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 political correspondent Tal Schneider and health reporter Nathan Jeffay, along with host Amanda Borschel-Dan.

We begin today's episode with an update on the lifting of coronavirus restrictions here in Israel. The well-vaccinated country is not renewing most restrictions on gatherings, and will no longer limit entry to certain venues only to the vaccinated. However, the use of masks indoors is yet to be changed. Why?

With the lifting of most restrictions and the very low infection rate, reports of vaccinations for children aged 12-15 by the end of May have some parents asking whether their kids actually need to be vaccinated. Jeffay presents new research that may see youth and young adults under 30 only receive one dose, which may ally some parents' concerns.

On the domestic political front, head of Yesh Atid Yair Lapid only has until June 2 to firm up any possible coalition. As the numbers still don't add up, is this just an exercise in futility? And what of Yamina head Naftali Bennett and New Hope partner Gidon Sa'ar?

Amid the horrific rioting that took place in many mixed Arab-Jewish cities during Operation Guardian of the Walls, there were several poignantly human stories illustrating that people really do just want to get along. Jeffay brings a couple.

And finally, Schneider discusses just what was significant about the recent visit of United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Hint, it's not what you think.

Discussed articles include:

As virus fades, Israel to lift all COVID restrictions on gatherings

Israel may begin vaccinating 12- to 15-year-olds by end of May

Still far short of majority, Lapid finalizes coalition deal with Meretz

Eyeing ‘change government,’ would-be partners up pressure on holdout Bennett

In emotional reunion, Jewish victim of Arab mob thanks Arab nurse who saved him

In Ramallah, Blinken announces plans to reopen US consulate in Jerusalem

Blinken: Hamas’s foothold in Gaza could slip if US-led rehabilitation successful

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

ILLUSTRATIVE IMAGE: Israelis, some wearing protective face masks, and some not, as Israel lifts the restrictions on wearing a mask outdoors, April 22, 2021. (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.

Today’s panel comprises United States correspondent Jacob Magid and Palestinian affairs correspondent Aaron Boxerman, along with host Raoul Wootliff.

As Israel and the international community continue to deal with the fallout from the 11-day Israel-Hamas conflict that ended last week, on today's show we look at efforts to rehabilitate both the Gaza Strip and Jewish-Arab relations in Israel.

US Secretary of State Tony Blinken arrived in Israel today for a series of high-level meetings with various players in the region. What's the goal of his visit and how is the US hoping to influence the future of the broader Israel-Palestinian conflict?

With the recent armed conflict triggering a rise in antisemitic incidents outside Israel, we assess responses from US leaders to the attacks and ask why some are coupling their condemnations with mentions of Islamophobia.

And back in Israel, we hear an update on reconciliation efforts between Jewish and Arab residents of mixed towns that have seen weeks of violent unrest, with a particular focus on the flashpoint city of Lod.

Discussed articles include:

Blinken heads to region to bolster ceasefire, block Gaza aid from reaching Hamas

With Gaza ceasefire, Biden can claim success for ‘arm around Israel’ approach

Biden says ‘despicable’ antisemitic attacks ‘must stop’

In Lod unrest, Arab fury against ‘settler’ Jewish newcomers boils to surface

Hateful rioting in Lod gives way to cautious rebuilding, but unease persists

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

PHOTO: Palestinian volunteers clear the rubble at a street in Gaza City, after it was hit by Israeli air stikes during Operation Guardian of the Walls, May 23, 2021. (Atia Mohammed/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.

Today’s panel comprises senior analyst Haviv Rettig Gur and diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman, along with host Amanda Borschel-Dan.

We open the show with a look at the varied international reactions to Israel's Guardian of the Walls operation that saw 11-days of fighting with the Hamas terror group. Is the whole world really critical of Israel? What differences in responses have we seen from world leaders and what do those differences stem from?

Even as fighting has ended, Hamas promises another war soon, and another and another. We look at why Gaza's rulers think they''ll succeed, and why they ultimately won't.

And finally, the Iron Dome has saved many lives, but has it made Israel safer? Though tactically a runaway success, some believe the active missile defense system blunted Israel's traditional boldness and gave leaders cover to let the Hamas threat fester.

Discussed articles include:

‘Israel thanks you’: Jewish communities in US, UK hold pro-Israel rallies

Hundreds rally for Israel in NYC following spate of antisemitic attacks

Blinken reaffirms two-state support ahead of Mideast tour

Hamas’s forever war against Israel has a glitch, and it isn’t Iron Dome

Iron Dome has saved many lives, but has it made Israel safer?

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

PHOTO: Police maintain a cordon as demonstrators rally in support of Israel outside the Israeli Embassy in central London on May 23, 2021. (Tolga Akmen/AFP)

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.

Today’s panel comprises editor David Horovitz and military correspondent Judah Ari Gross, along with host Amanda Borschel-Dan.

Israel and Hamas declared a ceasefire on Friday after 11 days of what the Israel Defense Forces called Operation Guardian of the Walls. Was the operation a success? And if so, what are some lessons learned -- on the various battle lines, including public relations.

Every armed conflict in Israel leads to a ripple effect of antisemitism in the Diaspora. How much should the Jewish state take Diaspora Jewry into consideration when launching IDF operations?

The Temple Mount was reopened to Jews this morning. Is this a strategic move?

And finally, in last night's Eurovision finals, Eden Alene garnered a mere 93 points and 17th place. Find out what the military correspondent has to say about her hair.

Discussed articles include:

Losing the war: The rising cost of Israel’s lapsed support for 2-state solution

‘Guardian of the Walls’ wasn’t the resounding victory the IDF had hoped for

Following Gaza ceasefire, Temple Mount opened to Jews for first time in 20 days

Italy wins Eurovision 2021; Israel places 17th

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

IMAGE: A French demonstrator waves a Palestinian flag as he demonstrates in solidarity with Palestinians in Bayonne, southwestern France, Saturday, May 22, 2021. (AP Photo/Bob Edme)

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.

Today’s panel comprises senior analyst Haviv Rettig Gur and Palestinian affairs correspondent Aaron Boxerman, along with host Amanda Borschel-Dan.

It is day 11 of Operation Guardian of the Walls and talk of an imminent ceasefire is increasing, even as rockets continue to hammer down. We discuss what kind of intra-Palestinian diplomatic sway the Palestinian Authority holds on the Hamas-run Gaza Strip.

Next, we speak about whether the Goldin family's demand that their son, along with the rest of the hostages and bodies held by Hamas, be returned as part of the ceasefire agreement is likely to be met.

Finally, on Tuesday, Police Commissioner Kobi Shabtai told Lod/Ramle residents that the police intend to treat all those who participated in the violent riots in mixed Jewish-Arab towns as "terrorists" -- regardless of background. Why did these comments meet with such controversy?

Discussed articles include:

Leah Goldin: Israel must not cease fire without return of slain soldiers

After riots, police chief pans ‘terrorists from both sides,’ enraging minister

Israel in the Crossfire: Join ToI Community for a live Q&A with our reporters

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

IMAGE: Flames and smoke billowing after an Israeli airstrike on the city of Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip, on May 19, 2021. (Abed Rahim Khatib/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.

Today’s panel comprises editor David Horovitz and political correspondent Tal Schneider, along with host Amanda Borschel-Dan.

Israel is experiencing a chorus of condemnations from international leaders as they attempt to steer the ongoing conflict with the Gaza Strip towards a ceasefire on this tenth day of fighting. Could both sides lay down their arms any time soon?

Even as the Palestinian-Israeli conflict continues in crisis mode, Israel still does not have a stable government. Yesh Atid head Yair Lapid has until June 2 to forge a coalition, but the "Change Bloc" appears to be ever out of reach. What will happen next in the Knesset as strange political bedfellows are again reportedly in talks?

As President Reuven Rivlin's term comes to an end, a number of prominent Israelis are throwing their hats into the ring. The deadline is tonight for officially announcing candidacy. Schneider explains who the front-runners are and how the president is chosen.

Discussed articles include:

Israel, Hamas deny ceasefire expected on Thursday, as US ups pressure

France circulates draft UN Security Council resolution urging Gaza ceasefire

EU top diplomat urges Israel-Palestinian ceasefire after meeting of FMs

Hungary FM slams EU’s ‘one-sided’ statements on Israel

Sa’ar said weighing power-sharing government with Netanyahu, if made PM first

Netanyahu, Gantz said to weigh fresh partnership; all sides strongly deny notion

Isaac Herzog announces candidacy for presidency as race warms up

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

IMAGE: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gestures as he shows a slideshow during a briefing to ambassadors to Israel at the Hakirya military base in Tel Aviv, Israel, May 19, 2021. (AP Photo/Sebastian Scheiner, Pool)

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.

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 military correspondent Judah Ari Gross and United States correspondent Jacob Magid from New York, along with host Amanda Borschel-Dan.

We open the program with a sobering update of the continued fighting on several fronts over the Shavuot holiday. Gross describes the recent rocket fire towards Israel's northern border and explains the significance of efforts in Lebanon and Jordan in which protestors attempted to illegally rush and cross the border into Israel.

We learn about Hamas's recent use of more experimental hi-tech warfare, including aerial drones and unmanned submarines, and how the IDF has thus far been able to neutralize them.

Magid describes the Biden administration's response, as opposed to the more progressive factions of the Democratic party. US President Joe Biden's call for a ceasefire was carefully worded, but he joined a growing chorus of international leaders.

Finally, we look at the global community's efforts to push and negotiate a ceasefire, and how as the IDF increasingly targets "complicated" terrorist targets, Israel's standing may suffer.

Discussed articles include:

IDF downs drone of unclear origin approaching northern Israel

Six rockets fired from Lebanon, fall short of Israel border; IDF hits back

IDF says it thwarted underwater drone attack by Hamas from northern Gaza

Biden speaks with Netanyahu, expresses ‘support for a ceasefire’

UN General Assembly to meet on Gaza as US blocks 3rd Security Council resolution

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

IMAGE: IDF (Israel Defense Force) Artillery Corps seen firing into Gaza, near the Israeli border with Gaza on May 17, 2021. (Yonatan Sindel/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.

Today’s panel comprises environmental reporter Sue Surkes and culture editor Jessica Steinberg, along with host Amanda Borschel-Dan.

For the holiday, we are pretending that current events do not exist and we first discuss what each staff member is putting on her festive table.

Surkes brings us a new and very exciting development from Netafim, Israel's flagship drip irrigation firm that since the 1960s has led the world with cutting-edge agriculture technology. She describes how the company has spent the past decade trying to solve the riddle of the rice paddy. They've now cracked it, and the technology is already in use in Italy, Turkey and India.

Finally, Steinberg discusses several exciting new endeavors from the Shomer Hechadash group of agricultural volunteers. One, an app called SunDo, which allows volunteers to connect with farmers in need of labor that has been cut off due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, and the ongoing conflict with the Palestinians. The other initiative collects "ugly" fruit that is considered not attractive enough for sale and finds them a good home with people who are in need.

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

IMAGE: A display of cheesecakes at a bakery in Netanya. (Chen Leopold/Flash 90) 

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.

Today’s panel comprises editor David Horovitz and senior analyst Haviv Rettig Gur, along with host Raoul Wootliff.

On today's show, after a week of fighting between Israel and the Hamas terror group in Gaza, we look at the current state of play and the latest developments in Israel's military operation and the attacks on Israeli cities.

What are the goals of either side? What has been achieved so far? Is a ceasefire looming or not? We break down what the players want, and what they are willing to do to get it.

In one of the most controversial incidents of recent days, an Israeli airstrike flattened a tower in Gaza City that housed offices of The Associated Press, Al Jazeera and other media outlets on Saturday afternoon. Why is Israel claiming it was a legitimate military target? And what can it do to persuade the world of that?

And finally, we look at the US administration's role in claiming the conflict and ask whether President Joe Biden has been missing in action.

Discussed articles include:

Heavy rocket fire hits center, south; Hamas leader’s home targeted in IAF strike

While Israel makes tactical gains, Hamas is proving the strategic victor

While all eyes are on Gaza, Gaza is only half the story

‘No ceasefire yet’: Israel said to want IDF to complete ‘missions’ against Hamas

IDF fells Gaza tower used by media outlets, says it housed Hamas military assets

IDF spokesman denies deliberately misleading press on nonexistent Gaza invasion

Netanyahu assures Biden that Israel is seeking to limit Gaza civilian casualties

In their first phone call, Abbas urges Biden to intervene, stop Israeli attacks

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

PHOTO: Fire and smoke rises from the Jala Tower as it is destroyed in an Israeli airstrike after the IDF warned the occupants to leave, Gaza City, May 15, 2021 (MAHMUD HAMS / AFP)

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.

Today’s panel comprises editor David Horovitz and ToI Hebrew sister site Zman Yisrael editor Biranit Goren, along with host Amanda Borschel-Dan.

To begin today’s program, Goren briefly describes what the past few nights has been like for residents of Tel Aviv.

Wednesday marked one of the most violent nights of internal Jewish-Arab chaos in years as mob attacks spread across the country, from Haifa to Tiberias and Bat Yam to Lod. A horrific mob of extremist Jews was caught on film attacking a young Arab man and beating him senseless in Bat Yam. Defense Minister Benny Gantz calls this “as dangerous as Hamas.” We speak about why it may be even worse for the fabric of Israeli society.

There was condemnation for the past few days’ mob violence from all sides of the political echelon. We ask, however, where are the political boots on the ground? How is Israel’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., as the country stands on the precipice of civil war?

Discussed articles include:

Jewish-Arab violence rolls through cities like wildfire, with police overwhelmed

Jewish mob’s vicious attack on presumed Arab in Bat Yam caught live on Israel TV

From far-right to Islamist parties, leaders condemn Jewish-Arab violence

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

PHOTO: A fire burns in the central Israeli city of Lod, where synagogues and cars were torched as well as shops damaged by Arab-Israeli riots, May 12, 2021. (Yossi Aloni/Flash90)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.