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 Times of Israel senior analyst Haviv Retting Gur and our ops and blogs editor Miriam Herschlag, along with producer Raoul Wootliff today in the host's chair.

On today's show, after waiting and waiting, we look at the call from United States President Joe Biden to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu which finally took place Wednesday night. We ask whether we can now move on from the "rift."

Reform Rabbi Gilad Kariv is in a realistic spot to enter the Knesset with the Labor party. Rettig Gur gives us the lowdown from his recent interview with the iconoclastic candidate.

Focussing on our blog platform, the panel looks at a pair of posts from the faultlines of Israel's coronavirus management that tell the human story of the restrictions.

And finally, after waiting for it nearly as long as we waited for the Biden phone call, snow has fallen in Jerusalem! While some of the panel have still only seen rain, others tell of their mixed blessings with the white stuff.

Discussed articles include:

After 4 week wait, Biden calls Netanyahu, promises stronger US-Israel alliance

Soon-to-be first Reform rabbi in Knesset envisions ‘new deal’ with Haredim

Israel’s quarantine hotels gone wrong

Day 20: Why are we still not allowed back in Israel?

Snow-covered Jerusalem, north set for day of transport, education disruptions

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PHOTO: Israeli workers outside the Dan Hotel in Jerusalem which has been converted to receive coronavirus patients, March 20, 2020. (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 Times of Israel senior analyst Haviv Retting Gur and our diplomatic affairs correspondent Lazar Berman, along with host Amanda Borschel-Dan.

On today's show, we look at the polls showing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party making small gains at expense of right-wing rival Yamina, as public approval of his handling of the pandemic increases. Can the "success" of the coronavirus campaign help give Netanyahu an election win in March?

The International Criminal Court is set to get a new chief prosecutor. Karim Khan may shift direction at The Hague, but experts say there’s little to indicate that he will steer clear of inquiries into Israel planned by his predecessor. Berman gives us the lowdown.

Former consul to New York and settler leader Dani Dayan claims New Hope, a party to the right of Likud on many issues, can repair bipartisan ties in Washington that he says the prime minister drove into the dirt. Could he be right? And finally... SNOW! With Israel's north already seeing downfall and a light dusting expected in Jerusalem, our panel prepares for the cold.

Discussed articles include:

Poll shows public less critical of government’s response to COVID; Yamina slips

Israel welcomes ICC prosecutor pick, but no evidence he’ll nix war crimes probe

Trying to oust Netanyahu, an ex-settler head says he can rebuild bridge to Biden

Snow falls in north as Jerusalem braces for rare winter dusting

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PHOTO: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahuduring a visit to the COVID-19 vaccination center in Zarzir, northern Israel, February 9, 2021. (David Cohen/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 Times of Israel editor David Horovitz and our Arab affairs correspondent Aaron Boxerman, along with host Amanda Borschel-Dan.

We open the show with a look at the potential presidential run of former terror chief Marwan Barghouti and ask what the potential consequences and fallout of a possible bid could be, for both the Palestinians and Israel.

At a Knesset debate, some lawmakers urge conditioning delivery of 1,000 vaccines to the Gaza Strip on Hamas's release of Israeli captives and soldiers' bodies. The panel asks whether Israel should be making such demands.

We discuss the Hamas ruling that women need guardian’s approval to travel, prompting criticism of the Gaza-ruling terror group with activists accusing it of going backward in protecting human rights.

While inoculation numbers in Israel are on the rise, the panel ponders a new survey showing most Israeli parents are worried about vaccinating their kids.

And finally, we look at the incredible Australian Open performance of tennis player Aslan Karatsev, who spent much of his youth in Israel but signed up to play for Russia instead.

Discussed articles include:

From Israeli prison, Barghouti mulls presidency bid, turning up heat on Abbas

Fatah and Hamas agree on terms of 1st Palestinian election in 15 years

Hamas court rules women need guardian’s approval to travel

Knesset debates Palestinian request to allow COVID vaccines into Gaza

Poll: Majority of Israeli parents unsure or will refuse to vaccinate kids

With vaccination rates rising again, Israel set to pass 4 million first doses

Israel’s loss: Ex-local is 1st debutant for 25 years in Australian Open quarters

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PHOTO: A Palestinian child stands in front of a section of Israel's separation barrier bearing a mural of jailed Palestinian leader Marwan Barghouti, at the Kalandia checkpoint between the West Bank city of Ramallah and Jerusalem, on June 22, 2009. (Kobi Gideon/Flash 90)

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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 Times of Israel editor David Horovitz and our Hebrew sister-site Zman Yisrael diplomatic and political correspondent Tal Schneider, along with host Amanda Borschel-Dan.

Previewing her recent interviews with Meretz's Yair Golan and Labor's Omer Barlev, Schneider gives the lowdown on the two former generals who each turned to Israel's peace camp after their military careers, and are now trying to revive it. Beyond the politics, we look at the Israelis' somewhat marginal approaches to the Iran deal, military pressure on the Islamic Republic and how to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.

After a slow-down in Israel's vaccination drive, the campaign seems to be gaining momentum again, and with the lockdown easing and the airport starting to open, normalcy seems to be on the horizon. Our panel asks if we are really ready for it.

And finally, as hundreds of judokas land in Israel for a Grand Slam tournament in Tel Aviv, we look at the incredible story of Saeid Mollaei -- the Iranian judo champ exiled by the Islamic regime for refusing to throw a match against an Israeli competitor -- who is among the athletes visiting the Jewish state.

Discussed articles include:

Israel to allow 2,000 travelers per day to enter country starting Saturday

Israel and Cyprus reach tourism deal for vaccinated travelers

Synagogues, stores could be reopened for all Sunday; malls, gyms for vaccinated

Playing whack-a-mole with anti-vaxxers, Israel works to revitalize vaccine drive Exiled Iranian judo champion lands in Israel for Tel Aviv tourney With Israel’s skies closed, 600 athletes arrive for judo contest, drawing rebuke Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts.

PHOTO: Deputy IDF Chief of Staff, Yair Golan, during the remembrance ceremony for soldiers whose place of burial is unknown, at Mount Herzl Military Cemetery, February 26, 2015. (Hadas Parush/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 ToI editor David Horovitz and United States correspondent Jacob Magid, along with host Amanda Borschel-Dan.

The US Senate voted 57-43 to acquit former president Donald Trump of a sole charge of inciting an insurrection ahead of the January 6, 2020, storming of the Capitol Hill. Magid shares insight into whether the vote could indicate increased bi-partisan cooperation for the Biden administration.

Busy with domestic fires to put out, President Joe Biden has not yet picked up the phone to Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Although White House Press Secretary assured reporters this is no "intentional dis," are signs pointing otherwise?

Magid says the Palestinian Authority has "gifted" the Biden administration with the announcement of upcoming democratic elections in the West Bank and Gaza, but Biden staff are not visibly jumping with joy.

Yisrael Beteynu leader MK Avigdor Liberman is seemingly defending the anti-vaxx movement in Israel. Politically motivated?

And finally, a new Family Day survey has some interesting results on how the ongoing coronavirus pandemic is influencing our children's relationships -- and our sex lives.

Discussed articles include:

As impeachment trial ends, Biden’s White House eager to turn page on Trump

White House says Biden will call Netanyahu ‘soon’ as speculation of rift grows

Israeli ambassador says Netanyahu unperturbed by lack of call from Biden

Trying to woo US with election, Palestinians drop a hot potato in Biden’s lap

Defending skeptic MK, Liberman claims ‘we don’t know anything about the vaccine’

Survey: Pandemic strengthened sibling bonds in Israel, hurt parents’ sex life

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PHOTO: November 7, 2010 file photo, with then vice president Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the annual General Assembly of the Jewish Federations of North America in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert, 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 founding editor David Horovitz and economic editor Shoshanna Solomon, along with host Amanda Borschel-Dan.

With some Israeli students going back to school today, the panel opens with a look at how the country has managed, or perhaps mismanaged, the education system during the pandemic and asks what the impact of closing schools has been on the economy. And as Israel marks "family day," we assess why women have been hardest hit by the economic fall out of the pandemic.

In an effort to get out of the economic crisis while pushing Israel's vaccination campaign, the government is planning a range of carrot and stick incentives to get the shot. Will corner-cutting Israelis stick to the rules?

Solomon breaks down the reasons behind the shekel's incredible rise against the dollar and explains how and why the Bank of Israel is trying to weaken it.

And finally, we look at how the hi-tech sector is booming, despite the effects of the pandemic on the economy. As an example, Solomon brings listeners some background on a potentially revolutionary burns treatment startup.

Discussed articles include:

Some Israeli kids head back to school amid confusion and uncertainty

Don’t want to vaccinate? Israel set to limit access to cafes, culture and more

Why, amid collapsing economy wracked by COVID, is shekel near a 12-year high?

Bank of Israel to buy $30 billion in forex in 2021 to curb shekel rise

Bank of Israel holds rate at 0.1% as fast vaccination pace injects optimism

Unemployment could be Achilles’ heel of Israel’s road to recovery – experts

Haifa hospital starts using startup’s ‘artificial skin’ to treat burn wounds

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PHOTO: A Magen David Adom worker wears protective clothing as he arrives to treat a patient with symptoms of COVID-19 at the Mahane Yehuda market in Jerusalem, on January 12, 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 senior analyst Haviv Rettig Gur and health reporter Nathan Jeffay, along with host Amanda Borschel-Dan.

To start today's episode off, Rettig Gur describes a virtual town hall put on by Yesh Atid's Yair Lapid last night in English. "Nobody campaigns like Yesh Atid campaigns," he says.

Jeffay has some cautious good COVID news to share: A new study claims that vaccinated people become far less of a COVID transmission risk even before receiving their second dose. He also discusses reports of a new "wonder drug" that fights the cytokine storm which has caught the world's attention, as well as that of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Israel is speaking about opening up the country for those who are vaccinated started February 23. How is exactly would that work out?

Discussed articles include:

Vaccine reduces spread risk even before 2nd shot, Israeli study indicates

New Israeli drug cured 29 of 30 moderate/serious COVID cases in days — hospital

Feeling better ‘in 2 hours’: COVID drug for critically ill starts Phase 3 trials

Israeli inventor of promising COVID drug hopes it can help vaccineless countries

Web search data, help from Israel, mean England can catch COVID spikes early

Gyms, malls, hotels could be reopened to the vaccinated on February 23

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PHOTO: Foreign workers and asylum seekers receive a COvid19 vaccine, at a vaccination center in South Tel Aviv, administered by the Ichiliov hospital and the Tel Aviv Municipality. February 9, 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 founding editor David Horovitz and senior analyst Haviv Rettig Gur, along with host Amanda Borschel-Dan.

As the new US administration makes further clear breaks with former president Donald Trump on Israel, we look at the latest statements on (not?) recognizing Israeli sovereignty on the Golan Heights and the announcement that the US will return to the UN Security Council. Can Trump’s Israel legacy outlast President Joe Biden's need to reform?

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken also announced that the US is seeking to rejoin the United Nation's Human Rights Council, which Trump left in 2018, in part because of a perceived bias against Israel. How does the Jewish state feel about this renewed cooperation?

Israel is experiencing a surge in anti-vaxx sentiment as the vaccination drive slows. What is the basis for this, and is it at all scientific?

Discussed articles include:

Blinken supports Israel holding Golan, but backs off recognizing sovereignty

Blinken says US returning to ‘flawed’ UN Human Rights Council

No longer US ambassador, David Friedman is sticking to his sledgehammers

Jerusalem mayor warns unvaccinated Arabs they won’t be able to go to mosque

As demand for vaccines plummets, Israel may resort to incentive programs

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PHOTO: People look at the view on Mount Bental, overlooking the border with Syria, in the Golan Heights on August 22, 2020. (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 founding editor David Horovitz and culture editor Jessica Steinberg, along with host Amanda Borschel-Dan.

Citizen Benjamin Netanyahu made a second court appearance this morning in which he formally denied corruption charges made against him in Cases 1000, 2000 and 4000. What are these cases and how slowly will the wheels of justice turn?

As Israel saw over 5,000 deaths from COVID-19, Steinberg interviewed the founders of Rikma, a website memorializing coronavirus victims, and explains their vision.

Among the sectors most hit by the pandemic is culture. Steinberg shares how some institutions have pivoted, and what is on the horizon. Also, Israeli television is a worldwide hit. Why? Spoiler: the answer may be in the great writing.

Horovitz shares impressions of former secretary of state George Schultz, who died at 100.

Discussed articles include:

Netanyahu formally denies corruption charges in 2nd court appearance for trial

On trial during elections? Timetable at stake as Netanyahu back in court

For 5,000 Israelis killed by COVID, a digital tapestry of stories ended too soon

Far from being curtains, pandemic ushered in new audiences for artists

Tel Aviv and theaters fund incubators to set stage for new class of dramatists

Keshet renews major deal with Universal TV

Second season of ‘Tehran’ gets picked up for Apple TV Plus

With theater actors’ legs intact, TV’s ‘Rehearsals’ breaks a heart instead

George Shultz dies at 100, shaped US stance on Israeli-Palestinian conflict

George Shultz: In a world awash in change, follow the Reagan playbook

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PHOTO: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at his corruption trial hearing at the Jerusalem District Court, February 8, 2021. (Reuven Castro/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 founding editor David Horovitz and diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman, along with host Amanda Borschel-Dan.

Over the weekend, the International Criminal Court announced that it has jurisdiction to probe Israel. We breakdown the decision and look at its meaning and implications.

While Israel fumes and Palestinians celebrate, our panel asks what a future case brought against Israel at the ICC might look like and analyzes Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's declaration that any investigation would be "pure anti-Semitism."

The United States says it opposes the move, but can it help prevent a probe? And with President Joe Biden now having been in office for 17 days, what does his failure to yet call Netanyahu say?

Finally, we look ahead to tonight's Superbowl and try to find the Jangle (the Jewish angle).

Discussed articles include:

ICC has jurisdiction to probe Israel, Hamas for war crimes, pretrial judges rule

US opposes ICC ruling it has jurisdiction to probe Israel, Hamas for war crimes

Netanyahu: An ICC investigation of Israel would be ‘pure anti-Semitism’

Biden’s first phone calls show where he’s looking — and it’s not at Israel

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PHOTO: The International Criminal Court, or ICC, in The Hague, Netherlands. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong, File)

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