Day 325 - How far can Ben Gvir push the prime minister?

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. Times of Israel founding editor David Horovitz joins host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode. Horovitz discusses the comments made by Hezbollah terror leader Hassan Nasrallah in the wake of the extensive rocket attack against Israel early Sunday morning, in which Nasrallah claimed victory for the attack mostly thwarted by the IDF. He then looks at the latest in the ceasefire and hostage deal talks, currently ongoing in Cairo and Doha, with the US pressing hard for a deal. Horovitz also speaks about the latest comments made Monday morning by National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir regarding the right for Jews to pray on the Temple Mount, long seen as a flashpoint in local political and security tensions. Ben Gvir's statements feed into the letter recently sent by Shin Bet head Ronen Bar to Netanyahu and government ministers, regarding fears for Ben Gvir's actions on the Temple Mount and growing Jewish terror. He also delves more deeply into his interview last week with opposition leader Yair Lapid, who expressed optimism about Israel's future and what needs to be done going forward. For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Nasrallah asserts Hezbollah attack was success, reserves right to strike again PM says strikes on Hezbollah ‘not end of story’ as allies warn against escalation No breakthroughs in Cairo talks as US says mediators pushing ‘feverishly’ for deal Defense minister says national security being sapped by Ben Gvir’s moves Shin Bet chief warns Netanyahu, ministers that Jewish terror endangering Israel ‘He lost his soul’: Lapid sees ‘sacred cause’ in toppling Netanyahu’s government Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Ben Wallick. IMAGE: National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir at the Western Wall in Jerusalem's Old City, after his visit to the Temple Mount on August 13, 2024 (Photo by Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.