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.

It is day 237 of the war with Hamas. Diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode.

Two soldiers seriously hurt in a car-ramming attack near the West Bank city of Nablus on Wednesday night have died of their wounds, the military announced. An initial investigation into a ramming attack has found that the incident unfolded in a matter of seconds and that soldiers did not have time to open fire to attempt to stop the attack. Hebrew media reports said the suspect turned himself over to the Palestinian Authority’s security forces, after fleeing into Nablus. Berman was recently in Nablus with the IDF unit in charge of the region. What did he learn?

According to early results from South Africa’s elections yesterday, the African National Congress appears set to lose the parliamentary majority it has held for 30 years. Could Israel see any real change in agenda, for example at the International Court of Justice case alleging Israel is committing genocide in Gaza?

Brazil has reportedly formally recalled its ambassador to Israel and will not immediately appoint a replacement. Is this move as particularly harmful to Israel?

Yesterday National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi said in an interview with Kan public radio that “this year, we expect another seven months of combat, in order to deepen our achievement and achieve what we define as the destruction of the military and governing capabilities of both Hamas and the Islamic Jihad.” Berman gives an overview of the IDF's recent achievements, including the operational control of the Philadelphi Corridor.

For the latest updates, please see The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog.

Discussed articles include:

Two soldiers killed in car-ramming attack outside West Bank city of Nablus

Israel watches as South Africa’s hostile ANC set to lose support but remain in power

Brazil said to withdraw ambassador from Israel, no plans to appoint new envoy

3 soldiers killed in blast in booby-trapped building in Gaza’s Rafah

IDF takes control of key Gaza-Egypt border road, locating at least 20 tunnels

Top Israeli official says fighting in Gaza likely to last at least another 7 months

Reports: In Rafah strike, IDF used US bombs designed to reduce casualties

Under a rug in Gazan home, IDF troops found shaft leading to bodies of 4 hostages

THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel

THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown

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IMAGE: Israel Defense Forces operations in Nablus following October 7, 2023. (IDF Spokesperson)

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