Daily Briefing Oct 31: Day 25 - defense minister describes phases of war

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world.

Knesset reporter Carrie Keller-Lynn and Tech Israel editor Sharon Wrobel join host Jessica Steinberg on today’s episode.

Today is day 25 of the war. The return of kidnapped soldier Ori Megidish, who was rescued by IDF forces in an overnight raid Sunday night, is proof according to Defense Minister Yoav Gallant that Israel can bring home hostages. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dismissed calls for a ceasefire, saying that would be a surrender to Hamas.

Keller-Lynn discusses the sit-down Gallant held with reporters in which he delineated phases of the war. He said it’s currently in its second phase, and he expects it will take many months to rid Gaza of Hamas.

Wrobel describes the situation at the Ashdod and Haifa ports, as international shipping companies respond to the war.

Keller-Lynn talks about her visit to Kibbutz Nir Oz with Hadas Calderon, who survived the October 7 massacre with two of her children, while her mother and niece were killed and her two other children and ex-husband are captives in Gaza.

Steinberg mentions the opening of Empty Beds, an installation at Jerusalem’s Safra Square of 230 beds, each representing a person taken captive or missing since October 7.

For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog .