As PM rejects Gaza deal, Israel quietly begins reconstruction

As PM rejects Gaza deal, Israel quietly begins reconstruction

Author: The Times of Israel August 10, 2026 Duration: 26:18

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.

Diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday that Israel “rejects” the Board of Peace Gaza disarmament roadmap. At the same time, Israel has essentially paused strikes on the Strip and there are reports that the premier and defense minister okayed a pilot reconstruction project in Rafah. Berman tries to separate rhetoric from facts on the ground.

What is and is not in the defense pact that was signed last week by Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan, wedding Sunni Muslim US allies -- and is it even defensive in nature? Berman explains why Israel should not be alarmed by the declaration, what it may mean for the region and what role these countries in particular want to play in it.

US President Donald Trump said Sunday that Washington was “low-keying” its approach to Iran and only “semi-negotiating” with the Islamic Republic, as it suffers in dire economic straits. Could not acting really be the best play right now? Berman weighs in.

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

For further reading:

Netanyahu rejects Trump’s 15-point Gaza plan, insists he can stand up to US president

Board of Peace envoy says full execution of Gaza plan only ‘guarantee’ Oct. 7 won’t recur

Iran claims Saudi-Pakistan-Turkey deal shows ‘change in perception’ towards US

Trump says US ‘low-keying’ Iran conflict, giving economic pressure time to work

Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Yitzhak Ledee filmed and edited this episode.

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Each morning, The Times of Israel Daily Briefing cuts through the noise to deliver essential context on the stories shaping Israel and the wider region. Produced by the seasoned journalists of The Times of Israel, this podcast provides more than just headlines; it offers grounded analysis and on-the-ground perspective that listeners won't find in a standard news bulletin. You'll hear directly from reporters and editors who live the story, discussing the political, security, and social developments that matter most. The conversation naturally extends to the broader Middle East and issues affecting Jewish communities worldwide, making sense of complex events with clarity and depth. Tune in for a concise, authoritative briefing that respects your time and intelligence, turning the day's most pressing news into understandable narrative. This is where informed listening begins, a trusted audio resource for anyone seeking a reliable, nuanced understanding of a dynamic and often misunderstood part of the world.
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