HEADLINES
- Five ships attacked in Hormuz Strait
- U.S. campaign costs exceed $11.3B
- Wadi Ara teacher arrested over 2016 flag

The time is now 12:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Operation Lion's Roar, five vessels attacked in the Gulf and Strait of Hormuz as war puts merchant ships on front lines. Shipping in the Gulf and along the Strait, which carries around a fifth of the world's oil, has come to a near-standstill since the United States and Israel began strikes on Iran on February 28, with global oil prices rising to highs not seen since 2022. Iranian explosive-laden boats attacked two fuel tankers in Iraqi waters, setting them ablaze and killing one crew member after projectiles struck three vessels in Gulf waters. The ships near Iraq were the Marshall Islands-flagged Safesea Vishnu and Zefyros, which had loaded fuel cargoes in Iraq; rescuers recovered a body from the water, though it was not immediately clear which ship it belonged to. The Safesea Vishnu's operator is based in the United States. The latest attacks push the tally of ships struck in the region since fighting began to at least 16.

In US Military Role, the first week of the US military campaign against Iran cost more than $11.3 billion, officials tell Congress. Lawmakers were briefed that in the first six days of strikes, $5.6 billion worth of munitions were used in the initial two days, as the United States hit more than 5,500 targets across the Islamic Republic.

In Regional Impacts, the British maritime authority reported an unusual incident near the United Arab Emirates in which a ship was attacked by an unidentified projectile and a deck fire broke out about 35 nautical miles north of Jebel Ali; all crew were reported safe. In separate but related observations, there have been broader regional updates voiced from Tehran accusing various actors of involvement in ongoing strikes and warnings about potential disruptions, while no casualties have been reported so far.

During the night israel and the usa attacked in Iraq the pro Iranian militia bases. Multiple casualties reported. All missiles from Lebanon were intercepted. Hezbollah is launching as well from Lebanon.

In White House policy messaging on Israel, the administration says there has been no mixed messaging about Operation Epic Fury. White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt asserted that the objectives have been clearly presented: destroy the terrorist Iranian regime’s missiles and raze their missile industry; annihilate the terrorist Iranian regime’s navy; ensure the regime’s proxies can no longer destabilize the region or attack US forces; and prevent the regime from obtaining a nuclear weapon.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, a 2016 photo of a Palestinian flag led to an arrest on incitement charges. A teacher in Wadi Ara, identified by a pseudonym as Sara, was confronted by police after a Facebook post showing her with a Palestinian flag from 2016; officers conducted searches and informed her that they would escalate if the flag was not produced. The incident comes amid wartime security concerns and a broader crackdown on speech.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, at a Republican Jewish Coalition event, attendees criticized Tucker Carlson as a dangerous demagogue, while praising Trump for casting him aside as not MAGA. There was no direct critique of JD Vance at the event, though some expressed skepticism about Candace Owens and Carlson; Norm Coleman, the coalition’s national chairman, said he has no concerns about Vance.

Thank you for tuning in to this Israel Today: Ongoing War Report update.
I'm Noa Levi. Stay safe and informed.
Keep in mind that this AI-generated report may contain occasional inaccuracies, so consult multiple sources for a comprehensive view. Find the code and more details in the podcast description.

SOURCES
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-889659
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/r14qdjj9wl
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1295233
https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/72222
https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/72224
https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/72221
https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/72218
https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/72225
https://t.me/DefenderDome/19090
https://www.timesofisrael.com/a-2016-photo-of-a-palestinian-flag-landed-a-teacher-in-cuffs-police-call-it-incitement/
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-889658

Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-03-12 at 00:01