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 131 of the war. Tech editor Sharon Wrobel and health reporter Renee Ghert-Zand join host Jessica Steinberg.

Wrobel speaks about strong reactions from the central bank and Israeli business leaders who are calling on the government to rethink its spending after Moody’s rating agency lowered Israel’s credit rating on Friday.

Ghert-Zand discusses images of medications found in an IDF video of a major Hamas tunnel, and whether those may have been given to hostages known to have been kept in that tunnel.

Wrobel describes a new overland route being used without fanfare by Israeli importers through Saudi Arabia and Jordan, as they try to avoid the Yemeni Houthi attacks on the Red Sea.

Ghert-Zand talks about a newly released book about Jewish weddings around the world, with varying customs and traditions.

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

Discussed articles include:

Live blog February 14, 2024

Central bank chief appeals to government to take action after Moody’s downgrade

After Moody’s downgrade, government urged to rethink wartime budget priorities

Footage shows medication packages in Gaza tunnel where hostages were held

Houthi bypass: Quietly, goods forge overland path to Israel via Saudi Arabia, Jordan

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: Bank of Israel Governor Amir Yaron attends Knesset Finance Committee meeting on January 30, 2024 (Photo by Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)

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