Daily Briefing June 29: Can anyone build a coalition without the Haredi and Arab parties?

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 Ariela Karmel joins host Gabriella Jacobs for today’s episode.

WATCH the full episode here:

Karmel opens the episode with a look at what’s expected to dominate the Knesset agenda this week. Lawmakers are set to hold marathon committee sessions to advance the coalition’s controversial proposed Basic Law enshrining Torah study as a foundational value of the State of Israel, legislation promoted by the ultra-Orthodox parties as part of ongoing efforts to shield yeshiva students from military conscription.

She also walks us through other contentious bills making their way through the Knesset, including proposed changes to the attorney general’s powers and a communications bill introduced by the government, which could have broad implications for broadcast and media independence, as the coalition pushes to advance key pieces of legislation before the summer recess.

In the second half of the episode, we turn to the political landscape ahead of Israel’s October election. Karmel breaks down reports of a possible alliance among Benny Gantz’s Blue and White party, Yoaz Hendel’s Reservists party and political newcomer Dedy Simhi, explaining why significant issues between the parties remain unresolved.

We close by taking stock of the broader political field, discussing the status of several key figures, including Gadi Eisenkot, Naftali Bennett and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as parties continue to weigh alliances and position themselves for the campaign ahead.

Check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing liveblog for more updates.

For further reading:

Knesset to hold marathon discussions next week to fast-track Basic Law on Torah study

Potential Gantz-Hendel-Simhi alliance faces hurdles despite merger reports

Knesset advances Basic Law bill equating Torah study with IDF service, despite coalition revolt

Legislation to split and weaken role of attorney general passes first Knesset reading

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

Check out yesterday’s episode here: