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.

Today is Day 126 of the war. Environmental correspondent Sue Surkes and Arab affairs reporter Gianluca Pacchiani join host Jessica Steinberg.

Surkes discusses the ongoing issue of the ultra-Orthodox community serving in the IDF, particularly as the IDF looks to extend conscription time for enlisted soldiers and reservists as it prepares for a long war in Gaza.

She also looks at expectations for the rain-fed crops in the south, where wheat and barley are grown and farmers are concerned about irrigation, even after two weeks of steady rain.

Pacchiani talks about a US non-profit organization that is interviewing regular Gazans who are trying to survive the Hamas onslaught and fear for their lives.

He also mentions an US-based Iranian-born artist who is creating murals about the Israel-Iranian relationship and putting them up around the country.

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

Discussed articles include:

Live blog February 9, 2024

After the October 7 cataclysm, has the Haredi attitude to serving in the IDF changed?

Winter showers boost wheat crop, but water worries continue to stalk farmers

In Israel, Iranian artist unveils Oct. 7-themed mural honoring Persian-Jewish ties

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: Haredi Jews visit Israeli soldiers to show their support as they deploy at a position near the border with Gaza in southern Israel on October 11, 2023. (Menahem Kahana/AFP) 

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