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.

Military reporter Emanuel Fabian joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode.

A ballistic missile launched by the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen impacted a playground in south Tel Aviv early Saturday, lightly injuring some 16 in the area. This came days after the Israel Defense Forces carried out intense airstrikes against Houthi targets in Yemen early Thursday in which 14 fighter jets took part in the operation — along with dozens of support aircraft — dropping some 60 munitions. Fabian unwinds what has gotten through the IDF's defense net and speaks about the successful air operation.

Israeli troops wounded one person after opening fire Friday on demonstrators in southern Syria, with the military saying the soldiers did so to remove “a threat.” We hear where the IDF is currently deployed in and along the Syrian border.

The IDF said its Kfir Brigade has wrapped up an operation against Hamas in northern Gaza’s Beit Lahiya, and the infantry troops have advanced and are now operating in areas west of Beit Hanoun. Fabian updates us on what is happening in the Strip even has international headlines continue to circulate pointing to an imminent ceasefire deal.

The Israel Defense Forces supports strengthening the Palestinian Authority so it can more effectively combat terrorism in the West Bank, military officials said on Thursday, as the PA appears to step up efforts against Hamas and Islamic Jihad. We learn what steps the PA is currently taking, in a departure from previous years, that could point to how it may potentially operate in the Gaza Strip following the war.

Four Israeli civilians were arrested after illegally entering Lebanon on Thursday, reportedly to visit a shrine, as Israeli troops continuing to operate across the border destroyed Hezbollah weapons and rocket launchers, officials said.
The sentence for such a crime could be up to four years in jail. Fabian describes this and similar breaches that we've recently seen.

For news updates, please check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing live blog.

Discussed articles include:

Several interceptors failed to knock down Houthi missile that hit Tel Aviv — IDF probe

Missile fired from Yemen explodes in south Tel Aviv, lightly injuring 16

US strikes Houthi targets in Yemen, takes down drones over Red Sea

After Yemen strikes, Netanyahu says Israel hitting Houthis on behalf of ‘entire world’

Fighter pilots laud precision of operation to strike Yemen: ‘An incredible feeling’

One hurt after IDF opens fire at group protesting Israeli presence in south Syria

IDF orders evacuations in central Gaza amid reports of imminent hostage deal

IDF says it supports bolstering PA forces to combat West Bank terror

Four Israelis detained after entering Lebanon, reportedly to visit rabbi’s tomb

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

IMAGE: Houthi fighters march during a rally of support for the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and against the US strikes on Yemen outside Sanaa on January 22, 2024. (AP Photo)