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.

Political reporter Ariela Karmel and tech editor Sharon Wrobel join host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode.

As the government coalition advances a bill aimed at scrapping some of the offenses Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is on trial for, Karmel reviews this latest step in a series of efforts by the coalition to protect him.

Karmel also discusses the crux of an ongoing conflict between the High Court and the coalition concerning an investigation into the supervision of the ultra-Orthodox school system and how the Finance Ministry is handling the transfer of funds to Haredi schools.

Following the central bank's recent decision to lower interest rates, Wrobel notes that it's a sign of support for the economy, given the lower inflation rate and strong shekel currency, despite the fragility of the Gaza ceasefire.

Wrobel also reviews the recent farmers' protests about importing milk to Israel, a reform that would threaten the smaller dairy farms in a market of relatively few milk suppliers and manufacturers.

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

For further reading:

Coalition advances bill to cancel the criminal charge that Netanyahu faces in his trial

High Court orders state to disclose ultra-Orthodox school curriculum and oversight

In bold move, central bank cuts interest rates for 2nd straight time after ceasefire

Hundreds of farmers protest ‘destructive’ dairy reform plan at junctions nationwide

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

IMAGE: Protesters march toward the Supreme Court in Jerusalem holding signs reading 'Power, Money, Honor, Prison' against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government, and in support of the Supreme Court, January 7, 2026. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)

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