

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

14 snips
Mar 26, 2026 • 24min
Premature ceasefire will not neutralize Iran's potent threat
David Horovitz, founding editor of The Times of Israel and veteran Middle East commentator, offers strategic analysis of the campaign against Iran and its nuclear ambitions. He contrasts U.S. and Israeli approaches to escalation. He examines Hezbollah's resilience in Lebanon and the complexities of demilitarizing Gaza. The conversation looks at risks of a premature ceasefire and efforts to spark change inside Iran.

9 snips
Mar 25, 2026 • 39min
Are Gulf states poised to enter Iran war?
Ksenia Svetlova, former Knesset member and Middle East expert, now leading ROPES and a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council. She maps Gulf–Iran relations, traces the origins of Iran’s ‘ring of fire’ proxy campaign, assesses why Gulf states might move from diplomacy to action, and evaluates Gulf militaries’ likely roles and Iran’s regime resilience.

13 snips
Mar 24, 2026 • 35min
Trump shocks, and dismays, with news of Iran talks
Jacob Magid, U.S. bureau chief for The Times of Israel and lead reporter on American and regional diplomacy, breaks down President Trump’s surprise claim of talks with Iran and a last-minute pause on strikes. He outlines who’s mediating, why Gulf states seek long-term damage rather than a quick ceasefire, shifts in U.S. military posture, and a new phased proposal to disarm Gaza.

15 snips
Mar 23, 2026 • 27min
All eyes on the Strait of Hormuz as world awaits next move
Lazar Berman, diplomatic correspondent versed in Middle East diplomacy and military affairs. He breaks down why all eyes are on the Strait of Hormuz and how Tehran might respond. He outlines possible U.S. military moves and who might join them. He also discusses mounting tensions in southern Lebanon and the prospect of a wider Israeli ground operation.

23 snips
Mar 22, 2026 • 20min
Amid missile strikes and rainstorms, IAF hunts Iranian launchers
Emanuel Fabian, Times of Israel military correspondent with frontline reporting on Israeli operations, provides on-the-ground analysis. He discusses missile interception rates and missed strikes in Dimona and Arad. He outlines efforts to track and hit Iranian air defenses, nuclear-related sites and dispersed missile launchers. He also covers IDF operations in southern Lebanon and Hezbollah rocket and drone campaigns.

13 snips
Mar 21, 2026 • 43min
Matti Friedman: Israel's forever wars in Lebanon
Matti Friedman, author and journalist known for Pumpkin Flowers and Out of the Sky, discusses myth-busting stories of WWII parachutists like Hannah Senesh. He also revisits Lebanon through personal reporting, exploring repeated Israeli military cycles, Hezbollah’s autonomy, and the limits of a decisive victory. Short, vivid conversations connect history, symbolism, and present-day strategic dilemmas.

Mar 21, 2026 • 53min
Jordan Hoffman on the Oscars: Tribe pride and Israel vilified
Jordan Hoffman, film critic known for sharp pop-culture takes, gives a lively take on the Oscars and awards season. He highlights big snubs and surprising Jewish moments at the ceremony. He breaks down political statements on the carpet and stage. Then he turns to the new Superman, tracing the hero's Jewish roots and debating controversial canon changes.

Mar 20, 2026 • 35min
Caroline Glick: Why we went back to war in Iran
Caroline Glick, veteran conservative journalist and former international affairs adviser to Benjamin Netanyahu, discusses why Israel returned to war with Iran. She explains Iran's regrouping and covert nuclear moves. She details Israel-US coordination, goals to degrade Iran's military reach, and efforts to shape conditions for Iranian internal change. Regional alliances and the conflict's endgame are also covered.

9 snips
Mar 19, 2026 • 24min
Israelis grapple with Iran’s attritional missile fire
David Horovitz, founding editor of The Times of Israel and longtime analyst of Israeli politics and security, walks through Israel's struggle with Iranian and Hezbollah missile barrages. He explains the chaos of cluster warheads and airport disruptions. He outlines how daily life is coping under sustained strikes and the high-stakes strategic dilemmas facing regional leaders.

10 snips
Mar 18, 2026 • 26min
After Larijani assassination, who's holding the wheel in Iran?
Lazar Berman, diplomatic correspondent with expertise in Middle East and Iranian politics. He describes Iran’s missile barrages and the impact of Ali Larijani’s assassination on regime leadership. He breaks down power struggles between the IRGC and clerical establishment. He outlines how Iran’s institutions operate and how international players like China and India are reacting.


