Daily Briefing June 27 – How does the Delta variant threaten vaccinated Israel?

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.

Today’s panel comprises editor David Horovitz and health reporter Nathan Jeffay, along with host Amanda Borschel-Dan.

Israel is experiencing a minor surge in COVID-19 cases that are linked to the Delta variant. What is this variant and how does it affect those who have been vaccinated? Also, in addition to the reimposed requirement of masks in indoor spaces, can we expect further measures to stanch the virus’s spread?

We hear a series of brief updates on leading news stories, including the tragic collapse of a 12-story condo in Surfside, Florida, and what Israel is doing to help out. Also, President Reuven Rivlin is conducting a farewell tour of the United States, including meeting with US President Joe Biden. Why is this significant? And what is on the bill for the fragile coalition this week as it attempts to reach a compromise on the Palestinian family reunification amendment ahead of the July 6 deadline?

Finally, we hear about a curious new Israeli study that found that a man’s perception of himself as in a bad marriage can be fatal.

Discussed articles include:

Bennett says virus hospitalizations are low, hopes not to reimpose restrictions

Health Ministry mulling outdoor mask recommendation, restrictions on gatherings

Back in COVID mode, Binyamina residents fear new wave starting under their noses

Israel sends IDF team to Florida to assist with tower collapse rescue efforts

Ra’am leader expects compromise to be reached on family reunification law

Unhappy marriages can be fatal, increasing male death rate by 19%: Israeli study

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