Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world.
Today is day 158 of the war with Hamas. Political correspondent Sam Sokol and Tech Israel editor Sharon Wrobel join host Jessica Steinberg for today’s episode.
Sokol discusses political reactions to the statement made by Sephardic chief rabbi Yitzhak Yosef regarding a mass ultra-Orthodox exit from Israel if yeshiva students are forced to enlist in the army.
Wrobel looks at why markets and investors are currently bullish on Israel, a sense of cautious optimism that sees the war waning in Gaza and hopes for avoidance of full-on conflict in the north.
Sokol talks about the mayoral elections in Beit Shemesh, the central city with a large ultra-Orthodox population and a new, moderate Haredi mayor.
Wrobel describes a forum created by spouses of reservists to help meet their needs during wartime as they struggle to care for kids, homes, and jobs.
For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog.
Watchdog group calls for removal of chief rabbi for politicizing judicial role
Assailing chief rabbi, Lapid says Haredim would have to get jobs if they moved abroad
Despite war uncertainty, Israeli stocks and the shekel attract investors
Ultra-Orthodox retake Beit Shemesh, former Haifa mayor Yona Yahav returns to office
Fired during war, reservists’ wives band together to battle for job security
THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas’s onslaught on Israel
THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown
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