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.
It is day 207 of the war with Hamas. Diplomatic reporter Lazar Berman joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode.
Reports about a potential hostage release deal are, as ever, a rollercoaster of emotions: Yesterday, headlines were filled with positive signs, but today we’re hearing that Israel has decided it will not be sending a delegation to Cairo for hostage talks yet. Berman gives us a sense of where things stand now.
US Congress members from both parties have reportedly warned of retaliation from Washington, amid fears that the International Criminal Court may issue warrants against Israelis, concerned that the move could sink the hostages-for-truce agreement in the works between Israel and Hamas. We hear why the court may suddenly issue these warrants for alleged war crimes perpetrated by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi -- or at least, why the issue is suddenly in the news again.
Several European member states are expected to recognize Palestinian statehood by the end of May, the European Union’s foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said on Monday at the sidelines of a World Economic Forum special meeting in Riyadh. Which states and what could this mean for Israel on the international stage?
An overwhelming majority of Americans believe Israel should go ahead with an offensive in Rafah to end the war against Hamas, according to a new Harvard CAPS Harris poll. Berman shares his experience of overwhelming support for Israel while he was recently in the US.
For the latest updates, please see The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog.
Discussed articles include:
Blinken hopes Hamas takes Israel’s ‘extraordinarily generous’ truce offer
US lawmakers threaten retaliation against UN court over potential Israel arrest warrants
What is the International Criminal Court and why does it worry Israeli leaders?
Israel working to block feared ICC arrest warrants against PM, others over Gaza war
EU top diplomat: At least 5 countries expected to recognize Palestinian state in May
Over 70% of US voters back Israeli offensive in Rafah to defeat Hamas — poll
THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel
THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown
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IMAGE: A protester with a zipper over her mouth holds a poster showing pictures of Israeli hostages taken captive by Hamas and other terrorists in Gaza during the October 7 attacks, during a demonstration calling for their release in the Israeli coastal city of Tel Aviv on April 27, 2024. (Jack Guez / AFP)
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Day 185 - With Gaza troop drawdown, PM marches to Biden's drum
BONUS - Philosopher Dr. Micah Goodman analyzes six months of war
Day 184 - A guided tour of the fronts after six months of war
Day 183 - After Biden's 'or else' call, is more aid reaching Gaza?
Day 182 - Israel to open port, border crossing to get aid to Gaza
Day 181 - Israel braces for possible retaliatory Iran strike
Day 180 - Knesset protests, Haredi draft and maybe Israeli cocoa
Day 179 - Fingers pointed at IAF over strikes in Gaza and Syria
Day 178 - Why Israel contests UN's Gaza famine claims
Day 177 - Did the IDF lay a trap for Hamas at Shifa Hospital?
Day 176 - Palestinian Authority rebrands with White House help
Day 175 - Historic High Court ruling may propel haredi draft
Day 174 - Haredi draft bill looms; Netanyahu spins and flipflops
Day 173 - IAF flies deep into Lebanon, Hezbollah rocket kills man
Day 172 - As US abstains at UN, Hamas hardens its demands
Day 171 - IDF battalion head: Hamas's 'fighting spirit' is broken
Day 170 - All fronts active as Gallant heads to DC
Day 169 - UN’s Gaza aid head: Situation slightly less desperate
Day 168 - Kotel prayers for hostages; US rabbi reports support is hard
Day 167 - The Israeli PM is (again) a partisan issue in the US
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