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 161 of the war with Hamas. Environmental reporter Sue Surkes joins host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode.

Surkes talks about her interview with one of the founders of Achim LaNeshek, Brothers in Arms, the civilian organization with tremendous organizational skills who are expanding their societal efforts to education and needs in Gaza border communities along with some political aspirations.

She discusses the shortage of olive oil in Israel, the rising prices, and the need to import olive oils, sometimes fake olive oils that end up having to be recalled by importers.

Surkes also looks at the pause on urban development for Jerusalem's Bible Hill, an urban nature hilltop with plans for a hotel and commercial center, but the discovery of its ownership by a nearby church canceled plans.

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

Discussed articles include:

Live blog March 15, 2024

Impact of olive oil shortage on Israel could have been averted, industry chief says

With olives pressed and picked, local farmers hope consumers discover oil in Israel

Jerusalem mayor reverses support for large development at Bible Hill nature spot

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: Members of the Brothers in Arms movement protest outside the house of minister Yitzchak Goldknopf in Jerusalem on February 26, 2024 (Photo by Chaim Goldberg/FLASH90)

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