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.

Diaspora correspondents Tal Schneider and Lazar Berman join host Jacob Magid for Wednesday’s podcast.

Schneider and Berman take us through the past 72 hours since Foreign Minister Eli Cohen’s decision to publicize his recent meeting with Libyan counterpart. They discuss why Cohen chose to blow the story open, what other Israeli ministries are saying about the decision, how countries abroad have reacted and why Libya is interested in warming ties with Israel in the first place.

They also explain how Cohen’s conduct may impact efforts by Israel to normalize relations with Saudi Arabia and expand the Abraham Accords more broadly.

Later on during the episode, Schneider and Berman talk about Defense Minister Yoav Gallant’s awkward trip the United States during which he is barred by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from meeting with Biden officials in Washington since the premier has yet to do himself.

They highlight Opposition chairman Yair Lapid’s plan to head to DC next week and what’s behind his anticipated meetings with US officials.

Discussed articles include:

Foreign minister met Libyan counterpart to discuss joint cooperation, Israel says

Libya suspends FM, announces investigation after her meeting with Israeli counterpart

Libya fires its FM amid furor over her unprecedented meet with Israeli counterpart

FM Cohen blasted for dangerous amateurism after hyping meet with Libyan counterpart

Cohen blames political opponents for firestorm over meet he publicized with Libya FM

Seeking distance from Libya debacle, Netanyahu says he must approve any secret talks

Netanyahu knew in advance of FM’s meeting with Libyan counterpart – reports

Arab diplomats: Israeli publication of Libya talks harms bid to reconvene Negev Forum

Libya’s anti-Israel protests fueled by rage at unelected leaders clinging to power

US said furious with Israel for revealing meeting with Libyan foreign minister

Gallant warns UN chief: Potential for violence growing amid Hezbollah provocations

Gallant meets US officials in NYC after Netanyahu said to bar talks in Washington

Lapid headed to Washington, while Netanyahu still awaits date for Biden meeting

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IMAGE: People burn photos showing Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen and his Libyan counterpart Najla Mangoush in Tripoli, Libya, on August 27, 2023. (AP Photo/Yousef Murad)

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