The Times of Israel Daily Briefing

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.

Tech Israel editor Sharon Wrobel and health reporter Renee Ghert-Zand
join host Jessica Steinberg for today's podcast.

Wrobel discusses the Bank of Israel's decision to leave the interest rate unchanged, but is still concerned about the possible effects of the contentious judicial overhaul on Israeli inflation.

Ghert-Zand talks about the professional group of doctors who contacted Israel Police last week regarding injuries seen as a result of water cannons used against protestors, demonstrating a misuse of water cannon regulations.

Wrobel looks at the decision to privatize Israel Post, a long-awaited decision, with the government now looking for a private investor to bring the postal service into the modern age.

Ghert-Zand reviews some first-time and highly unusual surgeries that took place in the last few days — gender affirming surgeries in a Nahariya hospital, the first time done outside of the Tel Aviv area, and reversing an internal decapitation of a 12-year-old Palestinian boy.

Discussed articles include:

Bank of Israel holds rates for now, warns about judicial risk to economy

Physicians urge police to suspend water cannon use after protesters badly wounded

Israel kicks off much-sought privatization of Israel Post after recovery push

Gender-affirming surgery performed at Galilee Medical Center for first time

Hadassah surgeons reattach boy’s head to his neck after internal decapitation

Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts.

IMAGE: Anti-judicial overhaul demonstrators block Route 1 and clash with police during a protest near Ein Hemed, July 11, 2023. (Photo by Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

Knesset correspondent Carrie Keller-Lynn and legal affairs reporter Jeremy Sharon join host Jessica Steinberg for today's podcast.

Keller-Lynn and Sharon discuss the passage of the first reading of the so-called reasonableness bill late Monday night and why it was chosen from the proposed judicial overhaul.

Keller-Lynn reviews events that took place in the Knesset Monday, including the removal of protestors from the building and remarks made by opposition leaders Benny Gantz and Yair Lapid regarding the bill.

Sharon speaks about conversations with coalition and opposition MKs on the negotiating team, and what they had to say about the bill under discussion.

Keller-Lynn also discusses Tuesday and the 'day of disruption' planned by anti-overhaul protestors, with gatherings planned in Tel Aviv, on major highways, outside the Knesset and at Ben Gurion International Airport.

Steinberg briefly mentions the Monday night show of The Black Keys at Rishon Lezion Live Park and the sudden cancelation of blues guitarist Buddy Guy because of Israeli unrest.

Discussed articles include:

Bill to erase judicial ‘reasonableness’ test for politicians passes 1st reading

Protesters forcibly removed from Knesset ahead of vote on ‘reasonableness’ bill

The reason for reasonableness: A doctrine at the heart of the overhaul explained

Lapid calls for talks as he slams coalition for seeking to appoint ‘obedient puppets’

Protesters block highways as they kick off ‘day of disruption’ against overhaul

US rockers The Black Keys bring intense energy to first Israel show

Guitarist Buddy Guy cancels Israel shows, citing ‘military operations’

Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts.

IMAGE: Anti-judicial overhaul demonstrators protest against the judicial overhaul in Haifa, on July 11, 2023 (Photo by Shir Torem/Flash90)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

Zman Yisrael founding editor Biranit Goren and ToI's diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman join host Jacob Magid for Monday's podcast.

US President Joe Biden has shifted from criticizing the Israeli government's judicial overhaul plan to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's "extremist" government. Berman fills us in on what's behind the shift, what it means for Netanyahu's chances to score an invite to the White House and how it'll impact US efforts to broker a normalization deal between Israel and Saudi Arabia.

Goren discusses a recent cabinet meeting, which ministers used as an opportunity to lay into Attorney General Gali Baharav Miara's handling of the judicial overhaul protests. Goren talks about the comparison government officials make between law enforcement's handling of today's protest and the demonstrations during the 2005 Gaza Disengagement and whether the juxtaposition is valid.

She also fills us in on the anti-overhaul moves latest moves as the coalition readies to pass through a first reading later Monday legislation that would block courts from exercising judicial review over the “reasonableness” of government decisions.

Berman shares how President Isaac Herzog has decided to weigh in on a recent uptick in attacks by Jewish Orthodox extremists on Christians in Israel. He discusses the diplomatic ramifications of the trend and whether Israel is capable of addressing it.

Finally, he lays out a recent interview Israel’s Ambassador to Kyiv Michael Brodsky in which he criticized Ukraine's voting record against Israel at the United Nations. Berman reveals what was behind the frustration and speculates on whether Kyiv is likely to change course in light of the criticism.

Discussed articles include:

Biden: Israeli cabinet has some of most extreme members I’ve seen; Saudi deal far off

Ministers assail AG at cabinet meeting, demand protest crackdown, urge her removal

Mall chain threatens strike if bill to curtail judicial oversight clears first vote

Herzog condemns growing attacks on Christians as ‘evil’ and ‘a disgrace’

Ukraine’s backing of 90% of UN anti-Israel votes could hurt support — Israeli envoy

Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts.

IMAGE: Then Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (left) with then US Vice President Joe Biden in Jerusalem, 2010. (Avi Ohayun/GPO)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

ToI founding editor David Horovitz and military correspondent Emmanuel Fabian join host Jessica Steinberg for today's podcast.

Fabian speaks about the unusual step of Hamas taking responsibility for a string of recent attacks, including a terror shooting in West Bank settlement of Eli, the recent car ramming and stabbing in Tel Aviv and a shooting attack near Kedumim.

He also looks at the intensive protests taking place outside Defense Minister Yoav Gallant's home by anti-judicial reform activists, and their hopes of interference from the defense minister.

Horovitz also discusses the intensifying anti-judicial reform protests, as the judicial reform bill is up for an initial Knesset vote on Monday and the anti-reform movement is gearing up for non-violent battle in the country's cities, Ben Gurion Airport and outside the Knesset.

He also looks at the criticism from the European Union and United Nations regarding Israel's incursion into Jenin last week.

Discussed articles include:

In rare statement, Hamas claims responsibility for string of recent deadly attacks

Reservists rally overnight at Gallant home, hoping he’ll intervene on overhaul again

Protests ramp up for 27th week as bill to curtail judicial oversight set for 1st vote

EU envoy tours Jenin refugee camp, says IDF operation violated international law

UN chief: Israel ‘obviously’ used excessive force in Jenin; Israel demands retraction

Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts.

IMAGE: Israelis protest against the Israeli government's planned judicial overhaul, outside the president's residence in Jerusalem, on July 8, 2023 (Photo by Noam Revkin Fenton/Flash90)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

Editor David Horovitz and diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. 

Around 200 protesters blocked a key highway during rush hour this morning, as protests against the coalition’s advancement of its contentious judicial overhaul legislation showed no sign of letting up. This is on top of the demonstrations that erupted on Wednesday evening, with the Ayalon Highway blocked for hours, after Tel Aviv police chief Amichai Eshed announced he was resigning from the force. Horovitz weighs in on what could be different in this week of ramped-up protests.

Elizabeth Tsurkov, an Israeli Middle East analyst who also holds Russian citizenship, was kidnapped in March in Iraq. Berman updates us with what we know so far.

Last night, England beat Israel 3-0 to reach the final of the European Under-21 Championship. Horovitz explains why this defeat is still a win for Israel.

Discussed articles include:

Protesters block key highway as anti-overhaul demonstrations show no sign of easing

Thousands take to the streets, block roads after Tel Aviv police chief steps down

Anti-overhaul protesters target ultraconservative, influential Jerusalem yeshiva

Knesset panel advances bill to end ‘reasonableness’ test for politicians’ decisions

Israeli researcher abducted in Iraq by radical Shiite militia

England dashes Israel’s hopes of reaching Under-21 Euro finals with 3-0 win

Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts.

IMAGE: Israelis block the Ayalon Highway during a protest against the Israeli government's planned judicial overhaul and in response to the removal of Tel Aviv District Commander Amichai Eshed in Tel Aviv, July 5, 2023. (Yossi Aloni/Flash90)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

US bureau chief Jacob Magid and military correspondent Emmanuel Fabian join host Jessica Steinberg for today's podcast.

Fabian opens with updates on the Tel Aviv car ramming and stabbing Tuesday afternoon with seven injured and the terrorist killed by an armed civilian.

He reviews the end of the 44-hour Jenin operation that IDF says won't be the last, in which one Israeli soldier was killed, possibly by friendly fire, as troops were pulling out. Attention then turned to Gaza as rockets were launched toward the Israeli town of Sderot.

Magid reflects on the reasons behind the Jenin operation, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's change of tactics, not strategy, with brief incursion in order to take care of lack of Palestinian Authority control in Jenin.

Steinberg speaks about the spate of international performers in Israel over the next few weeks, including this week's performances from UK's Morrissey, The Black Keys from the US in Israel next week and Christina Aguilera in early August.

Magid also discusses the US Embassy July 4 party held at the Israel Museum, that was also a goodbye for US ambassador Tom Nides who is leaving his post after 19 months in the job. He notes that Netanyahu used the opportunity to reiterate Israel's friendship with the US, even as he plans a trip to China.

Discussed articles include:

7 injured in ramming-stabbing attack in Tel Aviv; terrorist killed by armed civilian

Soldier killed as massive Jenin operation winds down, all troops leave West Bank city

Military begins withdrawing forces from Jenin after 44 hours of fighting

Five rockets fired from Gaza at south, intercepted by Iron Dome — IDF

PA freezes all ties with Israel over Jenin raid, as US urges closer cooperation

Morrissey thrilled to be in ‘God’s country’ as he performs first of two shows

Netanyahu calls US Israel’s ‘irreplaceable ally’ a week after announcing China trip

Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts.

IMAGE: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visits at an army base near the West Bank city of Jenin, July 4, 2023 (Photo by Shir Torem/Flash90)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

Military correspondent Emanuel Fabian and legal reporter Jeremy Sharon join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode.

Yesterday, Jenin saw some of the heaviest fighting in the area in two decades. Today, "Operation Bayit Vagan," as it's unofficially known as, sees its second day as Israeli political and security leaders agree to continue with the counter-terror operation. What goals have been met so far and where are we heading?

During anti-judicial overhaul demonstrations yesterday evening, 37 protesters were arrested for disturbing the peace after overrunning barricades, blocking roads, and entering Ben Gurion Airport’s Terminal 3 arrival hall. Sharon sets the scene of the unusual protest.

The testimony from Hollywood producer Arnon Milchan is continuing in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s corruption trial yesterday. We hear the salient points of his testimony and how there are contradictions in previous statements.

Discussed articles include:

IDF says Palestinian gunmen showing little resistance in Jenin, some targets remain

Thousands flee Jenin as Israel indicates terror crackdown will continue

More large raids planned for Jenin, army says, as Israel vows to press offensive

Gallant: IDF dealt ‘heavy blow’ to terror, Jenin operation ‘progressing as planned’

Police tussle with anti-government protesters as chaos erupts at Ben Gurion Airport

Prosecutor: Milchan feels uncomfortable with Sara Netanyahu in room during testimony

Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts.

IMAGE: Army vehicles are seen during an Israeli military raid on the militant stronghold of the Jenin refugee camp in the occupied West Bank, July 4, 2023. (AP Photo/Nasser Nasser)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

Military correspondent Emanuel Fabian, diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman and Knesset correspondent Carrie Keller-Lynn join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode.

Israeli military forces launched a major operation in the West Bank city of Jenin early this morning. Large numbers of Israeli ground forces were seen entering tcity and refugee camp in an open-ended ground operation. Fabian talks about the stated goal of the operation, how long it's been in the works and what the forecast is so far. Berman discusses its potential diplomatic implications.

Back in April, the Hezbollah terror group set up two tents set up in an area along the “Blue Line” between Lebanon and Israel, one of which was reportedly removed last night. What do these tents symbolize and how have they been kept out of the news?

A massive day of anti-judicial overhaul protests is underway, with large-scale actions from Haifa in the north and on down. Keller-Lynn explains what is in store for us at Ben-Gurion Airport.

On Thursday’s Daily Briefing, Keller-Lynn discussed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s interview with the Wall Street Journal and his statement that the override clause is off the table. But new reports seem to indicate otherwise. What is she hearing?

And finally, Keller-Lynn explains last week's manoeuver to continue ultra-Orthodox army deferment -- even as the law that provides them expires.

Discussed articles include:

IDF strikes in Jenin, launches ‘widescale effort against terror’ in West Bank city

Hezbollah said to evacuate one of the 2 tents it set up on Israeli side of Blue Line

Overhaul critics seek show of force in afternoon protest at Ben Gurion Airport

In U-turn, Netanyahu said to reassure ministers override clause has not been shelved

Cabinet shields Haredi youth from military draft, 5 days before exemption law expiry

Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts.

IMAGE: Smoke rises during an Israeli military operation of the terrorist stronghold of Jenin in the West Bank, July 3, 2023. (AP Photo/Majdi Mohammed)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

Senior analyst Haviv Rettig Gur and military correspondent Emanuel Fabian join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode.

Early this morning Israeli fighter jets struck a Syrian air defense battery. What was this in response to?

We’re again hearing threats out of the IDF reserves of refusal of service in light of the renewed judicial overhaul legislation. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant warned on Wednesday that a large-scale refusal would harm the security of the nation, but unlike three months ago, appears to crack down on the form of civil protest. What's changed?

Last week, former Police Commissioner Roni Alsheich made controversial remarks regarding the cases against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, sparking renewed theories that the trials are politically motivated. Rettig Gur reviews the arguments.

Discussed articles include:

IAF hits anti-aircraft battery in Syria after missile explodes over Israel

Syrian anti-aircraft missile explodes over Israel as IAF said to strike in Homs

Ex-police chief says he thought Netanyahu would resign following criminal indictment

Turnout rises, several arrested as anti-overhaul protests enter 26th week

Over 100 Air Force reservists say they will refuse to serve if overhaul advances

Gallant says fresh boycott threats by IDF reservists ‘endanger’ Israel’s security

Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts.

IMAGE: People attend a protest against the planned judicial overhaul in Tel Aviv, on July 1, 2023. (Miriam Alster/Flash90)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Knesset correspondent Carrie Keller-Lynn.

This week President Isaac Herzog called Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas ahead of today’s Eid al-Adha Muslim holiday, the second most important feast of the year. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant also spoke with senior Palestinian Authority official Hussein al-Sheikh. What was significant about these phone calls?

Yesterday Defense Minister Yoav Gallant signed administrative detention orders to hold four Jewish extremists involved in recent attacks against Palestinians without charges. What was the blowback from settler movement leaders and MKs?

Could this ramped-up measure of administrative detention have anything to do with the call between US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Foreign Minister Eli Cohen this week or Blinken’s double down yesterday in New York?

This morning, the Wall Street Journal published an interview with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Any clues for the future?

We end with Berman's recap of revolving diplomatic doors this week with ambassadors from Ukraine, Russia and Israel all being called to the carpet.

Discussed articles include:

Herzog calls Abbas to urge fight against terror, condemn settler violence

Gallant orders four Israelis to be held without charge over West Bank riots

Blinken says US extremely concerned about settler violence against Palestinians

Blinken: West Bank unrest makes Israel-Saudi deal much ‘tougher, if not impossible’

Russia summons Israeli envoy for rebuke over comments by ambassador to Ukraine

Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts.

IMAGE: Thousands of Palestinians attend prayers at the Al Aqsa Mosque, in Jerusalem's Old City, marking the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha, June 28, 2023. (Jamal Awad/Flash90)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.