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 senior analyst, along with host Amanda Borschel-Dan.

Nothing is finalized as the clock winds down on Yesh Atid head Yair Lapid's chance to form a coalition. As the June 2 date looms, will Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's new offers to Yamina head Naftali Bennett and New Hope head Gideon Sa'ar be enough to torpedo the nascent "change" government?

The shloshim or month of formal mourning for the 45 victims of the disaster at Mount Meron is observed today. Why is there still no formal state inquiry -- and why are the ultra-Orthodox parties the ones who are most vehemently objecting to one?

Danielle Wolfson, 43, was the first Israeli woman to summit Mount Everest last week. She used her platform to call for coexistence while reminding the world that anything is possible.

Discussed articles include:

Last-ditch offer: Netanyahu says Sa’ar can be PM 1st in 3-way deal with Bennett

Bennett to meet with Yamina MKs to coax them into government with Lapid

Forty-five people died at Meron. Why are Haredi parties blocking a probe?

Danielle Wolfson becomes 1st Israeli woman to reach Mount Everest summit

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IMAGE: MKs Yair Lapid and Naftali Bennett during an event inaugurating a new monument in memory of Emannuel Morano, in the Netiv Avot neighborhood in Gush Etzion, on July 23, 2017. (Gershon Elinson/Flash90)

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Welcome to the 100th episode of 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 culture editor Jessica Steinberg, along with host Amanda Borschel-Dan.

As the Israeli news cycle continues from the 11-day Operation Guardian of the Walls to more mundane matters of coalition politics, Jews in the Diaspora are left to struggle with a lingering eruption of antisemitism. Horovitz brings some insights from a recent interview with former head of the Anti-Defamation League Abe Foxman.

Even as rockets hammered down from Gaza, racist rioting hit the streets of mixed Jewish-Arab cities and towns, setting the stage for Arab rapper Sameh Zakout and Jewish educator Uriya Rosenman's “Bo Nedaber Dugri,” (Let’s Talk Straight), a six-minute, 28-second rap. Steinberg discusses the song's impetus, long gestation, and "luckily" timed release.

Israeli television exports are drawing ever-increasing fans. Will Kan's "Hamefakedet" ("Dismissed"), about an all-female unit of army misfits, make for another hit?

Next, the tables are turned and Horovitz grills Borschel-Dan about a recent article she wrote about a study of ancient "bad Judaeans" who apparently didn't get the memo that they weren't supposed to eat non-kosher fish.

Discussed articles include:

At a moment of crisis for Israel in US, ex-ADL head warns: Israel has no vision

Antisemitic acts in US soared 80% in a month, Jewish security group reports

Straight talk rap confronts Arab-Jewish racism from both sides

Bad Judeans? Despite biblical ban, non-kosher fish were eaten in ancient Israel

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IMAGE: FILE - In this December 4, 2019 file photo, Strasbourg chief Rabbi Harold Abraham Weill looks at vandalized tombs in the Jewish cemetery of Westhoffen, west of the city of Strasbourg, eastern France. (AP Photo/Jean-Francois Badias, File)

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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 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

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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)

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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 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

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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)

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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 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?

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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)

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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.

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

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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)

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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 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

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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)

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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 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

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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)

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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.

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

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

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

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