PODCAST: The vaccine is working; keeping the ultra-Orthodox on lockdown is not

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 Times of Israel editor David Horovitz and health and science correspondent Nathan Jeffay, along with host Amanda Borschel-Dan.

We speak today about what the world is learning from Israel’s vaccination drive, and why the data published so far may allow some hope for countries struggling to contain the latest wave of the pandemic — including Israel itself.

As Israel pushes ahead with the vaccine campaign, more and more questions arise over its possible responsibility, both moral and legal, to also provide vaccines for Palestinians. We look at what is in Israel’s interest, and what its obligation is.

And with clashes continuing between Israeli police and members of Israel’s ultra-Orthodox communities over the ongoing national lockdown, we ask who is responsible for the flagrant flouting of restrictions and the total breakdown of trust, and who can fix it.

Discussed articles include:

Israel sees 60% drop in hospitalizations for age 60-plus 3 weeks after 1st shot

Israel to almost completely shut Ben Gurion Airport for week amid mutation fears

Israeli immunity hinges on Palestinians getting COVID shots too, doctors say

Bus driver recounts ‘nightmare’ after Haredim torch vehicle at closure protest

Fresh clashes in Bnei Brak as Haredi leaders blame police for violence

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