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.
Following Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s pre-recorded video statement Saturday night detailing his refusal to negotiate a deal that ends the Gaza war in exchange for the hostages going free, Horovitz discusses the anguish of the hostages’ families and their growing concern over the government’s plans. He explores Netanyahu’s stance on the war with Hamas amid growing skepticism and dismay, especially among the families of hostages, about the prime minister’s motivations.
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As the US and Iran head into more nuclear talks on Wednesday, following a round in Italy on Saturday, Horovitz considers the implications of these sessions and the role of special envoy Steve Witkoff, and explains the concerns over Israel’s security.
Finally, Horovitz takes a brief look at the latest spat in Qatargate, as lawyers for one of the main suspects go up against a spokesperson for the prime minister, and how the entire scandal connects to the move to oust Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar.
This conversation can also be viewed here:
Please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog for more updates.
For further reading:
Netanyahu: Won’t surrender to Hamas by ending war to get back hostages; can’t trick Hamas either
Israeli soldier killed in Hamas attack, in first since collapse of Gaza ceasefire
After Rome talks, Tehran says Iran and US ‘to start designing framework’ for nuclear deal
In public spat, lawyers for Qatargate suspect accuse Netanyahu spokesman of ‘hysteria’
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