Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world.
US bureau chief Jacob Magid joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today’s episode.
On Saturday, US Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi “briefly spoke” together in Oman to kick off nuclear talks, which marks the first time the two nations have spoken directly to each other since the Obama administration. We learn about the US’s evolving “red line” and the Trump administration’s expected timeline.
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Hamas has reportedly turned down an Israeli offer for a six-week ceasefire in Gaza, which demanded that the group disarm. Magid weighs in on the stalled process, including what he’s hearing from one of the Arab negotiators.
The Palestinian Authority has formally invited the Trump administration to certify that Ramallah’s reform of its controversial welfare system, viewed as incentivizing terror, is being implemented, a US official and a PA official revealed to Magid on Friday. Magid explains the provisions of the Taylor Force Act, a 2018 congressional legislation that barred US economic aid that directly benefits the PA, and how the PA is attempting to comply.
This conversation can also be viewed here:
Please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog for more updates.
For further reading:
In swift reversal, Witkoff says any nuclear deal must ‘eliminate’ Iran’s enrichment, weaponization
Trump says he expects to make a decision on Iran’s nuclear program ‘very quickly’
Gaza hostage talks still stalled, official says, amid reports of incremental progress
Hamas said to reject Israeli proposal that it disarm as part of 6-week ceasefire
Hostage’s father to PM: How do you plan on freeing last captive without ending war?
PA invites US to verify that controversial prisoner payment system no longer in place
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