Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world.

Diaspora affairs reporter Zev Stub and reporter Diana Bletter join host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode.

As Spain implements the largest state-level boycott of Israel, Stub reviews elements of the embargo and whether it could set a precedent of similar gestures from other countries.

Bletter reports on a recent visit to the northern city of Kiryat Shmona, badly damaged during the year of Hezbollah strikes, and still struggling to revitalize itself.

A look at Israel's population numbers shows that more people exited the country in 2024 than entered it, reports Stub. This came even as statistics paint a nuanced picture of rising immigration to the country amid skyrocketing antisemitism globally.

Finally, Bletter reports on the resilience and diversity of Israeli science and medical research, including research on coral reefs, and how cancer can help heal ailing hearts.

Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates.

For further reading:

With new trade restrictions, Spain looks to trigger EU cascade against Israel

Spanish Jews warn map of local Jewish and ‘Zionist’ businesses will lead to violence

Half-empty and scarred by war, Kiryat Shmona sees protests – and grassroots rejuvenation

More than 69,000 Israelis left Israel in 2025, as population reached 10.18 million

In surprising breakthrough, scientists in Israel find cancer may help heal the failing heart

Israeli scientists say tiny organisms can revamp their own RNA to survive extreme heat

New Israeli research shows coral reefs shape the ebb and flow of local microbial life

Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Podwaves.

IMAGE: A pro-Palestinian demonstrator holds a banner reading: 'Boycott Israeli apartheid' during a protest in Madrid, Spain, Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025. (Bernat Armangue/AP Photo)

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