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.

Horovitz reviews the fraught, ongoing process of the hostage releases, both those that took place on Sunday and the four women expected to be released on Saturday. He notes how every day brings a new twist in the ceasefire and hostage release deal, and the terrifying moment of transfer in Gaza City on Sunday.

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He discusses some of the behind-the-scenes aspects of the ceasefire: how and why it finally came about, the cooperation between the Trump and Biden administrations, a weakened Hezbollah and the positioning of Hamas — along with the fact that it’s not an easy deal for Israel, but it will save hostages’ lives.

Looking ahead to phase two of the deal, hostages’ families plead for their loved ones. Horovitz discusses some of the politics that will enter that part of the process, and how it could affect the stability of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition.

Horovitz addresses the likelihood of the Palestinian Authority taking some portion of control over a postwar Gaza, and the tremendous amount of nuance involved in any discussion of that scenario.

Finally, he talks about the resignation of IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi, due to take effect in March, and what it has meant to have Halevi take responsibility for the military failures that led to October 7, as well as why many Israelis still feel loyal to him.

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

Top officials said already gearing up for 2nd phase hostage talks, ahead of schedule

Israel said to tell Hamas it expects Arbel Yehud to be among next freed hostages

Farewell Herzi Halevi, uniformed embodiment of our national tragedy, leader of the fightback

IDF chief Halevi’s resignation letter: Oct. 7 failure will stay with me for rest of my life

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.