The Times of Israel Daily Briefing All sides claim war victory. They can't all be right
4 snips
Apr 9, 2026 
David Horovitz, editor and senior journalist on Israeli and regional affairs, breaks down the muddled two-week ceasefire between the U.S., Israel and Iran. He unpacks Pakistan’s surprise mediator role and confusion over who speaks for Tehran. He examines whether the truce covers Lebanon and how each side claims victory amid unresolved strategic goals.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Night Of Sirens After The Social Media Ceasefire Post
- The ceasefire post triggered immediate Iranian missile fire and sirens, then calmed into a tentative lull overnight.
- David Horovitz recounts the timeline: Trump posted, missiles flew, then both sides gradually held fire.
Abrupt Ceasefire Created Strategic Confusion
- The ceasefire announcement was abrupt and unilateral, posted by Donald Trump on Truth Social at 1:32 Israel time and caused immediate confusion and sirens.
- Israel agreed to comply but negotiations and the framework remain unclear, with talks tentatively set for Saturday led by J.D. Vance.
Prepare For Rapid Reescalation During Talks
- Expect instability: negotiations may fail and fighting could resume quickly, so maintain readiness and skepticism about declared pauses.
- Both the US and Iran want an end for different reasons, but that doesn't guarantee durable agreement.