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.

Military correspondent Judah Ari Gross and our New York-based film and culture reporter Jordan Hoffman join host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's podcast.

Israelis awoke to news reports this morning that Israeli warplanes fired a number of missiles at the port of the coastal city of Latakia, causing large explosions and fires, in the second alleged Israeli strike in a month on the key facility. Gross explains why this is significant, gives some reasons why the strike occurred now, and gives insight into the tactics the IDF reportedly used.

Next, we hear from Hoffman who gives readers his take on 20201's top five moments of Jewish entertainment -- plus one.

No spoilers, but among other films we discuss "Licorice Pizza," "West Side Story," and "Shiva Baby," plus his mystery television program.

Discussed articles include:

Israel said to strike key Syrian port of Latakia, causing ‘massive’ damage

Director Eric Steel on Jewish-LGBTQ film ‘Minyan,’ one of this year’s top 10

The next great ‘Jewish movie’ was just made by a 24-year-old female director

Spielberg’s beautifully choreographed ‘West Side Story’ update hits every note

Alana Haim is true to life in coming-of-age flick ‘Licorice Pizza,’ set in 1970s LA

Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts.

IMAGE: In this photo released by the Syrian official news agency SANA, firefighters work at the scene of a missile attack, at the seaport of the coastal city of Latakia, Syria, Tuesday, Dec. 28, 2021. (SANA via AP)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.