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 guests are political correspondent Tal Schneider and Arab affairs writer Aaron Boxerman with Jessica Steinberg hosting.

Schneider offers the scoop on Intelligence Minister Elazar Stern of Yesh Atid and his media apologies on Sunday regarding his comment about shredding anonymous complaints while IDF manpower chief.

Boxerman follows with a look at the history and plans for nearly NIS 35 billion ($10.3 billion) in the government budget for the Arab community over the next five years.

He and Schneider discuss the deep, pervasive needs in Arab villages and cities, including the ongoing internal violence stemming from systemic gang violence and a lack of options for many Arab citizens.

Schneider speaks about German chancellor Angela Merkel's visit in Israel, which didn't include any time spent with former prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a surprise given their long working relationship.

Finally, Boxerman mentions an Arab-Jewish group he attended in Jerusalem Sunday night, a surprisingly friendly group of conversationalists.

Discussed articles include:

Ex-soldier says Elazar Stern threatened her for claiming sex assault by officer

As unprecedented billions planned for under-served Arabs, devil’s in the details

Merkel on farewell trip: Israel’s security will always be a priority for Germany

Laying a wreath at Yad Vashem, Merkel says museum is a ‘reminder’ and ‘warning’

Bennett said to tell Merkel Israel wants to advance controversial submarine deal

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IMAGE: View of the main road in the Arab-Israeli village of Majd al-Krum, near the northern Israeli city of Karmiel, on November 8, 2017 (Photo by Hadas Parush/Flash90)

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