE: Jewish men pray during Tisha B'Av, at the Wall Western, in the Old City of Jerusalem, August 13, 2024. (Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.