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 joins host Jessica Steinberg on today’s episode.

Magid discusses the ongoing hostage negotiations, commenting that if a deal happens, it will probably take place closer to the January 20 inauguration date for US President-elect Donald Trump. Magid says that the Qatari negotiators are asking the Israeli government to be more flexible in its current mandate, as Hamas seeks assurances that Israel won’t return to fighting after the discussed first phase.

More from The Daily Briefing

Magid reviews some threatening comments made during a podcast interview by Mike Waltz, US President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for national security adviser. Waltz spoke about punishments and reprisals for those who take US hostages, with an emphasis placed by both Waltz and his would-be boss on the American hostages who are held in Gaza.

Magid speaks about a statement from US Ambassador to Israel Jack Lew asserting that a new report alleging famine in north Gaza was incorrect and that the data used was outdated. The unexpected statement was possibly a final shot by Lew as an outgoing ambassador, says Magid.

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

Hostage negotiators returning to Israel for ‘internal deliberations,’ says PM’s office

Trump national security pick threatens US hostage-takers with ‘bullet in forehead’

US calls new report asserting famine in north Gaza ‘outdated and inaccurate’

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.