The Times of Israel Daily Briefing

Nomi Kaltmann, Australia correspondent based in Melbourne covering protests and the Bondi Beach attack. She describes massive nationwide demonstrations against President Herzog, clashes and police responses in Sydney. Nomi also outlines safety fears within Jewish communities, political aims in Canberra, and divisions within Australian public and Jewish opinion.

A meditation on Emma Lazarus’s poem and how its meaning shifted from welcome to provocation. A critique of rising cruelty toward immigrants and state violence, including police tactics and silence from major institutions. A comparison of democratic failures in the U.S. and Israel and a call to define belonging by compassion rather than exclusion.

Emanuel Fabian, military correspondent who reports on Israel’s frontlines, explains a high-risk raid that netted a senior Lebanon operative. He walks through northern and Gaza border flareups, cross-border strikes, smuggling and drone threats. He also describes IDF contingency planning for a larger Gaza ground operation and a new all-female combat intelligence company.

Lazar Berman, diplomatic correspondent who analyzes Israeli and Middle East diplomacy, breaks down recent U.S.-Iran talks in Oman. He outlines who attended and what Iran gained. He explains why Netanyahu is racing to Washington, who might accompany him, and how U.S. military moves and Gaza tensions factor into regional calculations.

Jonathan Freedland, a London‑based Guardian columnist and BBC presenter, and Yonit Levi, a Channel 12 Israeli news anchor, reflect on five years of their Unholy conversations. They discuss how October 7 transformed their tone, the Israel–diaspora divides, podcast intimacy versus TV, and how weekly dialogue shaped their journalism and books.

Jordan Hoffman, film reviewer known for sharp takes and pop-culture commentary, digs into the polished, producer-guided portrait of Melania Trump and why it feels staged. He then revisits Woody Allen's Zelig, unpacking its mockumentary craft and cultural subtext. Expect lively takes, archival gags, and a quirky cottage cheese side quest.

William Daroff, CEO of the Conference of Presidents and longtime U.S.-Israel policy interlocutor, discusses the spike in antisemitism after October 7 and strategies to re-engage young American Jews. He recounts early White House coordination, strains with Netanyahu, Trump's approach to Hamas, Iran, Erdogan and Qatar, and the chances for a post-conflict reset in U.S.-Israel ties.

Jacob Magid, U.S. bureau chief for The Times of Israel and Middle East reporter, walks through possible U.S.-Iran talks in Oman and why the venue matters. He outlines a leaked Board of Peace draft that sidelines a Gaza panel. He explains the NCAG's role in Cairo and what Mahmoud Abbas’s surprise PLO parliament vote plan could mean for Palestinian politics.

David Horovitz, Editor of The Times of Israel and political commentator, discusses Gaza security and why Hamas remains armed. He covers Rafah’s limited reopening and a PA logo controversy. He links an Iranian drone shoot-down to looming US-Iran talks and outlines Israel’s red lines. He also touches on dairy reforms sparking farmer protests.

Lazar Berman, diplomatic correspondent covering Israeli foreign policy and Iran, walks through reopening of Rafah and its limits. He outlines what might be on the US–Iran agenda in Istanbul: nuclear file, missiles and regional proxies. He also discusses the chances of military action, U.S. force posture, and why diplomacy offers face-saving options for both sides.