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.

Zman Yisrael editor Biranit Goren joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today’s episode.

Two IDF divisions, made up of tens of thousands of troops, began expanded ground operations in Gaza City overnight as the army launches a “new stage” of its offensive against Hamas. The early stages of the offensive, dubbed “Gideon’s Chariots B” began several weeks ago with increased strikes on Hamas targets, including high-rise towers, and ground operations on the outskirts of Gaza City and in several neighborhoods in the city. We learn what is happening on the ground in Gaza City so far and the responses from the families of the 48 Israeli hostages held in the Strip, 20 of whom are presumed alive.

More from The Daily Briefing

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, while en route to Doha from Tel Aviv, announced that Qatar and the United States are on the verge of finalizing an enhanced defense cooperation agreement, after Israel’s attack targeting Hamas leaders in Qatar last week drew widespread condemnation. He also called for Qatar to continue its role as a mediator between Israel and Hamas on a ceasefire in the Gaza war. Goren discusses what we’re hearing from the Trump White House and how Israel could be connected to this finalized defense agreement.

In a speech yesterday evening, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israel is facing increasing isolation on the world stage and will have to become more self-reliant in the years to come. He said, “We will increasingly need to adapt to an economy with autarkic characteristics,” he said, using the term for economic self-sufficiency. Describing the ongoing war and its effects, he said, “We are Athens and Sparta. But we’re going to be Athens and super-Sparta,” he said. “There’s no choice; in the coming years, at least, we will have to deal with these attempts to isolate us.” Goren gives context and weighs in.

Check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing liveblog for more updates.

IDF begins major Gaza City ground offensive targeting Hamas; dozens of Gazans said killed

Hostage families camp outside PM’s home amid rumored start to Gaza City ground op

Alongside Rubio, Netanyahu claims Qatar strike succeeded because it sent a ‘message’

Netanyahu admits Israel is economically isolated, will need to become self-reliant

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