Daily Briefing Jan. 5 - Israel’s draconian abortion process & J.K. Rowling's goblins

US correspondent Jacob Magid updates us on a new development in PA-US tit-for-tat politics and reporter Carrie Keller-Lynn goes in-depth on humiliating procedures for abortions

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.

United States correspondent Jacob Magid and reporter Carrie Keller-Lynn join host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today’s episode.

Magid brings us an update on the ongoing saga surrounding the US consulate in Jerusalem. While reporting from Ramallah, Magid was warned by a senior official that the Palestinian Authority will refuse to meet key US demands for reforms unless Washington follows through on its own commitments to fully restore ties with Ramallah. But does the PA have any leverage?

We then speak with Keller-Lynn about her in-depth piece on abortion in Israel. She describes the facts on the ground today and what women’s organizations would like to see changed to create a more humane and supportive process. What is the groups’ desired reform and what are its chances of success today under secular Health Minister Nitzan Horovitz of the progressive Meretz party?

We give a brief update on the recent rampant cases of alleged sexual abuse among three top gynecologists.

And finally, popular television presenter Jon Stewart recently called out author J.K. Rowling for alleged antisemitism in her portrayal of the goblins who run Gringotts Bank for wizards. We weigh in.