Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East, and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday.

Today’s panel comprises editor David Horovitz and culture editor Jessica Steinberg, along with host Amanda Borschel-Dan.

Failing to form a coalition, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu returned the mandate to President Reuven Rivlin last night. Today Rivlin is meeting with the head of the outgoing Knesset's opposition, Yair Lapid of Yesh Atid, and head of Yamin Naftali Bennett. Who will get the nod, and why?

The Jewish world continues to mourn the 45 victims of the massive crush at Mount Meron's Lag B'Omer celebrations on Friday. We highlight the entwined stories of the Hayut and Levy families, who each lost a son, and the moving shiva visit of Beduin police officer Rami Alwan, who rescued the Hayut family's younger son Shmuel. What do we know today about warnings ahead of the Meron disaster?

Tourism to Israel is set to reopen from May 23 for groups. What is in the forecast for individual tourists? Who is in, and who is out?

Coronavirus restrictions on culture and sporting events are being lifted and any with the "Green Pass" immunization record may attend. Steinberg explains what else is in store, and how Jerusalem Day has morphed into a weeklong celebration starting May 6.

Discussed articles include:

Rivlin starts talks on new mandate to form a government, expected to tap Lapid

Netanyahu blames Bennett, but it’s his own far-right protégés who doomed him

Man to Bedouin cop who rescued son at Meron: You saved my child, saved the world

TV: Police document warned of need to ‘widen exit’ where Meron disaster unfolded

Israel to lift all crowd limits at ‘Green Pass’ sports, cultural events

Back onstage, dance troupes work out the anxieties of the last year

Capital readies for solid week of Jerusalem Day festivities

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ILLUSTRATIVE IMAGE: Members of the Ra'am meeting with Israeli President Reuven Rivlin at the President's Residence in Jerusalem on April 5, 2021. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)

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