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 Olympics correspondent and breaking news editor Amy Spiro and diplomatic reporter Lazar Berman, alongside host Amanda Borschel-Dan.

We start with the Israeli highs and lows from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The country won an unprecedented four medals, including the first gold to a female sports star, Linoy Ashram, over the weekend. While Israel has never medaled in a winter Olympics, the clock is already ticking and athletes have begun qualifying.

New Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi was sworn in last week among flare-ups at sea and a barrage of 19 rockets shot into Israel by Hezbollah. Is Iran flexing? Is this shift in power marked by a shift in tactics?

Berman introduces new Israeli ambassador to the United States Michael Herzog. He also gives a preview of Foreign Minister Yair Lapid's upcoming Morocco trip this week. Will the food be as good as it was in the United Arab Emirates?

And finally, Borschel-Dan speaks about an archaeology story she wrote last week that discusses the first hard evidence of the 8th century BCE earthquake discussed in the Book of Amos.

Discussed articles include:

Rhythmic gymnast Linoy Ashram wins Israel’s 3rd-ever Olympic gold

Fresh off Olympic gold, Linoy Ashram says she’s ‘the happiest’ with achievements

Hezbollah rocket attack on Israel a ‘message’ to new PM, says Iranian commander

Iran nuclear talks could resume in September, says EU official

Mike Herzog, president’s brother and Brig. Gen. (Ret), named as ambassador to US

Archaeologists unearth 1st Jerusalem evidence of quake from Bible’s Book of Amos

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IMAGE: Israeli gymnast Linoy Ashram performs during the rhythmic gymnastics individual all-around final at the 2020 Summer Olympics, on August 7, 2021, in Tokyo, Japan. (AP/Ashley Landis)

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