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.

Editor David Horovitz and diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman join host Amanda Borschel-Dan.

Israel again experienced a terrorist shooting last night, this time near Jerusalem’s Western Wall. Horovitz brings updates.

This morning, we hear that former IDF top general Gadi Eisenkot and former Religious Affairs Minister Matan Kahana are joining ranks with Blue and White head Benny Gantz. Does this boost Gantz’s chances?

Berman is back in Israel following several weeks in Ukraine. He tells us about a Holocaust survivor who is again displaced by war and previews other upcoming pieces reported there.

International media was flooded with headlines over the weekend about the stabbing of author Salman Rushdie as he prepared to give a lecture in upstate New York on Friday. Berman explains it’s not the first attack surrounding the controversial author. Do we expect the stabbing to affect the Iran nuclear talks in any way?

Horovitz tells us about a so-called "Pasta Nazi" who is working out of Tel Aviv’s Florentin neighborhood.

Discussed articles include:

‘Screams of terror’: 7 hurt, including 2 seriously, in shooting near Western Wall

Suspected terrorist in Jerusalem shooting turns himself in to police

Ex-IDF chief Eisenkot, former Yamina minister Kahana join Gantz-led ‘National Camp’

Rushdie off ventilator and talking, a day after being stabbed, agent says

Why decades later, Salman Rushdie’s ‘The Satanic Verses’ remains so controversial

Israel says Rushdie stabbing ‘an attack on our values,’ evidence of Iran’s brutality

No fettuccine for you: Tel Aviv’s ‘Pasta Nazi’ goes viral

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Illustrative image: Then-incoming IDF chief of staff Gadi Eizenkot (L) and then-outgoing IDF Chief of Staff Benny Gantz (L) seen at a changing of the ranks ceremony held at the PM's office in Jerusalem, on February 16, 2015. (Miriam Alster/FLASH90)

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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 correspondent Jacob Magid and Religions and Diaspora Affairs writer Judah Ari Gross join host Jessica Steinberg for today's podcast.

Magid discusses how and why the Egyptian envoy berated Israel at the UN Security Council, following warmed relations between the two countries and its recent brokering of the ceasefire between Israel and Islamic Jihad.

Gross reviews Saturday night's egalitarian reading of Lamentations during the Tisha B'Av fast at the Western Wall, amid expectations for tensions and possible protests from Orthodox extremists, as happened the year prior.

Magid looks at the final decision not to lower the rank of US Security Coordinator, USSC, in Jerusalem to colonel from three-star general, possibly given the role it holds in coordinating between Israel and the Palestinian Authority.

He also talks about the moderate rival Dan Samuels who nearly upset congresswoman Ilhan Omar in the recent primary race, one which pro-Israel groups sat out.

Gross discusses the recent tensions between the Jewish Agency and the Russian government, which has threatened to close its branch of the Jewish Agency, which handles Jewish immigration from Russia.

Discussed articles include:

After mediating Gaza ceasefire, Egypt’s envoy castigates Israel at Security Council

Pentagon backs off Jerusalem security coordinator downgrade amid lawmaker pressure

Moderate rival nearly upsets Ilhan Omar in primary race pro-Israel groups sat out

Israeli government intervenes as Moscow tightens screws on Jewish Agency

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IMAGE: Egyptian Ambassador to the UN Osama Abdel Khalek addresses the Security Council on August 8, 2022. (Screen capture/UN TV)

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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 Jeremy Sharon and real estate writer Danielle Nagler join host Jessica Steinberg for today's podcast.

Sharon discusses small, radical Noam political party ahead of elections, and the fierce ideologies of this party in the Religious Zionist community.

Nagler looks at ongoing housing issues, rental prices and how efforts to stem rising prices will possibly play out in upcoming election campaigns.

Sharon speaks about the perceived root causes of violence against women, according to MK Touma-Sliman, chairwoman of Knesset Committee on the Status of Women and Social Equality, and plans to curb violence.

Nagler offers some lighter fare at theme park Magic Kass, a $145 million indoor amusement park attracting about 4,000 people a day this summer.

Discussed articles include:

MK Touma-Sliman: Lock up men who threaten violence against women

Israeli housing prices continue to break records, up 15.9% over last year

They’ve cracked it: Israeli wonderland Magic Kass draws thousands per day

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IMAGE: The Magic Kass amusement park (Courtesy)

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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 Carrie Keller-Lynn and health reporter Nathan Jeffay join host Amanda Borschel-Dan.

Prime Minister Yair Lapid took to the podium last night to deliver a state of the union following the 66-hour Operation Breaking Dawn and addressed the Palestinian people directly. What was his message?

We speak with Keller-Lynn about an analysis she wrote about Lapid’s potential political dividends and we hear about the Labor primaries.

Keller-Lynn made a trip to Ashkelon on Sunday, while rockets were still raining down. What did she see?

During Operation Breaking Dawn, Jeffay highlighted the new rocket-proofed hospital at The ADI Negev-Nahalat Eran Rehabilitation Village — located just 40 kilometers — 25 miles — from the Gaza border, next to the city of Ofakim.

We learn about Israeli scientists who are working to develop a “precision weapon” against bowel disorders consisting of viruses that fight bacteria.

And finally, an Israeli lab has grown synthetic mouse embryos with brains and beating hearts — in an egg-free sperm-free procedure that used stem cells taken from skin.

Discussed articles include:

Lapid offers a new path to residents of Gaza: Livelihood, dignity and peace

Lapid is the Gaza operation’s political winner, but can this be converted to votes?

Labor expected to announce candidate slate on Tuesday evening, following primary

As rockets rain down, many vulnerable Ashkelon residents still lack adequate shelter

Rocket-proof and ready for anything, new hospital near Gaza unfazed by flareup

Israeli scientists developing ‘precision’ viruses that kill bowel-harming bacteria

Using only skin cells, Israeli lab makes synthetic mouse embryos with beating hearts

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IMAGE: Isareli Prime Minister and Yesh Atid chairman Yair Lapid speaks to party members during a Yesh Atid party conference in Tel Aviv, August 3, 2022.(Avshalom Sassoni/Flash90)

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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 diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman, who is recording with us from Ukraine, join host Amanda Borschel-Dan.

Today Israel awoke cautiously optimistic to the news that the Egyptian-brokered ceasefire that went into effect last night at 11:30 held. Berman tells us about Egypt’s role as a mediator.

We hear about international reactions to Operation Breaking Dawn, including from the United States, European nations and, significantly, Turkey.

Berman shares what he learned during a phone briefing this morning with senior Israeli officials.

Schneider explains what was remarkable on the political front during the operation and updates us on what we can expect in the political sphere this week.

Berman describes his past week of reporting from the frontlines of Ukraine, including an all-Jewish "Masada" unit.

Discussed articles include:

Liveblog August 8

Gaza truce takes effect, ending days of fighting between Israel and Islamic Jihad

Biden welcomes Gaza ceasefire, says US proud to back life-saving Iron Dome

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IMAGE: Iron dome anti-missile system fires interception missiles as rockets fired from the Gaza Strip to Israel, in Sderot, on August 7, 2022. (Yossi Zamir/Flash90)

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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 military correspondent Emanuel Fabian join host Amanda Borschel-Dan today, Tisha B'Av.

We have entered the third day of Operation Breaking Dawn. It is an extremely changing story and listeners are advised to please update themselves at The Times of Israel website, where our live blog is actively reporting on events as they happen.

Horovitz begins the episode by reminding listeners of the steps that brought the IDF to launch the current operation and gives an overview of what has happened since.

Fabian explains the operation’s stated goals and speaks to any potential threats to Ben Gurion Airport so far.

Horovitz discusses the closing of the political ranks in support of the operation and the Sunday-morning visit to the Temple Mount by far-right MK Itamar Ben Gvir.

Discussed articles include:

Liveblog August 7

As Islamic Jihad sparks Gaza-Israel conflict, all eyes are on Hamas

Israel strikes and kills another top Islamic Jihad commander in Gaza

Israel says Gaza terrorists’ failed rocket launch kills several Palestinian children

580 rockets fired from Gaza since Friday; Iron Dome at 97% success rate

Explainer: What is driving the current Israel-Gaza violence

Netanyahu attends 1st security briefing with Lapid, gives ‘full backing’ to Gaza op

Over 1,000 Jews visit Temple Mount for Tisha B’Av, as tensions boil

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IMAGE: Israel Defense Force Artillery Corps near the Israeli border with Gaza on August 6, 2022. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)

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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 news editor Amy Spiro join host Amanda Borschel-Dan.

The roads around Gaza have been closed since the arrest of Bassem Saadi, who leads Islamic Jihad in the West Bank, in fear of a retaliatory attack. Fabian updates us on the arrest and the days since.

The threat of Hezbollah in regards to ongoing negotiations for a fixed maritime border with Lebanon was also on the table in yesterday's cabinet meeting. What's going on there?

Six months ago the Israeli newspaper Calcalist published broad allegations against Israel Police using NSO spyware to hack into the phones of dozens of private citizens. Spiro shares the findings of Monday's 100-page investigation.

New allegations of female soldiers and prison officers being sexually harassed and assaulted in Israeli prisons by Palestinian security prisoners has led to an altercation between Defense Minister Benny Gantz and Public Security Minister Omer Barlev. On what grounds?

A contestant on HaAch HaGadol, Israel’s Big Brother, recently said "Heil Hitler" and gave a Nazi salute. Spiro discusses whether this a case in which it’s only ok for Jews to joke about this.

Discussed articles include:

Roads around Gaza to remain closed for 3rd day amid fears of Islamic Jihad attack

Security officials said to warn of Hezbollah escalation if no Lebanon gas deal

Probe finds Israel Police did not unlawfully hack phones of politicians, activists

Gantz says he’ll reevaluate drafting soldiers into Prisons Service amid rape claims

Minister says female soldiers to continue guarding terror inmates unless law changes

Reality check: Does Israel employ a double standard on tolerating Holocaust humor?

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Image: Members of the Saraya al-Quds Brigades, the armed wing of the Palestine Islamic Jihad movement, take part in a military parade. in Al-Shati refugee camp, west of Gaza City, on June 24, 2022. (Attia Muhammed/Flash90)

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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 legal affairs reporter Jeremy Sharon join host Amanda Borschel-Dan.

Former prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu released a pre-recorded statement this morning. What did he announce?

Schneider held an on-stage interview with Ra’am head Mansour Abbas this weekend in which he said he hopes that the former coalition will again take power following the upcoming November 1 elections.

Far-right Otzma Yehudit and the slightly less right Religious Zionism parties are talking about merging. What's happening here?

Last week, in a reversal of a decision from two years ago, the High Court of Justice ruled that the Mitzpe Kramim settlement outpost that is built on private Palestinian land can remain in place. The court said that the outpost did not need to be evacuated because the land was allocated by the government to the settlers in good faith. What kind of ripple effect could this have?

For the first time in Israel’s history, a woman entered the role of military secretary to the president’s office, Brig. Gen. Naama Rosen-Grimberg.

Discussed articles include:

Religious Zionism and Otzma Yehudit close in on far-right unity deal

In reversal, High Court rules Mitzpe Kramim outpost can remain on Palestinian land

In first, president appoints female officer as military secretary

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IMAGE: Former prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks to the media at the Likud headquarters in Tel Aviv on July 26, 2022. (Avshalom Sassoni/Flash90)

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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 environment reporter Sue Surkes join host Anne Gordon on today's episode.

With some prices rising and others (oddly) falling, Rettig Gur explains not only the cost of living in Israel, but also why it has been unchangingly high for decades. Hint: It's not because of COVID-19-interrupted supply chains or Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Surkes updates us on the efforts to reduce carbon globally by taking it out of the air and trading it for forest growth and other plants that absorb carbon. She also outlines a proposal to turn one of Jerusalem's thoroughfares into a slower road with an environmentally pleasing park.

Discussed articles include:

Dairy and electricity prices go up as gas, public transportation costs drop 

Amid outcry, major importer freezes price hikes until after the Jewish holidays

Israel to ease rules on imports of goods to boost competition, reduce cost of living

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IMAGE: Part of the plan for greening Jerusalem's Hebron Road. (courtesy, Yossi Saidov)

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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 correspondent Jacob Magid and reporter Luke Tress join host Anne Gordon on today's episode.

With the drug epidemic out of the United States shifting from prescription pills to heroin to fentanyl, and with overdoses on the rise, Tress sheds light on why fentanyl is a deadly threat, and why no demographic, including the American Jewish community, is immune to this plague of addiction.

Magid reports on Jared Kushner's upcoming book about his time in the White House as senior adviser to his father-in-law, then-US president Donald Trump, including where he contradicts former US ambassador to Israel David Friedman's account of a US-Israel plan for annexation.

Magid also fills us in about Israel’s security cabinet vote to withhold more than half a billion shekels from the Palestinian Authority to offset the money the PA pays terrorists.

Discussed articles include:

Jewish communities grapple with addiction as fentanyl crisis ravages US

In new book, Kushner claims envoy Friedman went rogue to okay West Bank annexation

In new book, Trump’s Israel envoy hammers 4 rocky years into a smooth path to peace

Israel to withhold NIS 600 million from PA over its payments to terrorists’ families 

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IMAGE: Fentanyl-laced fake oxycodone pills collected during an investigation in 2019. (US Attorneys Office for Utah via AP)

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