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.

Times of Israel founding editor David Horovitz joins host Jessica Steinberg for today’s episode.

With nuclear talks between the US and Iran planned for Saturday, Horovitz discusses the implications of this step and how Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared to be surprised by Trump’s announcement of the specifics of the diplomatic approach. He reviews past diplomatic efforts with Iran, and the role to be taken now by Steve Witkoff, Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, as well as what part Israel may play in potential military responses.

More from The Daily Briefing

There are still 59 Israeli hostages in Hamas captivity in Gaza, and Horovitz describes how Trump empathetically and patiently hosted three freed hostages at an event this week, and the president’s public grappling with what he’s been internalizing about Hamas brutality.

Horovitz also discusses the Israeli Air Force decision to dismiss the likely dozens of active reservists among the hundreds of veterans who signed a controversial letter urging that seeking the freedom of the hostages take priority over the continuation of the military campaign against Hamas.

Please see today’s ongoing liveblog for more updates.

IAF to dismiss reservists who signed letter demanding prioritization of hostages over war

Trump: Israel would ‘be the leader’ of strike on Iran if nuclear talks fall apart

‘We owe our lives to you’: Former Gaza hostages implore Trump to help free the rest

Attacked online by PM’s backers, ex-hostage hits back: ‘Wish death upon Hamas, not me’

Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.