Political parties form new constellations ahead of elections

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 correspondents Sam Sokol and Ariela Karmel join host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode. The opposition parties are shaping up ahead of the upcoming elections, as Sokol and Karmel discuss the familiar and new political figures and the jockeying among parties to maximize votes. Karmel also reports on a new Druze political party, the first time the community has formed one in decades, following their deep sense of frustration with the government. As the Knesset returns to its first session after a prolonged break, Sokol and Karmel discuss the expected legislative blitz, including proposed laws to split the role of the attorney general, a controversial proposed political probe into October 7, restricting Israel’s broadcast media landscape, as well as the military exemption service law for the ultra-Orthodox. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: Former Shin Bet chief Yoram Cohen joins Eisenkot’s Yashar party After joining Yashar, ex-head of Shin Bet says Smotrich a ‘legitimate’ partner, but not Ben Gvir Amid speculation of merger, Eisenkot and Liberman say they’re ‘deepening cooperation’ Golan: Zionist opposition must partner with Arab party Ra’am to topple government Yisrael Beytenu, said to eye merger with Eisenkot, adds hostages’ brother to ranks Contentious proposals dominate planned legislative blitz as Knesset readies to resume PM said to ask Haredim to again shelve draft exemption bill — this time until after election Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Ari Schlacht. IMAGE: ToI political correspondents Ariela Karmel and Sam Sokol join host Jessica Steinberg on today's Daily Briefing podcast. (ToI)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.