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 180 of the war with Hamas. Political correspondent Sam Sokol and environmental reporter Sue Surkes join host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode.

Sokol discusses the fourth day of the protests against the Knesset, and what's expected after the furor and violence of Tuesday night's demonstrations.

He also talks about the Haredi political parties and their reaction to the carrot-and-stick financial incentives being planned for drafting ultra-Orthodox yeshiva students.

Surkes talks about the state comptroller's latest report on the environment and the successive governments' lack of action on necessary climate plan changes.

She also looks at a soil scientist's groundbreaking work on cocoa plants that could bring a new crop to Israeli fields.

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

Discussed articles include:

Live blog April 3, 2024

UTJ’s Roth: ‘No actual benefit’ to Haredim in toppling government over yeshiva funds

The High Court’s yeshiva funding ruling goes into effect today. What does it entail?

After surviving October 7, Israeli cocoa plants could help stave off world shortage

State comptroller chides government, PM for talk but little action on climate change

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: Protestors march to the President's Residence in Jerusalem on April 2, 2024 (Photo by Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)

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