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.

Diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman and news editor Amy Spiro join host Amanda Borschel-Dan in today's packed episode. Also included at the end of the program is a brief excerpt from a previous 2020 podcast with President Isaac Herzog in which he speaks about his mother Aura Herzog, who died Sunday night aged 97.

We begin our conversation with an update from Spiro about the Western Wall compromise and where it stands today. What recent changes have brought it to the news, and will anything move forward under the new government?

Next, Berman sheds light on a little-known Alabama-based Christian group called the United States-Israel Education Association. With a small staff of only 10 paid employees, the group has been instrumental in shaping US policy and budgeting on several key defense measures, as well as a new push for pharma in the MidEast.

We then hear about the bizarrely convoluted race to replace Herzog as head of the Jewish Agency. What has gone awry and what do four of the front-runners stand for?

Finally, Spiro speaks about Israel's Winter Olympics figure skating hopeful, Hailey Kops. The American-born Orthodox immigrant has paired up with Israeli veteran Evgeni Krasnopolski to become one of 19 couples to qualify for the Olympics.

Discussed articles include:

Will the Western Wall compromise deal ever be realized?

From Iron Dome to supply chains, US Christian group quietly shaping US-Israel ties

As process stalls, candidates to lead Jewish Agency warn of urgent world challenges

Orthodox New Jersey teen is Israel’s newest Olympic skating hope

Aura Herzog, wife and mother to two Israeli presidents, dies at 97

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Image: 2019 Congressional Tour on the steps of the Tomb of the Patriarchs 

In the photo (left to right): General Charles Krulak, Corene McMorris, Olivia Hnat Shields senior staffer to Rep. McMorris Rodgers, Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Chad Carlough CfS for Rep. Byrne, Clarinda Roe, Rep. Phil Roe, Rep. Bradley Byrne, Rep. Ann Wagner, Ray Wagner, Heather Johnston, Julie Escue (USIEA Director of Tours), Ari Sacher, Rabbi Simcha Hochbaum (courtesy)

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