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.

Today’s panel comprises editor David Horovitz and health reporter Nathan Jeffay, along with host Amanda Borschel-Dan.

Israel is experiencing a minor surge in COVID-19 cases that are linked to the Delta variant. What is this variant and how does it affect those who have been vaccinated? Also, in addition to the reimposed restriction of masks in indoor spaces, can we look forward to further sanctions to staunch the virus's spread?

We hear a series of brief updates on leading news stories, including the tragic collapse of a 12-story condo in Surfside, Florida, and what Israel is doing to help out. Also, President Reuven Rivlin is conducting a farewell tour of the United States, including meetings with US President Joe Biden. Why is this significant? And what is on the bill for the fragile coalition this week as they attempt to reach a compromise on the family reunification amendment ahead of the July 6 deadline?

Finally, we hear about a curious new Israeli study that found that a man's perception of whether or not he is in a bad marriage can be fatal.

Discussed articles include:

Bennett says virus hospitalizations are low, hopes not to reimpose restrictions

Health Ministry mulling outdoor mask recommendation, restrictions on gatherings

Back in COVID mode, Binyamina residents fear new wave starting under their noses

Israel sends IDF team to Florida to assist with tower collapse rescue efforts

Ra’am leader expects compromise to be reached on family reunification law

Unhappy marriages can be fatal, increasing male death rate by 19%: Israeli study

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IMAGE: Jewish men wearing protective face masks pray at a synagogue in the Jewish settlement of Efrat, Gush Etzion, June 27, 2021. (Gershon Elinson/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.

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

International media has reported that an Iranian centrifuge production site was targeted in a drone attack Wednesday. What are we allowed to know about this and what does it mean for Iran's race towards a nuclear weapon?

IDF Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi has spent much of the week in Washington, DC, loudly decrying the United State's stated plan to rejoin the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. In return, he was told by US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan that US President Joe Biden has a “commitment to ensuring that Iran never gets a nuclear weapon.” Is this a success?

Defense Minister Benny Gantz’s office said Wednesday that he intends to call for a vote on the formation of a state inquiry into the so-called submarine affair. He's facing opposition from parts of the coalition, including Justice Minister Gideon Sa'ar. But is Gantz's crusade also personal?

And finally, all you want to know about IDF lasers that are projected to become a viable -- and relatively cheap -- defense mechanism in the near future.

Discussed articles include:

Attack on Iranian nuclear site damaged centrifuge production facility – reports

Iran nuclear site hit Wednesday was on list of targets Israel gave US – report

After Kohavi meeting, US reaffirms commitment to not let Iran get nukes

Meeting top US officials, Kohavi blasts American plans to rejoin Iran deal

Gantz, Sa’ar feud over proposed state inquiry of submarine scandal

In test, Defense Ministry shoots down drone with plane-mounted laser

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IMAGE: A computer-generated mockup of a proposed laser-based air defense system being developed by Israel's Defense Ministry, on January 8, 2020. (Defense Ministry)

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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.

Today’s panel comprises StartUp Israel editor Shoshanna Solomon and United States correspondent Jacob Magid, along with host Amanda Borschel-Dan.

Joining us from New York, Magid introduces the US ambassador-elect to Israel Thomas Nides. The former State Department official, says Magid, will be a more diplomatic departure from former US ambassador David Friedman's more overt, right-aligned stances. Yet to be determined, adds Magid, is just where Nides will live since the previous residence was sold to the Adelson family.

In contrast to former Israeli ambassador to the US Ron Dermer's controversial remarks urging for increased ties between Israel and the American evangelical Christian community, a new poll has found that evangelical youth are fleeing the pro-Israel flock.

Solomon brings us insight into a new, possibly more mature, hi-tech ecosystem that is increasingly pivoting away from its Start-Up Nation reputation towards "Scale-up Nation" as companies increasingly invest in their products instead of seeking a quick exit.

Discussed articles include:

Biden announces nomination of Thomas Nides as US ambassador to Israel

Support for Israel among young US evangelical Christians drops sharply — survey

Steven Mnuchin, David Friedman visit Tel Aviv to check out startups

Good news and bad news: Israel’s maturing ecosystem means plunge in new startups

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IMAGE: Former United States Deputy Secretary of State Thomas R. Nides, center, talks to South Korean Foreign Minister Kim Sung-hwan, right, in Seoul, South Korea, February 29, 2012. (AP Photo/ Lee Jin-man, Pool)

 

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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.

Today’s panel comprises our political correspondent Tal Schneider and our senior analyst Haviv Rettig Gur, along with host Raoul Wootliff.

On today's show, we look at the first moves of the new government and what they say about the sea-change in Israeli politics that it represents. What messages is Prime Minister Naftali Bennett sending so far and how is it trying to differentiate himself from Benjamin Netanyahu?

Then, what state did Netanyahu leave the Prime Minister's Office in and what is he being accused of doing before he left? We look a the allegation of destroying key documents and what the former PM may be trying to hide.

And, other than Netanyahu, we analyze the recent statements and moves of those left out of the new coalition – the ultra-Orthodox parties. What are their considerations moving forward?

Discussed articles include:

A changing of the guard, as Bennett’s new government hits the ground running

Lapid: Likud government left behind ‘unbelievable’ destruction and neglect

Report: PMO staff describes ‘significant’ paper shredding before Bennett arrival

Spiritual leader of Haredi party opposes West Bank settlements, grandson says

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PHOTO: Then-prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu gives a press conference at the Prime Minister's Office in Jerusalem, on April 20, 2021. (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.

Today’s panel comprises our health reporter Nathan Jeffay and Palestinian Affairs correspondent Aaron Boxerman, along with host Amanda Borschel-Dan.

Israel is experiencing a minor surge in COVID cases. We discuss what the origins are and just how worrying this is.

Over the weekend Israel and the Palestinian Authority inked a deal with Pfizer for the transfer of some 1.4 million COVID vaccines to be transferred from Israel to the PA. However, quickly after its announcement, the Palestinians rejected the short-dated shots. What's happening now?

Equally controversial is the Family Reunification amendment to the Citizenship bill, which was slated for a vote this week. Boxerman gives background on the 2003 amendment which limits citizenship for Palestinians married to Israeli Arabs and explains what's at stake now.

And finally, we hear about interesting new research reaffirming the linkage of Vitamin D deficiency with poor results for those infected with the coronavirus.

Discussed articles include:

Government orders stepped-up COVID screening at airport, quarantine inspections

As virus infection rate rises once more, health experts say: Don’t panic

PA says it wants to renegotiate terms of vaccine deal with Israel, Pfizer

Three countries said to ask Israel for vaccine doses Palestinians don’t want

Lacking a majority, vote to extend Palestinian family reunification ban delayed

1 in 4 COVID patients hospitalized while vitamin D deficient die – Israeli study

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IMAGE: An Israeli youth receives a Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine in the central Israeli city of Rishon LeZion, June 6, 2021. (AP Photo/Sebastian Scheiner)

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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.

Today’s panel comprises our editor David Horovitz and diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman, along with host Amanda Borschel-Dan.

Prime Minister Naftali Bennett seated his first cabinet meeting today. We discuss what is on the agenda and what challenges are looming.

Over the weekend, Iran elected Ebrahim Raisi, the "Hangman of Teheran," as its next president. How does this affect the nuclear deal negotiations -- and Israel?

In this new post-Benjamin Netanyahu era, how will Israel's diplomatic front change? Can we expect a renewed more bipartisan relationship with the United States? And what of the Netanyahu "bromances" with controversial leaders such as Hungary's Victor Orban?

And finally, we hear a about a fascinating new archaeological study that pinpoints when and where early man and Neanderthals first crossed paths.

Discussed articles include:

In 1st cabinet meeting, new government okays state inquiry into Meron disaster

Coalition scrambles for way to extend ban on Palestinian family reunification

TV: Israeli officials warn ‘no choice’ but to ready attack plans after Raisi win

US to press on with Vienna nuclear deal talks after Raisi win

Amnesty calls for new Iranian president to be probed for crimes against humanity

Prehistoric man lived with and loved Neanderthals in the Negev 50,000 years ago

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IMAGE: Supporters of Iranian president-elect Ebrahim Raisi celebrate after he won the presidential election in Tehran, Iran, June 19, 2021. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi)

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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.

Today’s panel comprises our Hebrew sister site Zman Yisrael's editor Biranit Goren and ToI senior analyst Haviv Rettig Gur, along with host Amanda Borschel-Dan.

Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has 100 days since his Sunday inauguration to pass the state budget. We discuss how the budget reflects the government's priorities, as well as the consequences of not having a dedicated budget since 2019. Will the new "change government" succeed where former prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu resoundingly failed?

Despite promises to the contrary, the Bennett/Yair Lapid-led 36th government is almost as bloated as #35. We hear why that was unavoidable, who is to blame, and what could be the right solution. Hint, it involves even more politicians.

Though the "Norwegian Law," which allows government ministers to give up their status as members of Knesset to bring in more party members into the seat of power, the Knesset's halls are looking even more diverse. We hear why these are just baby steps towards reflecting the true nature of Israel's citizenry.

Discussed articles include:

Why the champions of change are forming one of Israel’s most bloated governments

Knesset to receive 16 new MKs after ministers resign through ‘Norwegian law’

Shirley Pinto, the first-ever deaf MK, is sworn into Knesset using sign language

PHOTO: Ministers seen before a group photo of the newly sworn-in Israeli government, at the President's Residence in Jerusalem on June 14, 2021. (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.

Today’s panel comprises political correspondent Tal Schneider and diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman, along with host Amanda Borschel-Dan.

Prime Minister Naftali Bennett okayed an order for air strikes against Hamas strongholds in the Gaza Strip after dozens of incendiary balloons were launched from the Gaza Strip, causing some 26 fires in southern Israel, in the lead up to Tuesday night's Flag March. Hamas has declared victory in the wake of the far-right march for having caused Israel to change the route, add Iron Dome batteries, and change air-traffic flight plans. But what was the Israeli political fallout of the march and air strikes?

Former prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu is hunkering down in the official prime minister's residence on Jerusalem's Balfour Street. And guess who is footing the bill? The Israeli taxpayer. We hear why this continued squatting is problematic diplomatically as well.

A joint INSS-Jewish Agency study has found that western European politicians are increasingly mainstreaming antisemitism. While violent physical attacks are more perpetrated by the right, hate speech and antisemitic rhetoric are by far more common on the left.

Discussed articles include:

IDF hits Gaza terror targets after arson attacks, in first raids since ceasefire

‘Death to Arabs’: Nationalist Jerusalem flag march held under ramped-up security

Mansour Abbas: Flag march is ‘unbridled provocation’ that should have been nixed

Netanyahu faces High Court petition if he doesn’t leave PM residence by June 27

The PM’s official home isn’t Netanyahu’s personal castle; he should leave ASAP

Antisemitism ‘mainstreamed’ in Western European politics, says Israeli study

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PHOTO: Prime Minister Naftali Bennett seen after a group photo of the newly sworn in Israeli government, at the President's Residence in Jerusalem on June 14, 2021. (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.

Today’s panel comprises US correspondent Jacob Magid and environment correspondent Sue Surkes, along with host Raoul Wootliff.

On today's show, we look at the Biden administration's embrace of the new Israeli government and Prime Minister Naftali Bennet and how politicians across the Atlantic have responded to Netanyahu's ouster.

With a possible restart in relations, what is the future of Israel-US ties and how can the new Israeli administration work toward building a better relationship with the Democratic party?

We take a specific look at what the new government means for environmental issues – what's does it need to do to build on previous minsters' work and how can it improve?

And, even as the new ministers take up their new ministries, Netanyahu appears to be hunkering down in the official prime minister's residence. When will he leave?

Discussed articles include:

Biden congratulates PM Bennett in phone call as US embraces new government

Lapid vows to rebuild international ties after ‘reckless’ last government

New government poses with Rivlin before getting down to brass tacks

Scientists warn that flooding cave will ruin unique 5-million-year-old ecosystem

Though no longer premier, Netanyahu hosts Nikki Haley at official residence

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PHOTO: Joe Biden smiles as he puts on his face mask after speaking to media in Wilmington, Del., Sept. 4, 2020.

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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.

Today’s panel comprises political correspondent Tal Schneider and senior analyst Haviv Rettig Gur, along with host Amanda Borschel-Dan.

Israel’s 36th government headed by Prime Minister Naftali Bennett was sworn in at the Knesset yesterday after a suspenseful 60-59 vote and a day of spicy speeches. What was said — and in Bennett’s case — unsaid on the Knesset floor yesterday? And why has former prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu declined to participate in the traditional changing of the guard ceremony?

Our political analysts life the veil on the “settler leader” Bennett and explain just who is this “political gambler” who has taken the country’s highest office with a mere 6 MKs.

We speak about the size of the new cabinet — a talking point among the “change bloc” — and why it is so bloated despite promises to the contrary.

Discussed articles include:

‘End this chaos’: Constantly heckled, Bennett says new government ‘here to work’

Full text: PM-to-be Bennett presents gov’t ‘that will work for the sake of all’

Full text: The speech Lapid didn’t give at the government’s swearing-in ceremony

Naftali Bennett, the political gambler about to deal Netanyahu out

Why the champions of change are forming one of Israel’s most bloated governments

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

IMAGE: Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett leads the first government conference, at the Israeli parliament on June 13, 2021. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)

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