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.

ToI founding editor David Horovitz joins host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode.

As US-led talks between Lebanon and Israel end early in Rome, Horovitz discusses the desire on both sides to negotiate a deal amidst heavy condemnation from the still deadly potent Hezbollah terror group, which retains considerable support among portions of the Lebanese population.

Horovitz briefly weighs in on negotiations between Oman and Iran over the Strait of Hormuz, noting the lack of US involvement in the talks, the apparently imminent deal essentially giving Iran control of the strait, and the ongoing failure to achieve any of the war's original goals, centrally as regards Iran's nuclear program.

With headlines regarding several new political alliances, particularly among former Likud politicians, Horovitz reviews some of the personalities and possible alliances ahead of the October election.

Horovitz also discusses aspects of his latest op-ed article, regarding the dismal state of education in Israel overall, and most especially in the ultra-Orthodox community, and the catastrophic consequences for Israel's future.

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

For further reading:

Israel-Lebanon talks kick off in Rome despite fierce Hezbollah opposition

Iran, Oman said nearing deal that will restore US truce, give Tehran some control over Hormuz

Ex-Likud ministers Erdan, Edelstein to launch new right-wing party on Thursday

Poll shows Ra’am winning 2 more seats if Yesh Atid MK Segalovitz joins the party

Rebel Likud MK Dan Illouz joins Yisrael Beytenu, touts its ‘national and liberal values’

Former Shas leader Yishai said to mull run with new Eisenkot-linked Haredi party

Why these elections are the last chance to save Israel from its ‘spiral of collapse’

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