Netanyahu answers Oct. 7 question with joke in TV interview

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 for today's episode. As Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu engaged with the Hebrew media on the pro-government Channel 14 Tuesday night, Magid reports on the Israeli leader’s messaging and his description of improvements in the region, including the elimination of Hamas leaders and wider buffer zones in Gaza, Lebanon and Syria. He also references the prime minister’s attempt at humor in an initial response to a question about how October 7, 2023, has changed him. US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner traveled to Qatar — ostensibly for talks with Iranian officials, according to US President Donald Trump, notes Magid — but will only be meeting with Qatari mediators to discuss further implementation of the memorandum of understanding with Iran, amid ongoing issues with control of the Strait of Hormuz and Israel’s presence in Lebanon. Magid briefly discusses the full text of the Israel-Lebanon deal, which features the establishment of pilot zones from which the IDF will be expected to withdraw, based on the Lebanese Armed Forces’ success in disarming Hezbollah. The Board of Peace is further along in clarifying its plan for technocrats to take over the administration of Gaza, reports Magid, but there is still no timeline for entry. Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Ari Schlacht. IMAGE: US bureau chief Jacob Magid appears on the Daily Briefing podcast with host Jessica Steinberg (YouTube screenshot)