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The Times of Israel Daily Briefing

The Times of Israel Daily Briefing

By: The Times of Israel
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Summary

Welcome to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing: Your update on what’s important in Israel, the Middle East and The Jewish World.

Politics & Government
Episodes
  • As personnel crisis looms, IDF needs Knesset legislation
    May 18 2026

    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.

    Military correspondent Emanuel Fabian joins host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode.

    While Israel's ceasefire with Lebanon was extended for 45 days, Fabian reports that on the ground, IDF troops and Hezbollah continue to trade attacks, fighting on a more limited scale, but still active.

    The Yellow Line in the Gaza Strip demarcates 53% of territory under Israel's control, and Fabian notes that the IDF has added another 7% of territory with the new 'Orange Line' placed just below the Yellow Line, enabling the coordination of the movement of humanitarian aid or convoys.

    The IDF has repeatedly warned of a severe personnel shortage, and Fabian discusses that the only way to solve it is with government legislation before the upcoming elections, including the Haredi draft law, extending mandatory service time, and clarifying reservist duty, rather than relying on emergency call-up orders.

    After a soldier was jailed for having a 'Messiah' patch on his uniform, Fabian reports that IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir came across the enlistee during a routine troop visit, and views this transgression as an example of IDF discipline issues that he wants to improve.

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

    For further reading:

    4 IDF troops wounded, one severely, by roadside bomb in south Lebanon

    ‘Now 60%’: Netanyahu admits Israel taking more territory in Gaza, despite ceasefire

    IDF warns of severe personnel shortages, last window to solve crisis with legislation

    Soldier jailed, commanders penalized after IDF chief calls out ‘Messiah’ patch

    In first remarks on ‘Messiah’ patch incident, IDF chief says ‘path to victory’ goes through a disciplined military

    Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Ari Schlacht.

    IMAGE: Military correspondent Emanuel Fabian joins host Jessica Steinberg for today's Daily Briefing (ToI)

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    24 mins
  • NYers protest Kristof sexual abuse article, say it foments hatred
    May 17 2026

    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 reporter Luke Tress joins host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode.

    Following Thursday's demonstration at The New York Times building regarding the Nicholas Kristof column about alleged systematic sexual abuse of Palestinian inmates in Israel, Tress notes that protestors discussed concerns about slanted coverage that can instigate violence against Jews or Israel-related targets.

    As New York's New School student government tries to defund its local Hillel chapter, accusing it of violent international crimes following recent student trips to Israel, Tress discusses the dispute and the trend toward colleges attempting to exclude chapters of the international Jewish student organization.

    An anti-Israel protest held in Midwood, a predominantly Jewish neighborhood in Brooklyn, showed the ability to get more personal and ugly than those held at public spaces, reports Tress.

    The presence of swastika graffiti has become more prevalent around New York City, notes Tress, and comes from both the far left, who want to demonize Israel and from far-right pro-Nazi movements.

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

    For further reading:

    Jews protest at New York Times office against column alleging systematic sexual abuse of Palestinians

    Accused of ‘blood libel,’ NYT defends column alleging Israeli rape of Palestinian inmates

    Citing Israel’s ‘international crimes,’ NYC student government trying to defund Hillel

    Anti-Zionist protesters march through NYC Jewish neighborhood, chanting for intifada

    On synagogues, playgrounds: In NY, swastika graffiti is increasingly common and rarely prosecuted

    Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Ari Schlacht.

    IMAGE: Military correspondent Emanuel Fabian joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's Daily Briefing. (ToI)

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    31 mins
  • 'Cast a Giant Shadow': A 1966 ode to Israel’s first general, Mickey Marcus
    May 16 2026

    Welcome to The Reel Schmooze with ToI film reviewer Jordan Hoffman and host Amanda Borschel-Dan, where we bring you all the entertainment news and film reviews a Jew can use.

    We roll out with three Jangles -- news with a Jewish angle. Borschel-Dan gives her favorite actress, 96-year-old June Squib, a shoutout for her recent Tony nomination for "Marjorie Prime." Hoffman discusses his recent discovery of a famous Jewish porn star and also the new reboot of "Lord of the Flies" which hints that one of the boys is Jewish.

    We then turn to "Cast a Giant Shadow," the 1966 biopic of Colonel Mickey Marcus. David Daniel "Mickey" Marcus was a complicated character who was foundational to the organization of what became the Israel Defense Force. The United States Army colonel, who was later dubbed Israel's first general, was also instrumental at the Nuremberg Trials.

    Kirk Douglas plays Marcus and the rest of the all-star cast includes Senta Berger, Yul Brynner, John Wayne, Frank Sinatra and Angie Dickinson.

    The movie maven and our host disagreed about the film, so stick around to see if "Cast a Giant Shadow" gets an "oy," "meh" or "not bad" in this week's The Reel Schmooze.

    The Reel Schmooze is produced by Ari Schlacht and can be found wherever you get your podcasts.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    45 mins
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