Bibi rises in polls as Israelis see end of pandemic

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 senior analyst Haviv Retting Gur and our diplomatic affairs correspondent Lazar Berman, along with host Amanda Borschel-Dan. On today's show, we look at the polls showing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party making small gains at expense of right-wing rival Yamina, as public approval of his handling of the pandemic increases. Can the "success" of the coronavirus campaign help give Netanyahu an election win in March? The International Criminal Court is set to get a new chief prosecutor. Karim Khan may shift direction at The Hague, but experts say there’s little to indicate that he will steer clear of inquiries into Israel planned by his predecessor. Berman gives us the lowdown. Former consul to New York and settler leader Dani Dayan claims New Hope, a party to the right of Likud on many issues, can repair bipartisan ties in Washington that he says the prime minister drove into the dirt. Could he be right? And finally... SNOW! With Israel's north already seeing downfall and a light dusting expected in Jerusalem, our panel prepares for the cold. Discussed articles include: Poll shows public less critical of government’s response to COVID; Yamina slips Israel welcomes ICC prosecutor pick, but no evidence he’ll nix war crimes probe Trying to oust Netanyahu, an ex-settler head says he can rebuild bridge to Biden Snow falls in north as Jerusalem braces for rare winter dusting Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. PHOTO: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahuduring a visit to the COVID-19 vaccination center in Zarzir, northern Israel, February 9, 2021. (David Cohen/Flash90) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.