About this episode

Jacob Magid discusses the complexities of US-Iran relations and recent developments in the Middle East.

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. US President Donald Trump unexpectedly announces an extension of the truce with Iran hours before the April 22 deadline, reports Magid, adding that the president's recent spate of muddled messaging hasn't helped matters. Magid notes that a divide within the Iranian leadership is slowing decision-making, as it continues to play hardball. US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee heads to the US for a second round of Israel-Lebanon talks that appear to have some momentum, says Magid, but will require the ability of the Lebanese government to crack down on Hezbollah if any real progress is to be made. Magid notes that the April 11 deadline set by the Board of Peace for Hamas to respond to the disarmament deal has passed. Hamas doesn't want to be blamed for the collapse of talks, says Magid, but the Board of Peace is still aiming for a phased disarmament. Finally, Magid reports on another deadly incident in the central West Bank village in which two…

Topics covered

• US-Iran relations
• Middle East politics
• Hamas disarmament
• Israel-Lebanon talks
• IDF incidents

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