Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleWelcome 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 Tal Schneider and reporter Sue Surkes join host Jessica Steinberg for today’s episode.
As Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lands in the US, Schneider discusses the day planned for the Israeli leader ahead of his Monday evening meeting with US President Donald Trump in the White House, amid expectations for the announcement of a Gaza ceasefire.
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Schneider looks at the issues that still need to be resolved, including the specifics of hostage releases, aid distribution in Gaza, and who will manage Gaza if Hamas is no longer in power.
She also discusses the continuing clashes between Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, as Smotrich and his supporters accuse Zamir of being too weak in his handling of Gaza and he lashes back, with their arguments leaked to the media.
Surkes looks at what is happening at Haifa’s oil refineries after two Iranian missiles hit a plant, killing three workers and exacerbating environmental concerns, with calls to shut it down.
She also reports on residents from Gaza envelope communities being told by the government they can return home in the next weeks and months, although the nearby war can still be heard in their communities.
Check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing liveblog for more updates.
For further reading:
Heading to DC, Netanyahu seeks Gaza deal ‘on our terms,’ vows Hamas will be destroyed
Smotrich reportedly clashes with Zamir over aid distribution in Gaza: ‘You have failed enormously’
Missile that hit Haifa oil refinery brings renewed urgency to plant’s closure plan
Refinery hit by Iran missiles emitting ‘100 times higher than usual’ levels of benzene
State approves immediate return home of 7 of 13 worst-hit Gaza border communities
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