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.

Arab Affairs correspondent Gianluca Pacchiani and Jewish World reporter Zev Stub join host Jessica Steinberg for today's Daily Briefing podcast.

Pacchiani reviews the latest in the stunning takeover in Syria by rebel forces followed by celebrations in the streets of Damascus as the Assad family appears to have fled the country. He discusses the Russian, Kurdish and Turkish strongholds in the country, the Islamic tone of the rebel forces and what that could mean in the country's new political reality.

Stub discusses the details of the early Friday morning arson attack on a Melbourne synagogue, the reactions within the Jewish community and the eventual designation of the fire as a terrorist attack by the Australian government.

Steinberg briefly discusses the latest in the Hamas hostages and the release of a video of hostage Matan Zangauker on Saturday. Zangauker's mother, Einav Zangauker, has emerged as one of the most vocal anti-government voices in the ongoing hostage situation.

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

Discussed articles include:

Rebels declare Damascus captured in stunning end to Assad family rule in Syria

Syria rebels take areas near Israel border; IDF warns them not to ‘turn in our direction’

Syrian rebel commander urges Israel to support uprising, strike Iran-backed forces

Who are the rebels battering Syria’s regime, and do they pose a risk to Israel?

Australia rebuffs Netanyahu’s claim synagogue arson due to ‘anti-Israel’ government

Police hunt 2 suspects in devastating arson attack on Melbourne’s Addas Israel synagogue

Hamas video shows Gaza hostage Zangauker for first time as thousands rally for deal

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: Israeli soldiers near the Israeli border with Syria on December 8, 2024 (Photo by David Cohen/Flash90)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.