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.

Diplomacy correspondent Lazar Berman and United States correspondent Jacob Magid join host Amanda Borschel-Dan.

In an in-depth discussion with Berman, who has spent the week in Kyiv, he hear about the almost indifferent response to a potentially looming war that he discovers in the historic Brodsky Synagogue. We then learn about a pointedly different take from Israel's envoy, Michael Brodsky, who calls on Israelis to leave the country while they still can.

Finally, Berman reports on the nationalism he has found in the streets in protests to "Save Ukraine" -- but not necessarily from the Russians.

Next, we speak with Magid who reviewed US former ambassador to Israel David Friedman's new memoir "Sledgehammer." What is behind the name and who is the hero of this story?

Magid then discusses warnings from the US that violence may be in the offing when the Jewish and Muslim holidays converge in April. What is behind this advance warning?

Discussed articles include:

At historic Kyiv synagogue, congregants scoff at talk of war

Kyiv envoy urges Israelis to leave, warns rescue flights might not be possible

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

US fears repeat of violence in Israel as religious holy days converge in April

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Image: A view of Ukraine's national flag waves above the capital with the Motherland Monument on the right, in Kyiv, February 13, 2022. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky)

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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 Environment reporter Sue Surkes join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's packed program. We also have brief onsite updates from political reporter Tal Schneider in Bahrain and diplomacy reporter Lazar Berman in Kiev.

We begin with Schneider, who has accompanied Prime Minister Naftali Bennett on the first visit by the head of the Jewish state to Bahrain. What does Bennett hope to accomplish?

We then turn to Berman, who is finding it's basically business as usual in Kyiv. At least on the surface. Surkes chimes in and reports on conversations she had with Ukrainian Jews and relief organizations as the country faces an uncertain future.

Next, we turn to Keller-Lynn who reports on a briefing yesterday in Jerusalem’s beautiful King David hotel with United States Senator Lindsey Graham. What is this mutual defense agreement he speaks of?

And finally, Surkes recently visited a new tourist attraction at the dying Dead Sea near one of the sites that could be the biblical Sodom. Worth a visit? And is the Israeli government trying to prevent further damage to one of the world’s true natural wonders?

Discussed articles include:

In Bahrain, Bennett pledges to aid country in fight against Iran

As Israel scrambles to get citizens out, Kyiv streets seem preternaturally tranquil

Ukraine-Russia crisis: Diplomacy steps up in last-ditch effort to avoid imminent war

In Ukraine, young Jews torn between fighting for their country, or leaving

‘My bag’s packed’: Jewish lawyer who fled 2014 Ukraine fight readies for the worst

US Senator Graham in Israel: Time to develop ‘guardrails’ around Iran’s nuke program

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IMAGE: Prime Minister Naftali Bennett in Manama, Bahrain on February 15, 2022. (Haim Zach/GPO)

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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.

Arab Affairs correspondent Aaron Boxerman and reporter Amy Spiro join host Jessica Steinberg.

Boxerman offers an update on the situation in East Jerusalem's Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood, why tensions are rising and how it looks similar and different from the similar scenario that took place last May.

He also discusses the rising tensions in Nablus and the West Bank, reflecting on the roles of the Palestinian Authority security apparatus in recent events.

Spiro speaks about the progress made by Israeli athletes at the Olympics, reflecting on the various sports and who still has a chance at improving their scores, if not winning any medals.

Discussed articles include:

Clashes in flashpoint Sheikh Jarrah after far-right MK opens protest ‘office’

Soldiers kill 3 Palestinian terror suspects in West Bank operation

Palestinian, 17, said killed in firefight with IDF during West Bank home demolition

Israeli skier Szollos surprises with 6th-place finish at Winter Olympics

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IMAGE: Police disperse Jewish men protesting in the East Jerusalem neighborhood of Sheikh Jarrah, February 13, 2022.(Olivier Fitoussi/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.

Diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman and military reporter Judah Ari Gross join host Jessica Steinberg.

Berman and Gross discuss increased sense of urgency from the US regarding preparations in case Russia invades Ukraine, which has pushed IDF and Israeli government to make their own plans.

Gross looks at Israel's new title as first country in the world to allow unmanned aerial vehicles, otherwise known as large drones, to fly in its airspace.

Berman comments on Super Bowl Sunday, and the first time in a decade that quarterback Tom Brady won't be playing.

Discussed articles include:

Bennett implores Israelis in Ukraine to ‘come home’ before it’s too late

As Ukraine war looms, PM and Lapid hold urgent Shabbat talks on evacuating Israelis

Gantz orders IDF to prepare to assist in evacuating Israelis from Ukraine

Israel becomes 1st country to allow large, high-flying drones in civilian airspace

‘Our trip created a stronger bond’: Kraft shares memories of Tom Brady in Israel

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IMAGE: Foreign Minister Yair Lapid participates in situational assessment on evacuating Israelis and Jews from Ukraine, February 13, 2022 (Yogev Cohen/MFA)

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We’re speaking this week to Anneke von der Lippe and Uri Barbash, the Norwegian actor and Israeli director of the current Netflix series, "The Girl From Oslo," which racked up views and placed in the top ten of series watched in 36 countries during its first week on the streaming platform.

The 10-part series tells the story of a kidnapping of a young Norwegian woman and her two Israeli friends. The Norwegian Pia’s mother, Alex, played by von der Lippe, travels to Israel to make contact with two friends — Arik, an Israeli politician played by Amos Taman, and her Palestinian friend, Layla, played by Raida Adon.

It’s a show that takes on many subjects; ISIS, Israel, Hamas, Oslo, Palestinian and Israeli conflict, personal relationships, husbands, wives and children, terror and mourning, for a sweep of emotions and drama.

IMAGE: Anneke von der Lippe (left) and Amos Taman (right) as Alex and Arik in 'The Girl from Oslo,' currently on Netflix.

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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.

ToI founding editor David Horovitz and environmental reporter Sue Surkes join host Jessica Steinberg.

Horovitz offers some key points from his interview with US ambassador Tom Nides, along with Tal Schneider, Lazar Berman and Jacob Magid, including Nides' staunch Zionism and the US stance on Iran.

Horovitz then discusses the latest revelations in the NSO spyware allegations, how the Israel Police are reacting now and ToI's conversation with a former senior government official who appears to have been the subject of NSO use by the Israeli police.

He also comments on the UK Board of Deputies of British Jews telling far-right MK Bezalel Smotrich to ‘get back on a plane’, offering an unexpected change in British Jewish behavior.

Surkes speaks about Truaa, Israel’s now official new earthquake warning system and offers some quick reminders about what to do in case of an earthquake warning.

She also updates listeners on the latest in the Israeli bottle recycling system, which has become more confusing since the change in the law in December 2021.

Discussed articles include:

US envoy to Times of Israel: ‘My job is to calm things down, not to jazz things up’

Israel gets new earthquake warning system, sends alert within seconds of 1st tremor

Over 1,000 Israelis complain about stores refusing to comply with bottle deposit law

Artist Beverly Barkat creates globe from miles of plastic waste

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

IMAGE: US Ambassador Tom Nides is interviewed by The Times of Israel at the US Embassy in Jerusalem, January 7, 2022 (David Azagury / US Embassy)

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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 and legal correspondent Carrie Keller-Lynn and Military correspondent Judah Ari Gross join host Amanda Borschel-Dan for a packed episode.

Israelis awoke to news that Syria had fired an anti-aircraft missile into Israel. Gross gives context and explains its significance.

Next, Keller-Lynn speaks about her recent interview with former director-general of the Justice Ministry Emi Palmor, who claims her phone was hacked using NSO Pegasus spyware in retribution for her role in investigating police.

Staying with powerful Israeli women, Keller-Lynn sheds light on the mysterious Gali Baharav-Miara, who was recently confirmed as Israel’s new attorney-general, following Avichai Mandelblitt.

Gross takes us into the inquiry into the tragic preventable deaths of Major Ofek Aharon and Major Itamar Elharar in a friendly fire incident on January 12. What are lessons learned?

And finally, we hear what has Prime Minister Naftali Bennett's Raanana neighbors in a buzz.

Discussed articles include:

IDF: Syrian anti-aircraft missile explodes over Israel, no interception needed

Emi Palmor: Police hacked my phone for retribution

Approved Monday, relatively unknown AG will take office amid falling trust

Vowing to prioritize public trust, Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara takes office

IDF probe blames flawed culture at top of elite Egoz unit for friendly fire deaths

A neighborhood gone sour: In Ra’anana, still no solution for Bennett’s ‘Balfour’

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

IMAGE: Newly appointed Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara seen during a welcome ceremony for her in Jerusalem on February 8, 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.

Political writer Tal Schneider and US correspondent Jacob Magid join host Jessica Steinberg.

Schneider discusses the latest revelations about the NSO firm regarding the Israel Police, several government ministries and how the different sides of the government coalition are reacting to the news.

Magid gives an overview of Sunday's 30-minute call between Bennett and US president Joe Biden, what they discussed and what it means for the US-Israel relationship.

Finally, Schneider gives a behind-the-scenes peek at how she researched and wrote her latest feature, about Arab Israelis buying second homes in the Palestinian-controlled West Bank.

Discussed articles include:

Ministry heads, Netanyahu associates, activists said targeted by police with spyware

Court cancels hearing in Netanyahu trial to mull police spying implications

In phone call, Bennett and Biden discuss ‘steps to block Iranian nuclear program’

Lured by cheap prices and luxury digs, Arab Israelis are snapping up West Bank homes

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

IMAGE: Illustrative: A man holds his phone, with the NSO Group logo in the background. (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.

Palestinian Affairs correspondent Aaron Boxerman and deputy Jewish World editor Yaakov Schwartz join host Amanda Borschel-Dan.

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas convened a rare meeting yesterday in Ramallah in which he arguably began the process of naming Hussein al-Sheikh as his successor. But when much of the PLO boycotted the meeting, does the 86-year-old leader's choice hold water?

Schwartz spent a whirlwind weekend in Bosnia on the heels of the extremist Lev Tahor cult. What makes this group, commonly called the "Jewish Taliban," so controversial and where are they heading now?

For the past week, a grassroots social media campaign out of the Gaza Strip has protested against corruption in governance. Why is this noteworthy and who is taking part?

And finally, another social media campaign, this time out of Kuwait, called for the government to ban Gal Gadot's upcoming film, "Death on the Nile." Why this particular country and why her?

Discussed articles include:

PLO to fill key posts as Abbas succession struggle heats up

37 members of extremist cult Lev Tahor leave Bosnia, destination unknown

‘They hijacked Gaza’: Palestinians hold rare online events critical of Hamas

Kuwait bans ‘Death on the Nile’ film over Israeli actress Gal Gadot

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

Image: Gal Gadot arrives at the 27th annual ELLE Women in Hollywood celebration on October 19, 2021, at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

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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.

Diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman and military reporter Judah Ari Gross join host Jessica Steinberg.

Berman offers an update on the likelihood of a Russian invasion into Ukraine, as well as Israel's position as a Western ally of Russia in this diplomatic tug-of-war.

He also speaks about the latest in the nuclear talks with Iran in Vienna, and what it means when the term 'breakout time' is discussed with regard to Iran's nuclear readiness.

Gross discusses his trip late last week to Bahrain with defense minister Benny Gantz, where he signed a security memorandum, Israel's second with an Arab nation, and what that actually means in real terms.

Discussed articles include:

Israel said to fear restored Iran deal will leave breakout time of only a few months

Foreign Ministry summons Ukrainian envoy for reprimand over angry Facebook post

Gantz’s Bahrain visit signals to Iran the alliance against it is growing and public

Israel signs security memorandum with Bahrain, its 2nd with an Arab nation

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

IMAGE: Defense Minister Benny Gantz (right) and Bahraini Minister of Defense Affairs Abdullah Bin Hassan Al Nuaimi shake hands after signing a memorandum of understanding at the Bahraini defense headquarters, on February 3, 2022. (Ariel Hermoni/Defense Ministry)

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