Day 468 - The complexities of making a deal with the devil
The Times of Israel Daily Briefing
The Times of Israel
4.4 • 864 Ratings
🗓️ 16 January 2025
⏱️ 27 minutes
🧾️ Download transcript
Summary
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:
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
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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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Transcript
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| 0:00.0 | Welcome to the Times of Israel's daily briefing. |
| 0:08.1 | Today is Thursday, January 16th, day 468 of the war. |
| 0:14.0 | Amanda Borchelle down here in our Jerusalem offices with editor David Horowitz on this very pivotal day. |
| 0:20.2 | David, thanks for joining me today. |
| 0:21.7 | Thanks, Amanda. Yesterday night to all appearances, the hostage release slash ceasefire deal |
| 0:27.1 | seemed like an almost done deal in the past several hours. However, the prime minister's |
| 0:32.9 | office has issued two statements accusing Hamas of backtracking on several issues. For its part, |
| 0:39.6 | of course, Hamas has denied the accusations and says it is committed to the agreement |
| 0:44.3 | announced by mediators yesterday. David will explain what we understand about the not yet |
| 0:51.3 | finalized deal and some of the drama behind it. All this and much, much more |
| 0:56.7 | when we're back. |
| 1:04.0 | Israel's IDF reservists are the heart of the nation's strength and security. Leaving behind |
| 1:10.4 | their homes, families families and livelihoods, |
| 1:13.6 | they answer the call to defend their country without hesitation. But reserve duty often comes |
| 1:19.6 | with overwhelming financial and emotional challenges. That's where Ogen steps in. Through its |
| 1:26.9 | Yuval Fund, Ogen provides interest-free loans |
| 1:30.3 | and essential support programs to help reservists and their families navigate these difficulties |
| 1:36.3 | with dignity. Right now, during one of Israel's most critical times, we have the opportunity |
| 1:42.3 | to stand with those who stand for us. By supporting the Yuval |
| 1:46.4 | Fund, you can ease the burden for Israel's heroes and show them they're not alone. Donate |
| 1:53.2 | today to Ogen's Yuval Fund to support Israel's heroes. Learn more at support.orgen.org. That's support.orgen.org. |
| 2:11.0 | Last night, the prime minister of Qatar, as well as both U.S. President Joe Biden and U.S. President-elect Donald Trump announced that a deal had been reached. |
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