Episode description

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.

Diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman joins host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode.

Following US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's Sunday visit in Israel, Berman discusses the seemingly coordinated statements made by Rubio and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The prime minister spoke about the deep synchronicity between him and the Trump administration, a relationship Netanyahu says he has cultivated for years, leading to an unprecedented opportunity in Israel's history.

Berman notes that there did not seem to be any pressure to discuss the second phase of the hostage deal, until Trump's Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff commented later on a Fox News interview that the second phase will happen, with talks happening this week.

Following Witkoff's statement, the Prime Minister's Office said a negotiating team would go to Cairo for the talks, and the cabinet is meeting Monday night. Berman notes there appears to be pressure from the Trump team, but it's unclear what Netanyahu wants.

There's a paradox regarding the second phase of the hostage talks, says Berman, which calls for the end of the war, yet Hamas can't remain in power in Gaza, and it still retains forces and power in the region.

Please see today's ongoing live blog for more updates.

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.

For further reading:

Trump envoy says there will ‘absolutely’ be stage 2 of ceasefire, as talks continue

Hosting Rubio, Netanyahu says ‘gates of hell will surely open’ if all hostages not freed

Former Israeli hostage negotiator says Israel missed two windows for deal

Netanyahu cagey on Israel’s next steps as Trump deadline to free all hostages passes

IMAGE: Protestors blocking Namir Road in Tel Aviv on the 500th day of captivity, with signs that read, 'President Trump, leave no hostage behind - 500 days in hell' on February 17, 2025 (Credit: Dana Reany/Israeli Pro-Democracy Protest Movement)

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