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 158 of the war with Hamas. Political correspondent Sam Sokol and Tech Israel editor Sharon Wrobel join host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode.

Sokol discusses political reactions to the statement made by Sephardic chief rabbi Yitzhak Yosef regarding a mass ultra-Orthodox exit from Israel if yeshiva students are forced to enlist in the army.

Wrobel looks at why markets and investors are currently bullish on Israel, a sense of cautious optimism given the waning war in Gaza and fewer signs of engagement in the north.

Sokol talks about the latest mayoral elections in Beit Shemesh, the central city with a large ultra-Orthodox population and a new, moderate Haredi mayor.

Wrobel describes a forum created by spouses of reservists for their particular needs during wartime, as they struggle to care for kids, homes, and jobs.

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

Discussed articles include:

Live blog March 12, 2024

Watchdog group calls for removal of chief rabbi for politicizing judicial role

Assailing chief rabbi, Lapid says Haredim would have to get jobs if they moved abroad

Despite war uncertainty, Israeli stocks and the shekel attract investors

Ultra-Orthodox retake Beit Shemesh, former Haifa mayor Yona Yahav returns to office

Fired during war, reservists’ wives band together to battle for job security

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 Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.

IMAGE: Sephardi Chief Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef attends a prayer for the release of Israelis held hostage by Hamas terrorists in Gaza, at the Rachel's Tomb on October 25, 2023 (Photo by Chaim Goldberg/Flash90 )

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.