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.

Zman Yisrael editor Biranit Goren and Knesset correspondent Carrie Keller-Lynn join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode.

Justice Minister Yariv Levin published draft bills that will enact his judicial reforms Wednesday night and this morning MK Simcha Rothman also proposed a reform bill. We've known they're coming for months. Are there any surprises here?

Also last night, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced a triage plan to combat the high cost of living. How much will this really be felt by the average Israeli?

Yesterday in the Knesset, the bill that would revoke Israeli citizenship for terrorists advanced. We hear more about this mostly consensus piece of legislation.

Finally, Zman Yisrael published an article on Israelis' eating habits versus international standards. Spoiler: We find out why obesity is rising in the Holy Land.

Discussed articles include:

Levin unveils bills to neuter High Court, deny it almost all means to rein in gov’t

Government unveils 'emergency' economic plan to reduce utility, gas and tax hikes

Bid to revoke citizenship of PA-paid terror convicts advances with opposition’s help

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

IMAGE: Justice Minister Yariv Levin speaks during a constitution committee meeting at the Knesset, the Israeli Parliament in Jerusalem, on January 11, 2023. (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.

Diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman and health and science writer Nathan Jeffay join host Jessica Steinberg for today's podcast.

Berman speaks about the diplomatic experience of prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu will need to bring to his government, specifically because of actions from his coalition partners, particularly public security minister Itamar Ben Gvir.

Jeffay discusses the findings of Israel's largest health care fund, showing that the new Covid boosters cut hospitalization rates significantly for the 65-plus group, although booster rates have slowed overall in Israel.

Berman talks about foreign minister Eli Cohen who will be speaking soon to the Ukrainian foreign minister, and how the new government's attitudes toward Russia may shift Israel's ability to act as a mediator between Russia and Ukraine.

Jeffay looks at an open letter signed by obesity experts to Israel, expressing outrage at the scrapping of a year-old tax meant to slow sales of sugary soft drinks.

He also explains the US licensing of an Israeli immunotherapy that demonstrated a 56% remission rate in cancer.

Discussed articles include:

A week in, Netanyahu government already at odds with Biden administration

Israel, most Arab partners meet in UAE to prepare for Negev Forum summit in Morocco

Israeli study: Omicron-fighting boosters cut hospitalization in over-65s by 81%

Backlash from top international obesity experts after Israel scraps soft drink tax

After demonstrating 57% remission rate, Israeli immunotherapy licensed by US firm

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

IMAGE: 

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 health and science writer Nathan Jeffay join host Jessica Steinberg for today's podcast.

Berman speaks about the diplomatic experience of prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu who has had some bumpy first weeks in his government, specifically because of actions from his coalition partners, including public security minister Itamar Ben Gvir.

Jeffay discusses the findings of Israel's largest health care fund, showing that Covid boosters cut hospitalization significantly for the 65-plus group, although booster rates have slowed overall in Israel.

Berman also talks about foreign minister Eli Cohen who will be speaking to the Ukrainian foreign minister, and how the new government's attitudes toward Russia may shift Israel's ability to act as a mediator between Russia and Ukraine.

Jeffay looks at an open letter signed by obesity experts to Israel, expressing outrage at the scrapping of a year-old tax meant to slow sales of sugary soft drinks. 

He also explains the US licensing of an Israeli immunotherapy that demonstrated a 56% remission rate in cancer.

Discussed articles include:

A week in, Netanyahu government already at odds with Biden administration

Israel, most Arab partners meet in UAE to prepare for Negev Forum summit in Morocco

Israeli study: Omicron-fighting boosters cut hospitalization in over-65s by 81%

Backlash from top international obesity experts after Israel scraps soft drink tax

After demonstrating 57% remission rate, Israeli immunotherapy licensed by US firm

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 leads a government conference at the Prime Minister's office in Jerusalem on January 3, 2023 (Courtesy 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.

Political correspondent Tal Schneider and religions and diaspora reporter Judah Ari Gross join host Jessica Steinberg for today's podcast.

Schneider discusses comments made by new communications minister Shlomo Karhi regarding the possible dismantling of the public Kan broadcaster, as well as the smaller, popular IDF radio station.

She also talks about national security minister Itamar Ben Gvir's plans to break up protests at roadblocks, despite his own long history as a demonstrator and his remarks regarding the use of water cannons as a method of dispersing crowds.

Gross speaks about his interview with new Jewish Agency director Doron Almog, with a long professional history in the IDF and unexpectedly finding himself in the midst of what could be a battle over the Law of Return and who is eligible for Israeli citizenship in his new role.

He also discusses the most recent immigration numbers in 2022, affected greatly by the influx of immigrants from Ukraine, Russia and Belarus, and a downturn from western countries.

Discussed articles include:

New communications minister says ‘no place’ for public broadcasting in Israel

Ben Gvir tells police to start arresting anti-government protesters who block roads

Jewish Agency chief preaches unity, but readies for battle over Law of Return

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 current Israeli government, at Habima Square in Tel Aviv, on January 7, 2023 (Courtesy Tomer Neuberg/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 investigative reporter Inna Lazareva join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode.

Former Supreme Court head Aharon Barak gave a series of television interviews over the weekend in which he stated unequivocably that he is worried about new Justice Minister Yariv Levin's proposed judicial reforms. What were some of Barak's statements?

Three drivers employed by the Prime Minister’s Office for roughly 30 years as part of the premier’s motorcade were reportedly fired earlier this week, amid reports that Benjamin Netanyahu is clearing house of staff who served in the previous government. However, the drivers are set also to serve as prosecution witnesses in the ongoing trial against Netanyahu. Horovitz connects some dots.

A team of Israeli archaeologists from the Universite of Haifa and the Hebrew University has discovered what it claims is the earliest evidence of silver being used as currency in the Levant, dating back more than 3,600 years. The analyzed silver hoards are found in strata that date to 500 years prior to previous estimates. Borschel-Dan gives some context.

Finally, Lazereva shares some of the horrors she uncovered during her in-depth investigation into what many Ukrainian women who fled their homes for Israel face when they get here.

Discussed articles include:

Ex-top judge Barak: ‘Put me before a firing squad’ if it’ll stop move to tyranny

3 motorcade drivers fired by Netanyahu are witnesses in his corruption trial

Netanyahu fires three veteran motorcade drivers who also ferried Bennett and Lapid

Newly analyzed 3,600-year-old silver pieces are 1st currency in Levant, study shows

Raped, abused, exploited: Ukrainian women seeking refuge in Israel find no haven

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

ILLUSTRATIVE IMAGE: Women walk past apartment buildings in Mariupol, Ukraine, damaged during heavy fighting, November 4, 2022. (AP Photo/Alexei Alexandrov)

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.

Legal reporter Jeremy Sharon and military correspondent Emanuel Fabian join host Amanda Borschel-Dan in today's episode.

A report by the Beirut Observer on Saturday stated that Lebanese security officials are urging Hezbollah to prevent a Lebanon-based Hamas cell from carrying out an attack against Israel. Fabian explains why.

On Wednesday, new Justice Minister Yair Levin finally officially unveiled the government’s plans for judicial reforms. We hear what are the four reforms and how the country is reacting.

On Thursday, the High Court held a six-hour hearing for a petition against Shas head Aryeh Deri’s appointment as interior and health minister. What were the main arguments?

On Saturday, three Fatah officials came to visit the recently freed security prisoner Karim Younis in the northern Israel town of ‘Ara. Who is Younis and how did new Defense Minister Yoav Galant respond to this entourage?

Discussed articles include:

Report: Lebanon urging Hezbollah to prevent local Hamas cell from attacking Israel

Justice minister unveils plan to shackle the High Court, overhaul Israel’s judiciary

Thousands rally in Tel Aviv against new government, judicial overhaul plans

Court to Deri: ‘You can’t quit Knesset in plea bargain, then get appointed minister’

Gallant revokes entry permits of 3 PA officials who visited freed terror convict

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

IMAGE: FILE - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu listens to Israeli Interior Minister Aryeh Deri during a meeting with his nationalist allies and his Likud party members, at the Knesset, Israeli Parliament, in Jerusalem, March 4, 2020. (AP Photo/Sebastian Scheiner, File)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is Israeli democracy in danger? A proposed High Court override clause has many concerned about a possible tyranny of the majority. Join us as a diverse set of legal experts discuss with ToI editors what’s currently at stake.

In this third episode, Prof. Moshe Koppel objects to what he describes as the unchecked and unbalanced power of the court, which he says has decided that every issue is justiciable and that anyone has the standing to petition the court.

Koppel is a professor (emeritus) of computer science at Bar-Ilan University and the founding chairman of the Kohelet Policy Forum. His most recent book is "Judaism Straight Up: Why Real Religion Endures."

Koppel spoke at a Times of Israel live-streamed event on December 15 at the Israel Democracy Institute in Jerusalem on the topic of judicial reform.

Times of Israel editor David Horovitz introduces Koppel and asks some follow-up questions.

Subscribe to 'Israel’s Judiciary: Reform or Ruin?' on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you find your podcasts. 

IMAGE: Prof. Moshe Koppel at a ToI Live event in Jerusalem’s Israel Democracy Institute, December 15, 2022. (Oded Antman/IDI)

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.

Political correspondent Jacob Magid and US reporter Luke Tress join host Jessica Steinberg for today's podcast.

Magid discusses the UN security council emergency meeting regarding National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir's visit this week to the Temple Mount.

Tress looks at another recent UN resolution against Israel and the many condemnations of the United Nations regarding Israel over the last year.

Magid talks about the upcoming trip being planned for US national security advisor Jake Sullivan and what the Biden administration is thinking about with regard to Israel and its new government.

He also briefly discusses US senator Lindsey Graham, usually a friend to Israel, and his warning about the new government's plan to remain quiet about Russia's war in Ukraine.

Tress discusses ultra Orthodox group Agudath Israel and its protest against The New York Times' coverage of yeshiva education that is sharply critical about the lack of secular studies.

Discussed articles include:

UN Security Council slated to meet on widely decried Temple Mount visit by Ben Gvir

UN asks world court to weigh in on Israeli ‘occupation’ and ‘annexation’

Top Biden aide set to visit Israel amid fears over Netanyahu’s plans for West Bank

GOP senator pans new government’s plan to ‘stay quiet’ on Russia’s war in Ukraine

US Orthodox group launches campaign against New York Times yeshiva coverage

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

IMAGE: Tourists visit at the al-Aqsa Mosque compound in the Old City of Jerusalem, on January 3, 2023 (Courtesy Jamal Awad/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.

Legal and settlements reporter Jeremy Sharon and Diaspora Affairs correspondent Judah Ari Gross join host Amanda Borschel-Dan in today's episode.

Yesterday, Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara announced Tuesday that she will not defend the appointment of Shas leader Aryeh Deri as interior minister and health minister in High Court of Justice proceedings. How rare is this refusal?

Gross reported on a first announced Deri policy as Interior Minister in which new immigrants will be required to prove they’ve settled in Israel in order to be eligible for an Israeli passport. What is required to enact this?

On Monday, the state informed the High Court that rather than demolish the Homesh outpost, it had decided to legalize it by repealing part of the 2005 disengagement law. What was the reason to demolish the settlement then, and how is the state justifying this reversal?

Israeli and Diaspora-based heads of top international Zionist groups sent a joint letter to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, warning him against his incoming government’s plan to alter the Law of Return. Gross explains what is unique about this move.

Yesterday, Poland said it has been informed by Germany that it does not intend to engage in negotiations on any World War II reparations to Warsaw as Berlin considers the matter closed. Has the country exhausted all options?

Discussed articles include:

AG refuses to defend government in court against petitions over Deri’s appointment

Netanyahu meets AG for tense talks, reportedly on plan to split her role into two

New immigrants will need to prove they’ve settled in Israel before getting passports

High Court demands government explain refusal to demolish Homesh outpost

Leaders of top Zionist bodies warn Netanyahu against altering Law of Return

Germany rejects Poland’s request for $1.4 trillion in WWII reparations, says Warsaw

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

IMAGE: Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara attends a conference at the University of Haifa, December 15, 2022. (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.

Editor David Horovitz and senior analyst Haviv Rettig Gur join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode, which marks two years of the daily podcast.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir ascended to the Temple Mount this morning in a visit that is being condemned by The Palestinian Authority’s Foreign Ministry as an “unprecedented provocation.” We hear how Horovitz sees this playing out.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has appointed his 11-member security cabinet, stacked with staunch supporters. Is this a signal to his coalition partners?

According to a report from the Israel Democracy Institute, by the end of the decade, ultra-orthodox Jews will constitute 16% of the total Israeli population. Rettig Gur explores what this means for Israel.

And finally, we hear about the Academy of the Hebrew Language's word of the year, bol'an or sinkhole.

Discussed articles include:

Ben Gvir visits Temple Mount for 1st time as minister, despite indicating he’d delay

‘People will die’: Lapid calls on Netanyahu to prevent Ben Gvir’s Temple Mount visit

Netanyahu set to pack security cabinet with loyalists alongside far-right ministers

Haredim are fastest-growing population, will be 16% of Israelis by decade’s end

Hebrew Academy picks ‘sinkhole’ as its word of 2022

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

IMAGE: National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir visits the Temple Mount, January 3, 2023 (Courtesy Minhelet Har Habayit)

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.

Political correspondent Tal Schneider and military reporter Mannie Fabian join host Jessica Steinberg for today's podcast.

Schneider sets the scene for the ministerial handovers at the finance, public security and education ministries, where the new government's ministers began setting the tone for the government's new, right-wing direction.

Fabian discusses the ceremony at the Defense Ministry and what former defense minister Benny Gantz told the new defense minister Yoav Gallant with regard to political interference in the army.

Schneider also speaks about the upcoming minor fast day on Tuesday and new public security minister Itamar Ben Gvir's plans to visit the Temple Mount, his intentions and the tensions that could arise as a result of his actions.

Fabian talks about the Israeli airforce strike early Monday morning on Damascus International Airport, putting it briefly out of service.

Discussed articles include:

In 1st move as minister, Smotrich orders taxes on plasticware, sugary drinks nixed

At defense handover, Gantz warns Gallant not to allow political interference in IDF

New police minister Ben Gvir gears up for Temple Mount visit, possibly this week

Syria says IAF strikes briefly put Damascus airport out of service, kill 2 soldiers

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.