Even Ben Gvir's supporters are questioning his competence

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. Senior analyst Haviv Rettig-Gur and political and legal correspondent Carrie Keller-Lynn join host Anne Gordon on today's episode. The relationship between the United States and Israel is precious, and sometimes finicky. Of course Israel is glad to welcome American visiting dignitaries -- but Israel is also often on tenterhooks with concern about whether the big powers-that-be will tell Israel what to do (never mind that Israel won’t necessarily listen). New York City Mayor Eric Adams was recently in Israel for three days, and managed those tensions. When National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir took to the airwaves last night, he expressed his view of Jewish entitlement in Israel, with some divisive, dramatic, and troubling statements. The real question, however, is whether he will yet become a competent minister. And the next Knesset session is coming fast -- after the Jewish holidays in the fall. With the ultra-Orthodox parties looking to cement yeshiva student draft exemptions into law, the coalition and its protestors are expected to face a contentious, complicated winter session. Discussed articles include: ‘I listened, I didn’t weigh in’: NYC mayor meets protest leaders, PM, a settler head NYC mayor says he wants to adopt Israeli drone tech for policing Ben Gvir says his rights outweigh those of Arabs in West Bank Ben Gvir: There’s a bigger threat than 150 Arabs killed — it could spill over to Jews Coalition whip: We’ll pass IDF draft law next, then continue with judicial overhaul Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts.   IMAGE: National Security Itamar Ben Gvir, left, and Coastal Region Police Commander Yoram Sofer present a new proposal to eradicate crime in the Arab community, in Jerusalem on August 17, 2023. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.