Daily Briefing Feb 19: Israel mends fences with Ukraine, won’t provide David’s Sling
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.
Diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman and military correspondent Emanuel Fabian join host Amanda Borschel-Dan.
Berman reports on Foreign Minister Eli Cohen’s one-day trip to Kyiv last week. While Israel is still not offering Ukraine its anti-missile air defense systems, the country has stepped up with hefty loan guarantees. Berman explains how much, and how the Jewish community there is faring.
According to Syria’s state news agency SANA, the Israeli Air Force carried out a strike late last night targeting a residential neighborhood in Damascus. Fabian gives insight as to why now.
Yesterday, an Israeli observer delegation at the African Union summit in Addis Ababa was kicked out of the opening ceremony. Berman puts this puzzling event into context.
There is a very public, ongoing power struggle between police commissioner Kobi Shabtai and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir. Fabian shares some recent events that have exacerbated the friction.
Discussed articles include:
What Matters Now to… Prof. Suzie Navot: Guarding against a ‘Frankenstate’
With first Knesset readings due Monday, tens of thousands protest judicial overhaul
FM Cohen in Kyiv pledges Ukraine loan guarantees, help with airstrike warning system
Back on track: FM Cohen overcomes diplomatic hurdles en route to thaw with Ukraine
Likening Russia to Goliath, Zelensky says Ukraine needs David’s Sling from Israel
Syria says 5 killed, 15 wounded in Israeli strike on Damascus residential area
Israeli observer delegation kicked out of African Union summit in Addis Ababa
Police chief warns of potential for political assassination: ‘Lower the flames’
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