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.

Political correspondent Sam Sokol and health reporter Diana Bletter join host Jessica Steinberg for today’s episode.

Sokol discusses the latest in the sage of MK Gideon Sa’ar, who officially announced he would not consider an offer to replace Defense Minister Yoav Gallant given the escalating situation in the north.

Sokol also looks at Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s consideration of an IDF plan to lay siege to northern Gaza, and comments made by opposition members on the war situation in the north.

Bletter talks about how the north has been handling the ongoing war, having spoken with a regional council head, hospital directors and residents about the escalating rocket attacks.

She also discusses a therapeutic visit by Israeli alternative care practitioners to the Druze village of Majdal Shams, where a recent Hezbollah rocket attack wiped out 12 children and teens.

For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog.

Sa’ar abandons pursuit of defense minister role as Lebanon fighting escalates

PM says weighing plan for siege on Hamas in north Gaza; believes half of hostages alive

North under siege: Rockets cause hospitals to nix procedures, schools and beaches to close

Fear and uncertainty: As war escalates, northern residents feel there’s nowhere to go

A northern kibbutz on the edge of the evacuated zone is Israel’s new de facto border

Women travel to Majdal Shams to help mothers of children killed in Hezbollah attack

Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod Waves.