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.

US bureau chief Jacob Magid and political correspondent Tal Schneider join host Jessica Steinberg for today’s Daily Briefing podcast.

Magid and Schneider speak about the cautious optimism of some Israeli government officials regarding renewed hostage talks, amid the arrival of Jake Sullivan, the US national security adviser, to the region.

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Magid also looks at the request of Trump advisers who asked for the return of Hamas leaders to Qatar, viewing the Gulf country’s mediation efforts as vital to the hostage negotiations and wanting the entire situation completed by the January 20 inauguration.

Magid and Schneider discuss the latest in the Golan Heights and the IDF’s activity in the Syrian buffer zone following the rebel group takeover. Several European countries asked for restraint from Israel, not wanting Israel and the rebel groups to embark upon on an antagonistic relationship.

Finally, Schneider looks at the second day of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s criminal trial, as the prime minister claims he was never favored by any of the Israeli media that he attempted to influence but rather received hostile coverage.

For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog.

Sullivan heads to Israel for Biden administration’s likely final hostage deal push

1st hostage to return from Gaza meets Trump, urges him to do all he can to free captives

Security chiefs discuss hostage deal in Cairo as Israel sees growing chances

Trump aides asked Qatar to recall ousted Hamas chiefs in bid to revive hostage talks

Netanyahu argues ‘hostile’ Walla coverage, telecoms reforms prove bribery claims ‘absurd’

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.