Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East, and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday.

Today’s panel comprises editor David Horovitz and Palestinian affairs correspondent Aaron Boxerman, along with host Raoul Wootliff.

We open today's show with a look at tensions between Israel and Hamas after the IDF carried out a series of airstrikes in the Gaza Strip following the launch of incendiary balloons and a violent incident on the border.

What does Hamas want? How is Israel avoiding escalation? And has Israel lost its deterrence?

Then, as COVID cases continue to rise both in Gaza and inside Israel we look at Israel's strategy is for trying to contain the Delta outbreak and examine the steps taken so far.

And finally, with Prime Minister Naftali Bennett on his way to Washington, we analyse the issues that could divide him and US President Joe Biden, and how the Israeli premier may approach Iran.

Discussed articles include:

Israeli jets strike Gaza following fires set by arson balloons

IDF strikes Hamas targets in Gaza in response to shooting of soldier at border

Security officials believe Israel, Hamas on collision course in Gaza — TV

Israel passes 1 million total COVID cases, approaches one-day record

COVID positivity rate hits highest figure since February

Delta surprised Israel, which dropped the ball on vaccination, admits COVID czar

Bennett to present Biden with strategy for stopping Iran without nuclear deal

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PHOTO: Palestinians clash with Israeli troops during a protest at the Israel-Gaza border, east of Gaza City, on August 21, 2021. (Abed Rahim Khatib/Flash90)

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