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.

Environmental reporter Sue Surkes and Arab Affairs correspondent Aaron Boxerman join host Jessica Steinberg.

Surkes discusses topics and technologies covered during last week's renewable energy conference in Eilat, including one exciting possibility for storing renewable energy.

Boxerman offers a glimpse at what’s happening with the Omicron variant in Gaza and the West Bank, especially in Gaza where vaccination incentives have helped, but where more than half of the population is not yet vaccinated.

Boxerman also talks about the recent spate of stabbings carried out by Palestinians against Israelis, discussing whether this constitutes a wave or individual incidents.

Finally, Surkes discusses industry complaints at the energy conference, as businesses and companies feel Israel's pace is too slow for introducing new technologies, as well as advances with hydrogen.

Discussed articles include:

At green energy confab, industry doubts Israel will reach renewable targets

Prison guard stabbed by Palestinian inmate, lightly hurt

Palestinian arrested over suspected stabbing attempt near Jerusalem’s Old City

‘Gas can wait,’ says energy minister, rejecting panel’s call for further exploration

IEC inks $8 million deal with company that uses air, water to store energy

Energy Ministry budgets NIS 100 million to advance hydrogen tech

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IMAGE: Energy Minister Karine Elharrar (center) visits the Augwind site at Kibbutz Yahel in southern Israel on December 15, 2021. To the right: Dr Or Yogev, Augwind's founder and CEO. To the right, Augwind chairman Gabi Seligsohn. (Lovan Studio)

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