Daily Briefing July 27: PM’s heart keeps pace as US expresses disappointment

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.

US bureau chief Jacob Magid and health and science editor Renee Ghert-Zand join host Jessica Steinberg for today’s podcast.

Magid discusses White House responses to the judicial overhaul vote, as Washington moves on from engaging on the issue while emphasizing it will not cut aid to Israel. He also looks at statements made by lawmakers frustrated with the Israeli government.

Ghert-Zand reviews the latest round of protests by the organization of Israeli doctors and their reactions after being told by the labor court to return to work.

Magid talks about the new interim head of the US embassy in Israel after Ambassador Tom Nides returned home and who may be the next ambassador to Israel. He also examines another twist in the ongoing US Visa Waiver Program as US citizens from the Gaza Strip are presently not receiving the same benefits.

Finally, Ghert-Zand examines Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s heart issues and what he hasn’t revealed about his heart over the last few years.

Discussed articles include:

US stresses it will not cut aid to Israel due to judicial overhaul

White House laments unilateral passage of overhaul bill, as Democrats echo alarm

Labor court orders doctors back to work after day-long strike to protest overhaul

Career diplomat Stephanie Hallett now interim US embassy chief as Nides departs

Despite US pledge of equal treatment, Gazan Americans left out of Visa Waiver Program

Netanyahu underwent surgery to have pacemaker fitted. Here’s why, and what it will do

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Check out yesterday’s Daily Briefing episode: