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.

Military correspondent Emanuel Fabian joins host Jessica Steinberg for today’s episode.

WATCH the full episode here:

More from The Daily Briefing

February 19, 2026Daily Briefing Feb. 19 - Amid talks and saber-rattling, how close is the US to striking Iran?

Daily Briefing Feb. 19 - Amid talks and saber-rattling, how close is the US to striking Iran?

February 18, 2026Daily Briefing Feb. 18 - Israel moves to take over biblical sites in West Bank

Daily Briefing Feb. 18 - Israel moves to take over biblical sites in West Bank

February 17, 2026Daily Briefing Feb. 17 - Will US sanctions bring Iran to heel in nuclear talks?

Daily Briefing Feb. 17 - Will US sanctions bring Iran to heel in nuclear talks?

February 16, 2026Daily Briefing Feb. 16 - Female soldiers under attack in Israel

Daily Briefing Feb. 16 - Female soldiers under attack in Israel

February 15, 2026Daily Briefing Feb. 15 - ToI reports from Yellow Line as Gaza conflict smolders

Daily Briefing Feb. 15 - ToI reports from Yellow Line as Gaza conflict smolders

With Iranian officers briefing Hezbollah operatives in Lebanon, Fabian discusses assessments regarding the Iranian proxy in Lebanon attacking Israel if the US strikes Iran and Iran strikes Israel, and the concurrent uptick in IDF strikes on Hezbollah in recent weeks.

Fabian reports that the world’s largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald Ford, is about to reach the region, ramping up US readiness for a possible strike against Iran.

After dozens of settler activists entered the closed military zone of the Gaza border on Thursday night, Fabian notes that the move diverted the army’s attention away from defending against potential attacks.

Check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing liveblog for more updates.

Report: IRGC running Hezbollah, preparing it for war with Israel if US strikes Iran

Israeli strikes in Lebanon kill at least 12, including senior Hezbollah official

Israeli officials believe US, Iran at unbridgeable impasse as they near open conflict

Dozens of settler activists, including far-right MK, illegally cross into Gaza

Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Podwaves.

Check out yesterday’s episode here:

If so, we have a request. 

Every day during the past two years of war and rising global anti-Zionism and antisemitism, our journalists kept you abreast of the most important developments that merit your attention. Millions of people rely on ToI for fact-based coverage of Israel and the Jewish world. 

We care about Israel - and we know you do too. So we have an ask for this new year of 2026: express your values by joining The Times of Israel Community, an exclusive group for readers like you who appreciate and financially support our work. 

Times of Israel podcasts

2023-2024 Israel-Hezbollah conflict

© The Times of Israel