Daily Briefing Jan 9: The behind-the-scenes story of abused female Ukraine refugees

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.

Editor David Horovitz and investigative reporter Inna Lazareva join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today’s episode.

Former Supreme Court head Aharon Barak gave a series of television interviews over the weekend in which he stated unequivocably that he is worried about new Justice Minister Yariv Levin’s proposed judicial reforms. What were some of Barak’s statements?

Three drivers employed for roughly 30 years by the Prime Minister’s Office as part of the premier’s motorcade were reportedly fired earlier this week, amid reports that Benjamin Netanyahu is clearing house of staff who served in the previous government. These drivers are set to serve as prosecution witnesses in the ongoing trial against Netanyahu. Horovitz connects some dots.

Israeli archaeologists from the University of Haifa and the Hebrew University have discovered what they claim is the earliest evidence of silver being used as currency in the Levant, dating back more than 3,600 years. The analyzed silver hoards are found in strata that date to 500 years prior to previous estimates. Borschel-Dan gives some context.

Finally, Lazereva shares some of the horrors she uncovered during her in-depth investigation into what many Ukrainian women who fled their homes for Israel face when they get here.