The Times of Israel Daily Briefing

Lazar Berman, diplomatic correspondent covering Middle East and Israeli affairs, explains U.S. military movements and what they reveal about a possible strike on Iran. He walks through carrier deployments, strike and defense capabilities, the chance of a prolonged campaign, Israel’s coordination with the U.S., and a brief media visit stirring controversy.

Rossella Tercatin, religion and archaeology reporter focused on heritage sites and Western Wall controversies, and Jeremy Sharon, settlements reporter tracking West Bank land policy and expansion, discuss moves to expand Israeli civilian control in Area C. They cover a revived land registration process, legal debates over de facto annexation, proposals to transfer archaeology oversight, and delays in upgrading the Western Wall egalitarian plaza.

Jacob Magid, U.S. bureau chief for The Times of Israel, provides concise reporting on U.S.-Middle East policy. He discusses upcoming indirect talks in Geneva over sanctions and nuclear demands. He outlines military timing and negotiation gaps. He covers the Board of Peace meeting, Gaza reconstruction pledges, and Israel’s 60-day disarmament ultimatum for Hamas.

David Horovitz, founding editor of The Times of Israel and longtime analyst of Israeli politics and security, breaks down tense US-Iran signals and Netanyahu’s shifting narrative about the war. He covers the violent attack on two female soldiers in Bnei Brak and concerns about police inaction. They also touch on the varied paths of former hostages rebuilding their lives.

Emanuel Fabian, a military correspondent who reports from the front lines, recounts on-the-ground scenes near Gaza and IDF responses. He discusses a tunnel incursion and unusual northern activity. He covers militias helping demolish tunnels, life at an IDF outpost, plans for a possible ground offensive, reservist cutbacks, David’s Sling tests and a probe into bets placed with alleged classified intel.

They discuss an Oscar-shortlisted Israeli short called The Butcher's Stain and why its themes of prejudice travel. They unpack Spike Lee's BlacKkKlansman, its undercover plot, casting choices, and surprising Jewish references. They also touch on festival politics, casting controversies, and how films land in today’s culture.

Alice Miller, CEO of Natan Worldwide Disaster Relief and former plaintiff who opened combat roles to women in the IDF, discusses leading international medical and psychosocial responses. She explains Natan’s work in Gaza after Oct. 7, how local partnerships and remote support run clinics, the dignity kits project, and how volunteers navigate security, vetting and bureaucracy to help children.

Amanda Borschel-Dan, journalist and foreign-policy analyst on Middle Eastern geopolitics. She breaks down the Saudi-UAE rivalry, shifting ties with Turkey and Qatar, and the role of Yemen and regional proxies. Short, sharp takes on Riyadh’s rhetoric versus its strategic moves and what that might mean for possible normalization with Israel.

Jacob Magid, U.S. Bureau Chief for The Times of Israel, offers on-the-ground reporting on U.S.-Israel ties. He unpacks the private Netanyahu–Trump White House meeting and competing U.S.-Israeli frames on Iran talks. He outlines the upcoming Board of Peace meeting, a new PA draft constitution, expanded Israeli West Bank measures, and a surprising AIPAC intervention in a New Jersey primary.

David Horovitz, veteran editor and analyst of Israeli politics, offers crisp context on Netanyahu’s Washington trip and Iran talks. He unpacks reported Indonesian plans for Gaza and the challenges of disarming Hamas. He analyzes recent Israeli moves to extend control in the West Bank and the political, demographic and democratic tensions those steps raise.