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.
Following US President Donald Trump’s announcement of a truce with the Houthis, Magid discusses Jerusalem’s surprise in light of the ongoing Houthi missile attacks on Israel, including one Sunday morning that hit inside the grounds of Ben Gurion International Airport.
More from The Daily Briefing
May 6, 2025Daily Briefing May 6: Day 578 - Israel strikes Yemen port in response to Houthis' attacks
May 5, 2025Daily Briefing May 5: Day 577 - IDF prepares to conquer and occupy Gaza
May 4, 2025Daily Briefing May 4: Day 576 - Houthi missile hits Ben Gurion Airport
May 1, 2025Daily Briefing May 1: Day 573 - Ben-Gurion's anguish upon the founding of Israel
May 1, 2025Daily Briefing Apr. 30: Day 572 - IDF commanders who sacrificed themselves to save recruits
Magid explores Israel’s new proposal for distributing humanitarian aid in Gaza to prevent Hamas from diverting resources and getting the food into Gazans’ hands. The plan includes working with humanitarian organizations and private US contractors and will allow some 60 trucks into Gaza daily through one border crossing. Food packages will be given directly to approved representatives of Palestinian families.
Trump is expected in the Middle East next week but isn’t including a stop in Israel. Magid examines how hostages’ families are viewing the trip as a possible opportunity to bring their loved ones home. Families have also expressed concern over recent statements from the US president, as well as Sara Netanyahu, the wife of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, that indicate there are fewer living hostages than thought.
Finally, Magid discusses a downgrading of US ties with the Palestinian Authority, with the elimination of the US Security Coordinator role, which helps bolster security coordination between Israel and the Palestinian Authority. It’s part of a reorganization of the State Department by Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing liveblog for more updates.
Trump announces US truce with Houthis, who say their strikes on Israel will continue
IDF planning major shift in Gaza aid delivery in bid to thwart Hamas diversion
US hostage families see Trump’s May trip to region as chance for loved ones’ return
US plans to eliminate security post tasked with bolstering Israel-PA security ties
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 and video edited by Thomas Girsch.