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 Jessica Steinberg for today’s episode.
Following US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s Sunday visit in Israel, Berman discusses the seemingly coordinated statements made by Rubio and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The prime minister spoke about the deep synchronicity between him and the Trump administration, a relationship Netanyahu says he has cultivated for years, leading to an unprecedented opportunity for Israel.
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Berman notes that there did not seem to be any pressure to discuss the second phase of the hostage deal, until Trump’s Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff commented later in a Fox News interview that the second phase will happen, with talks taking place this week.
Following Witkoff’s statement, the Prime Minister’s Office said a negotiating team would go to Cairo for the talks, and the cabinet is meeting on it Monday night. Berman notes there appears to be pressure from the Trump team, but it’s unclear what Netanyahu wants.
There’s a paradox, notes Berman, regarding the second phase of the hostage deal, which calls for an end to the war — even as Israel and the US insist that Hamas cannot remain in power in Gaza.
Please see today’s ongoing live blog for more updates.
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For further reading:
Trump envoy says there will ‘absolutely’ be stage 2 of ceasefire, as talks continue
Hosting Rubio, Netanyahu says ‘gates of hell will surely open’ if all hostages not freed
Former Israeli hostage negotiator says Israel missed two windows for deal
Netanyahu cagey on Israel’s next steps as Trump deadline to free all hostages passes
Check out yesterday’s Daily Briefing episode here: