Daily Briefing Apr. 22: Day 564 – Politics heat up over Shin Bet chief statement

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 archaeology reporter Rossella Tercatin join host Jessica Steinberg for today’s episode.

Sokol delves into comments made by leaders of the Knesset’s opposition parties, who accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of placing Israel in existential danger after Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar alleged that the premier demanded his personal loyalty above fealty to the state and its laws. Sokol notes that the opposition is exploring legal avenues against Netanyahu, as political rhetoric becomes increasingly heated.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich made it clear in an interview Monday morning that the hostages are not the government’s top priority — which Sokol calls a clarifying statement of the coalition — bringing tremendous criticism from hostages’ families and an ultra-Orthodox member of the coalition.

Following the death of Pope Francis, Tercatin shares insights on the Jewish community in Rome, its relationship with the late pontiff and the community’s deep historical connection to the Vatican.

She also reports on archaeological findings related to the production of biblical purple dye, confirming an industrial-scale production that took place in the region several thousand years ago.

This conversation can also be viewed here:

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

For further reading:

Opposition leaders say Netanyahu’s conduct, as described by Bar, endangers Israel

Smotrich slammed for willingness to ‘sacrifice’ hostages

Smotrich says returning hostages ‘not the most important thing,’ sparking fierce backlash

For Rome’s Jews, ties with ailing pope are personal. And increasingly complicated

Made from snails and fit for kings: First biblical-era dye factory found on Israel’s coast

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 and video edited by Thomas Girsch.

Check out yesterday’s Daily Briefing episode here: