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.
Diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman and diplomatic reporter Nava Freiberg join host Jessica Steinberg for today’s episode.
As US special envoy Steve Witkoff and adviser Jared Kushner meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss the state of the ceasefire, Berman reports on the diplomatic push and pull with Hamas and the delayed release of fallen hostages, in violation of said ceasefire.
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The US and Turkey are currently pressuring Israel to allow the safe release of some 100 Hamas fighters holed up in Gaza tunnels located on the Israeli-controlled side of the Yellow ceasefire line in southern Gaza’s Rafah, says Berman, in exchange for yesterday’s release of Hadar Goldin’s body, although that release was part of the initial hostage deal.
Iran appears to be preparing for another round of the conflict with Israel, and Berman discusses the lack of IAEA investigations into new Iranian nuclear sites.
Lebanon’s disarmament of the Hezbollah terrorist group seems to be taking place at a slower pace than its rearmament, says Berman, creating the potential for another Israeli operation to the north.
Following the release home of fallen soldier Hadar Goldin, Freiberg discusses the relentless struggle by the Goldin family over eleven years and their repeated calls to take a more aggressive stance against Hamas.
Check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing liveblog for more updates.
For further reading:
Netanyahu meets with Kushner on Gaza ceasefire, remaining hostages
Another Israel-Iran war increasingly seen as just a matter of time, NYT reports
Israel said to accuse Lebanese army of failing to prevent Hezbollah from rearming
Hamas announces it will return body of IDF soldier Hadar Goldin, held since 2014
After decade of deadlock, return of Hadar Goldin’s body may bring closure to captive nation
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