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 for today’s episode.
Magid reviews the leadup to US President Donald Trump’s inauguration into office as the 47th president of the United States, including his role in the Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal that began with the release of three hostages on Sunday. Magid points out that reaching the second phase of the deal may be more difficult, due to the pressures on Netanyahu’s coalition government and the prime minister’s desire to continue fighting Hamas in Gaza.
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Magid also examines Trump’s and Netanyahu’s supporters and speculates on who has sway over the two leaders.
Magid discusses Trump’s comments during the inauguration rally as he invited hostages’ families and former hostage Noa Argamani onstage and then spoke about releasing the January 6, 2021, “hostages” — meaning those arrested for their roles in the US Capitol riot.
After the inauguration and rally, says Magid, Trump signed several orders, including revoking the Biden sanctions against violent Israeli settlers, revoking the Biden order that removed Trump’s 2020 sanctions on the International Criminal Court, and ordering a 90-day pause in foreign development assistance.
Finally, Magid notes, Trump said the Gaza ceasefire may not hold and called the war in Gaza “their war, not our war,” perhaps as a way for Trump to eventually distance himself from the region.
For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog.
Trump looks to ride on success of hostage deal as he readies to take oath of office
On day one, Trump rolls back Biden sanctions regime targeting violent Israeli settlers
Trump orders 90-day pause in foreign development assistance, likely impacting Palestinians
Trump revokes Biden order that removed his 2020 sanctions on the ICC
Trump believes Israeli-Saudi normalization can be reached ‘soon’
Trump says not confident Gaza deal will hold through all three phases
‘I thought I’d die in Gaza’: First testimonies from freed hostages released
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