Daily Briefing Jan. 2: Tensions on show at handover ceremonies for new ministers

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday.

Political correspondent Tal Schneider and military reporter Emanuel Fabian join host Jessica Steinberg for today’s podcast.

Schneider describes the handovers at the Finance, National Security and Education ministries, where the incoming ministers began setting the tone for the government’s new, right-wing direction.

Fabian discusses the ceremony at the Defense Ministry and what outgoing defense minister Benny Gantz told his successor, Yoav Gallant, with regard to political interference in the army.

Schneider also speaks about the upcoming minor Jewish fast day on Tuesday and new National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir’s plans to visit the Temple Mount, and the diplomatic tensions that could arise as a result.

Fabian talks about the reported Israeli Air Force strike early Monday morning on Damascus International Airport, which put it briefly out of service.

Discussed articles include:

In 1st move as minister, Smotrich orders taxes on plasticware, sugary drinks nixed

At defense handover, Gantz warns Gallant not to allow political interference in IDF

New police minister Ben Gvir gears up for Temple Mount visit, possibly this week

Syria says IAF strikes briefly put Damascus airport out of service, kill 2 soldiers

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