Day 500 - Trump team pushes for talks, unclear what PM wants

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
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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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