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 founding editor David Horovitz and culture editor Jessica Steinberg, along with host Amanda Borschel-Dan.

Citizen Benjamin Netanyahu made a second court appearance this morning in which he formally denied corruption charges made against him in Cases 1000, 2000 and 4000. What are these cases and how slowly will the wheels of justice turn?

As Israel saw over 5,000 deaths from COVID-19, Steinberg interviewed the founders of Rikma, a website memorializing coronavirus victims, and explains their vision.

Among the sectors most hit by the pandemic is culture. Steinberg shares how some institutions have pivoted, and what is on the horizon. Also, Israeli television is a worldwide hit. Why? Spoiler: the answer may be in the great writing.

Horovitz shares impressions of former secretary of state George Schultz, who died at 100.

Discussed articles include:

Netanyahu formally denies corruption charges in 2nd court appearance for trial

On trial during elections? Timetable at stake as Netanyahu back in court

For 5,000 Israelis killed by COVID, a digital tapestry of stories ended too soon

Far from being curtains, pandemic ushered in new audiences for artists

Tel Aviv and theaters fund incubators to set stage for new class of dramatists

Keshet renews major deal with Universal TV

Second season of ‘Tehran’ gets picked up for Apple TV Plus

With theater actors’ legs intact, TV’s ‘Rehearsals’ breaks a heart instead

George Shultz dies at 100, shaped US stance on Israeli-Palestinian conflict

George Shultz: In a world awash in change, follow the Reagan playbook

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PHOTO: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at his corruption trial hearing at the Jerusalem District Court, February 8, 2021. (Reuven Castro/Pool)

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