Day 468 - The complexities of making a deal with the devil

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.


Editor David Horovitz joins host Amanda
Borschel-Dan for today's episode.


Last night, the prime minister of Qatar as well as both US
President Joe Biden and US President-elect Donald Trump announced
that a deal had been reached. Hamas leadership quickly declared
victory over Israel, but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has
continued to insist that the final deal has not been inked and
some outstanding details remain. At recording time on Thursday
noon, the deal was still not finalized. Horovitz describes what
we understand are the main specifics of the agreement.


According to a recent Israel Democracy Institute survey, more
than two-thirds of the public support a deal for the release of
all or some of the hostages. On the other hand, around a quarter
support continuing the military pressure on Hamas, which they
believe will lead to a more favorable deal for Israel in the
future. Horovitz explains the stances of some of the right-wing
protesters who demonstrated Wednesday night and are currently
demonstrating at the Knesset against a deal.


We hear about the drama also taking place inside the Knesset as
government members wrestle with their consciences to decide which
way to cast their votes -- and whether to dissolve the coalition.


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


Discussed articles include:


Get them all home


After 15 months of war, Israel and Hamas agree to a
ceasefire-hostage release deal


Biden: US-backed pressure on Iranian axis helped secure
hostage deal, end of Gaza war


On a deadline: How Biden and Trump brokered hostage deal
before ‘all hell’ broke loose


Hamas leader touts ceasefire as a defeat for Israel while
hailing Oct. 7 atrocities


Right-wing groups, including bereaved families, protest
pending hostage release deal


Hostage families on ‘roller coaster’ as they celebrate
deal, worry for loved ones’ fate


Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple
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podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.


IMAGE: Israeli protesters carry mock coffins draped in the
national flag of Israel during a protest against the ceasefire
with Hamas outside the Supreme Court in Jerusalem on January 16,
2025. (John Wessels / AFP)


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