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 on today's episode. 

Around 200 protesters blocked a key highway during rush hour this morning, as protests against the coalition’s advancement of its contentious judicial overhaul legislation showed no sign of letting up. This is on top of the demonstrations that erupted on Wednesday evening, with the Ayalon Highway blocked for hours, after Tel Aviv police chief Amichai Eshed announced he was resigning from the force. Horovitz weighs in on what could be different in this week of ramped-up protests.

Elizabeth Tsurkov, an Israeli Middle East analyst who also holds Russian citizenship, was kidnapped in March in Iraq. Berman updates us with what we know so far.

Last night, England beat Israel 3-0 to reach the final of the European Under-21 Championship. Horovitz explains why this defeat is still a win for Israel.

Discussed articles include:

Protesters block key highway as anti-overhaul demonstrations show no sign of easing

Thousands take to the streets, block roads after Tel Aviv police chief steps down

Anti-overhaul protesters target ultraconservative, influential Jerusalem yeshiva

Knesset panel advances bill to end ‘reasonableness’ test for politicians’ decisions

Israeli researcher abducted in Iraq by radical Shiite militia

England dashes Israel’s hopes of reaching Under-21 Euro finals with 3-0 win

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IMAGE: Israelis block the Ayalon Highway during a protest against the Israeli government's planned judicial overhaul and in response to the removal of Tel Aviv District Commander Amichai Eshed in Tel Aviv, July 5, 2023. (Yossi Aloni/Flash90)

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