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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