The Times of Israel Daily Briefing

The Times of Israel
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Welcome to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing: Your update on what’s important in Israel, the Middle East and The Jewish World.

  1. 4h ago

    After election dust settles, who will be the last man standing?

    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. Editor David Horovitz joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. With the ballot count nearing an end, as of Thursday noon, the bloc led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is on track to win 53 seats in the 120-member Knesset, and the bloc led by Yashar party chair Gadi Eisenkot is at 48 seats, leaving both blocs far from a 61-seat majority. However, the two predominantly Arab parties are poised to win a record 19 seats between them, putting them in a potential kingmaker position. After Arab voters turned out in record numbers to vote in Tuesday’s election, hoping to oust Netanyahu and his far-right allies from the seat of power, will any of the Jewish Zionist party leaders reach out to combine forces? Borschel-Dan and Horovitz share opposing views. At the same time, Israeli news outlets are abuzz with headlines about Likud suspicions of foreign influence in the elections -- specifically that the Arab parties' campaigns were funded by Qatar. In a rare move, Central Elections Committee chair Justice Noam Sohlberg has asked the Shin Bet to look into these charges. Following our recording, reports surfaced that Shin Bet head David Zini had instigated the probe based on information provided to the security service before the election. (Check out the liveblog for updates on this changing story.) And finally, we discuss how the estimated 430,000 to 480,000 so-called “double envelope” ballots -- cast primarily by soldiers, diplomats stationed abroad and prisoners -- could influence the final results upon the conclusion of their count. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: With 90% of votes counted, Netanyahu bloc has 53 seats, Eisenkot’s 48; Arab parties surge to 19 Netanyahu vows to stick with far-right partners as Eisenkot seeks path to ‘bring change’ For pro-Israel diaspora, Israel’s Arab voters are a point of pride. For Israeli Jews, they’re a national security threat Progressive US Jews call for Eisenkot-led opposition bloc to welcome Arab parties Last-to-be-counted ‘double envelope’ votes could shift Knesset seats, but not balance of power Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Yitzchak Ledee. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    After election dust settles, who will be the last man standing?

  2. 1d ago

    Israel voted in droves. What comes next?

    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. Political correspondents Tal Schneider and Ariela Karmel join host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. Both Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Yashar party chief Gadi Eisenkot gave celebratory remarks after exit poll results came in on Tuesday night, with each vowing to be the one to establish the next government. As Wednesday's dawn broke, the Netanyahu bloc began to pull ahead and we discuss what this may -- or may not -- mean. One of the standout takeaways from yesterday was the massive percentage of voters -- the highest since 1999 -- and most especially in the Arab community. The duo weigh in on why this surge in the Arab community took place and how it may influence coalition calculations. There's one man who has already claimed victory, and that is US President Donald Trump, who on Wednesday credited his endorsement of Netanyahu for boosting the premier in the Knesset election. Schneider explains why this may not be fake news. Check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: Eisenkot and Netanyahu each vow to form next coalition, even as exit polls predict stalemate ‘He’s united Arab Israelis’: Ben Gvir’s harsh policies drive high turnout in Arab towns Trump takes credit for Netanyahu’s election boost after endorsement Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Ari Schlacht. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Israel voted in droves. What comes next?

  3. 2d ago

    Higher Arab turnout could mean evening lines, delayed exit polls

    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. Political correspondent Tal Schneider joins host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode. As election day begins, Schneider discusses recent statements made by candidates, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s comments regarding possible economic sanctions against Israel and his suggestion of an alternative economy of cryptocurrency. With a high turnout expected among Arab voters, pushing for a new government that will tackle the intensive crime problem in the local Arab population, Schneider notes that many will vote later in the day, possibly delaying exit polls. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: Netanyahu: Israel should ready for global sanctions, use blockchain to circumvent them Bank of Israel, opposition heads pan Netanyahu’s proposal to use crypto to evade sanctions Netanyahu’s crypto bet signals a dangerous readiness to accept economic isolation Turnout among Israel’s Arab voters could make or break hopes to unseat Netanyahu Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Ari Schlacht. IMAGE: Political correspondent Tal Schneider appears on the Daily Briefing with host Jessica Steinberg (Flash 90) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Higher Arab turnout could mean evening lines, delayed exit polls

  4. 3d ago

    Legal groups brace for right-wing interference at Arab polls

    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. Legal correspondent Jeremy Sharon joins host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode. As Election Day approaches, Sharon discusses the civil and legal rights organizations that filed legal motions to ensure Likud and Religious Zionist party activists don’t intimidate Arab voters, including a motion to prohibit polling station officials from bearing firearms on site. The parties had announced plans to send some 2,000 activists to polling stations in Arab towns and cities, supposedly to prevent “fraudulent votes.” There hasn’t been much serious discussion of the judicial reform agenda during the election campaign, reports Sharon, who asked all major political parties to detail their legal reform plans. Most major parties provided at least some details, but Sharon noted the lack of attention paid to one of the most contentious political agendas advanced by a government in recent decades. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: Civil rights groups increasing efforts to ensure election integrity ahead of vote A voter’s guide to judicial reform: The moves parties are planning after the election Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Yitzchak Ledee. IMAGE: Legal correspondent Jeremy Sharon appears on the Daily Briefing with host Jessica Steinberg (Flash 90) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Legal groups brace for right-wing interference at Arab polls

  5. 4d ago

    Slaying of two soldiers sparks widespread IDF op in Hebron

    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. Military correspondent Emanuel Fabian joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. Two Palestinian gunmen opened fire at a military checkpoint near the southern West Bank city of Hebron on Friday, killing two soldiers and wounding three in a gunfight that lasted for more than 20 minutes, before soldiers killed both attackers. A subsequent Israeli military operation in and outside the city of Hebron has displaced some 2,000 Palestinians from their homes as of Saturday evening, according to Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz. Fabian reports on the goals of the IDF's operation. We also discuss the greater question of ongoing West Bank violence -- from both sides. The Israeli Navy held a joint drill with the Hellenic Navy in the Mediterranean this week, the military said on Saturday. The drill involved Israeli missile boats and naval vessels from several Greek units, and the IDF said the forces “practiced a variety of operational scenarios," including “identifying and thwarting threats in the maritime domain, sailing as a joint force, and sinking an enemy vessel using missile fire.” Fabian weighs in on some of the motivations for this drill and whom it's really aimed at. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: 2 soldiers killed in West Bank shooting; IDF believes Palestinian gunmen planned larger attack IDF op in Hebron after soldiers’ killing displaces 2,000, Katz says; PM vows ‘big surprise’ for PA Israeli, Greek navies drill in Mediterranean, in apparent message to Turkey Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Ari Schlacht. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Slaying of two soldiers sparks widespread IDF op in Hebron

  6. 5d ago

    The Reel Schmooze on 'The In-Laws': How a shmendrik dentist and crazy CIA agent share a mid-life crisis

    Welcome to The Reel Schmooze with ToI film reviewer Jordan Hoffman and host Amanda Borschel-Dan, where we bring you all the entertainment news and film reviews a Jew can use. Continuing in our decade-by-decade comedy viewing, this week's featured Schmooze film is "The In-Laws." The 1979 comedic adventure stars the great Jewish actors Alan Arkin playing dentist Sheldon "Shelly" Kornpett and Peter Falk as Vince Ricardo, a loose-cannon CIA agent who initially poses as an eccentric businessman. The script's outlandish premise sees the soon-to-be in-laws travel to "Tijata," a small island south of Honduras, where they eventually meet the insane dictator, General Garcia, and his hand puppet. With slapstick humor and car chases, Hoffman was right back, chuckling away in his childhood living room. For Borschel-Dan, the highlight was the amazing 1970s clothing. Let’s hear who gave this film an “oy,” “meh” or the prized “not bad” this week on The Reel Schmooze. The Reel Schmooze is produced by Ari Schlacht and can be found wherever you get your podcasts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Reel Schmooze on 'The In-Laws': How a shmendrik dentist and crazy CIA agent share a mid-life crisis

  7. 6d ago

    A Mandatory Listen - Yossi Klein Halevi: Spiritually coping with this Israeli election

    Welcome to "A Mandatory Listen," a new weekly podcast in which The Times of Israel deputy editor Amanda Borschel-Dan asks the big questions facing Israel and the Jewish people. For this fifth episode in the new series, we speak with author Yossi Klein Halevi. A deep pre-election political conversation had been planned for this episode. However, in a conversation that could have been called "Mann tracht un Gott lacht" (Man plans and God laughs), Borschel-Dan and Klein Halevi firmly pivot away from the profane -- politics -- and veer toward the sacred. Spurred by questions on how he maintains equilibrium in the face of the fateful upcoming election, Klein Halevi, a longtime practitioner of meditation and Jewish spirituality, guides Borschel-Dan through his philosophical pillars. What is faith -- and in what God? What is the purpose of prayer, and who is it for? We hear some wisdom from Rabbi Abraham Isaac Kook's teachings, as well as a mix of Eastern philosophies. How does the activist aspect of Klein Halevi -- which sounds the shofar and warns the people of Israel of potential evils -- reconcile with the man of faith in the eternal nature of that same people? A Mandatory Listen podcast episodes are available for download on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Yitzchak Ledee. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    A Mandatory Listen - Yossi Klein Halevi: Spiritually coping with this Israeli election

  8. 6d ago

    Tamir Hayman: We should be worried about Israel's post-Oct. 7 security doctrine

    Welcome to The Times of Israel's Lazar Focus. Each Friday, join host diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman for a deep dive into what's behind the news that spins the globe. On Sunday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did something rare -- he convened a group of Israeli journalists to give a briefing on his new national security concept. A national security concept is no trivial matter. It affects how armies build their forces, how they fight wars, and how they think of core ideas like war and peace. Gen. (res.) Tamir Hayman, the head of the Institute for National Security Studies in Tel Aviv, argues that there is a new, unofficial national security concept that has emerged after the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023 and the subsequent wars. He says that peace is no longer the goal in this new concept, and instead there is openness to unending wars as the best way to guarantee security. Moreover, Jewish superiority is becoming a dominant belief, Hayman warns, in violation of Israel's Declaration of Independence. Hayman also cautions that Israel has no way of replacing its relationship with the US, not with other countries nor through autarky. It makes sense to be more self-sufficient, but Israel doesn't have a "diversification path." Hayman was the IDF's chief of military intelligence before Aharon Haliva, the general in office on October 7. He says that only a commission of inquiry will be able to truly provide answer on what went wrong in the leadup to the attack, and acknowledges that he should appear before the commission as well. He lays out several failures in intelligence during his tenure -- Israel never thought the Palestinians could lead the Iranian axis, it didn't take Hamas's attack plan seriously enough once it gained access to it, and there were 9 pieces of intelligence from October 4 that should have been evaluated in a more comprehensive manner.  On Iran, Hayman doesn't see many paths that don't lead to another military confrontation. "We are in a no-deal, no-strike situation," he says. "The conclusion unfortunately, is you need to do something." Lazar Focus is available on all podcast platforms. This episode was produced by Gabriella Jacobs and video edited by Ari Schlacht. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Tamir Hayman: We should be worried about Israel's post-Oct. 7 security doctrine
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Welcome to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing: Your update on what’s important in Israel, the Middle East and The Jewish World.

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