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 144 of the war. Zman Yisrael editor-in-chief Biranit Goren and political correspondent Tal Schneider join host Jessica Steinberg.

Schneider discusses election day for local authorities and municipalities, describing the expectation that most Israelis will vote for incumbent politicians, rather than push forward on other issues, given the status of war and hostage situation.

Goren explains the latest in the matter of the Haredi draft, concerning a government resolution and the High Court, and how this could lead the ultra-Orthodox community and government toward finding a compromise for drafting Haredi yeshiva students.

Schneider and Goren look at the latest revelation regarding intelligence ahead of the October 7 Hamas terrorist assault, examining the political machinations behind the revelations.

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

Discussed articles include:

Live blog February 27, 2024

Polls open across much of Israel for twice-delayed local elections under shadow of war

As Israel heads to municipal elections mid-war, here’s what you need to know

High Court orders the government to explain why its refusal to draft Haredim is legal

Hours before Hamas attack, IDF noticed dozens of terrorists activating Israeli SIMs

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

Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts.

IMAGE: Families of hostages set up booths next to polling stations during local elections on February 27, 2024, reminding voters to 'Choose the hostages' (Courtesy Hostages and Missing Families Forum)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.