Day 475 - Tensions grow as next release of hostages nears

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.


Times of Israel founding editor David Horovitz
joins host Jessica Steinberg for today's
episode.


Horovitz reviews the fraught, ongoing process of the hostage
releases, both those that took place last Sunday and the four
living women expected to be released on Saturday. He comments on
how every day carries a new twist in the ceasefire and hostage
exchange, and the terrifying moment of transfer in Gaza City,
last Sunday.


He also talks about some of the behind-the-scenes aspects of the
ceasefire, how and why it finally came about, the cooperation
between the Trump and Biden administrations, the weakened
Hezbollah and positioning of Hamas, along with the fact that it's
not an easy deal for Israel, but it will save hostages' lives.


Discussion of phase two of the deal has also begun, as hostage
families plea for their loved ones' lives. Horovitz discusses
some of the politics that will enter that part of the process,
and how that could affect the stability of Netanyahu's political
coalition and what he might do about that.


Horovitz talks about the likelihood of the Palestinian Authority
taking some portion of control over Gaza, and the tremendous
amount of nuance involved in any discussion of that possibility.


Finally, he talks about the resignation of IDF Chief of Staff
Herzi Halevi, due to take effect in March, and what it has meant
to have Halevi take responsibility for the failures that led to
October 7, as well as why many Israelis still feel loyal to
him. 


For news updates, please check out The Times of
Israel’s ongoing live blog.


Discussed articles include:


Top officials said already gearing up for 2nd phase
hostage talks, ahead of schedule


Israel said to tell Hamas it expects Arbel Yehud to be
among next freed hostages


Farewell Herzi Halevi, uniformed embodiment of our
national tragedy, leader of the fightback


IDF chief Halevi’s resignation letter: Oct. 7 failure
will stay with me for rest of my life


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podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.


IMAGE: Varda Ben Baruch, grandmother of Idan Alexander who is
held hostage by Hamas in Gaza, holds a sign as she stands outside
the Prime Minister's office in Jerusalem, January 23, 2025.
(Photo by Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)


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