Daily Briefing July 7 – Ripples of Rivlin: How his farewell tour left a mark

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 our United States correspondent Jacob Magid and culture editor Jessica Steinberg, along with host Amanda Borschel-Dan.

On President Reuven Rivlin’s final day in office, we discuss lingering resonance in US policy from his farewell tour to the White House last week. Among issues covered was the Israeli linkage of a prisoner swap with Gaza reconstruction — which the Biden administration has promised to bring up with Cairo.

Next, Magid gives an in-depth look at the recent peaceful evacuation of the new wildcat hilltop settlement at Evyatar. What kind of deal was struck between the settlers, government, and defense officials — and does this set a “dangerous” precedent?

Tel Aviv’s DocAviv festival is running through July 10 with in-person screenings — or online for Israeli residents. We hear about a few of the choice selections.

And finally, learn about the refreshing pre-state Israeli soft drink Gazoz, which is making a comeback in trendy Tel Aviv and is the focus of a new cookbook by Benny Briga and Adeena Sussman.

Discussed articles include:

US opposes conditioning Gaza reconstruction on return of IDF troops’ bodies

‘Illegal even under Israeli law’: US pans establishment of new Evyatar outpost

Settlers vacate illegal Evyatar outpost under deal that keeps it intact

Featuring musical documentaries, Docaviv festival launches with 116 films

Breezy summer drink concocted in Tel Aviv gets book of its own

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