Day 399 - Knesset tightens coalition after Gallant ousted

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 reporter Sue Surkes join host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode. Sokol discusses this week's surprise dismissal of former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, it's effect on the Likud party and the government coalition as well as the prime minister's continued efforts to appease his ultra-Orthodox coalition partners, regarding the draft evasion bill. Surkes talks about her visit down south to several Gaza border communities that are trying to rebuild their homes and structures and replace equipment but are hampered by the holdup in compensation funds from the government. Sokol looks at a series of government bills aimed at fighting terror, including deporting terrorists' relatives, cutting welfare benefits for convicted terrorists and firing teachers who identify with terror. Surkes talks about climate confab COP29 beginning next week with the Israeli delegation attending under heightened security efforts. For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Likud clamps down on dissent over Haredi draft bills after Gallant pushed out In new coalition deal with Likud, Sa’ar relinquishes right to oppose Haredi draft bills MKs push bill to create new intelligence oversight body under Netanyahu Despite constitutional concerns, Knesset passes law on deporting terrorists’ relatives Lawmakers advance bills cutting welfare benefits for convicted terrorists Knesset passes law allowing government to fire teachers it asserts identify with terror Buzzed but never drunk: Research shows Oriental hornets defy alcohol’s effects 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. IMAGE: A plenum session on the appointment of Israel Katz as Defense Minister and Gideon Sa'ar as Foreign Minister at the assembly hall of the Knesset  on November 8, 2024. (Photo by Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.