Day 454 - Gallant leaves the Knesset, but will he return?

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 bureau chief Jacob Magid joins host
Jessica Steinberg on today's show.


Magid discusses why former defense minister Yoav Gallant resigned
from the Knesset, which appears to be primarily due to his
opposition to legislation that would allow ultra-Orthodox men
exemptions from army service. The move is somewhat confusing,
given that Gallant's vote could have made a difference regarding
certain legislation, but he seems to be leaving as a political
move, to cement his future possibilities.


Magid looks at why the hostage talks are reported to have
stalled, with obstacles that included Prime Minister Benjamin
Netanyahu's not offering a viable alternative as to who would
fill the void of Hamas leadership in Gaza, and the Hamas stance
that it can't locate all the remaining hostages held in Gaza.


He also reviews a Palestinian Authority crackdown on armed terror
groups in Jenin in the northern West Bank, and its relationship
to the fall of Assad to rebel groups in Syria. Criticism of the
Palestinian Authority's activity was broadcast on Al Jazeera, and
the news channel was then barred temporarily from the West Bank.


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


Discussed articles include:


Gallant resigns from Knesset, denounces imminent bill to
exempt Haredim from IDF


Hamas said willing to free only 22 of 34 living hostages
demanded by Israel in deal


PA halts Al Jazeera West Bank broadcasts amid criticism
of its terror crackdown


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


IMAGE: MK Yoav Gallant in the corridors of the Knesset on
December 23, 2024. (Photo by Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)


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