HEADLINES
Israel Iran clashes intensify as Hezbollah fires
US refuels carrier aircraft in Epic Fury
UNSC seeks halt to Iran attacks

The time is now 1:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, President Trump has said the situation is “excellent” while Iran’s leadership appears to be standing firm, as millions seek shelter after overnight launches reported across the country in what officials describe as a combined attack from Iran and Lebanon. In Tehran, updates blame the Mossad for drone strikes that hit barricades, and reports say Basij fighters were killed in the turmoil. The developments come amid growing questions about pressure on Israel and the United States, with observers noting a new phase in the conflict but officials not publicly detailing any new actions.

In US Military Role, a US Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet from the “Blacklions” of Strike Fighter Squadron 213, part of Carrier Air Wing Eight on the USS Gerald R. Ford, was refueled by a US Air Force KC-135R Stratotanker over the Middle East in support of Operation Epic Fury on March 8, 2026.

In Regional Impacts, Kiryat Shmona on the northern border near Lebanon has endured almost nonstop rocket and drone attacks, forcing evacuations as residents flee the danger. The Ironi Kiryat Shmona club has faced a nomadic period, with its home stadium damaged and the team forced to train and play away from the city, including in Netanya, as security concerns linger. Separately, an Iranian drone strike on a tactical operations center at the Shuaiba port outside Kuwait City on March 1 killed six US service members and left more than 30 others hospitalized with injuries ranging from brain injuries to shrapnel trauma and burns, occurring the day after joint actions by the US and Israel against Iran began. Following the latest rocket launches toward Israel, the IDF said after a situation assessment that civilians may exit the protected area, while advising the public to continue following Home Front instructions.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, the IDF Arabic spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Ella Waweya said Hezbollah has escalated in what it called a grave offense, urging Lebanese civilians near Hezbollah operatives to evacuate as IDF strikes hit Hezbollah targets in southern Beirut’s Dahiyeh. Security sources say Hezbollah fired more than 100 rockets toward northern Israel in a single barrage, and the report notes Hezbollah joined the broader US-Israel-Iran confrontation after the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Separately, alarms were heard in the north due to rockets from Lebanon as well.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, the UN Security Council on Wednesday passed a resolution calling for Iran to immediately halt its attacks on Gulf states, saying they breach international law and pose a serious threat to international peace and security. China and Russia abstained, signaling a split among major powers on Iran’s conduct.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, war with Iran has halted the contentious haredi draft exemption bill, with Prime Minister Netanyahu shelving the measure to prioritize the war effort and national unity. The move sidelines a domestic dispute that had threatened to destabilize the coalition, at least for now, as military events dominate the agenda.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, Argentina’s president Javier Milei has drawn praise for his Israel visits, but a popular Argentine streamer, Tomás Rebord, drew fire for mocking Milei’s support for Israel. A criminal complaint was filed in Argentina over comments questioning Milei’s stance, as he has visited Israel multiple times and spoken candidly about his connection to Jewish heritage.

In Uplifting News, Israel closed out its World Baseball Classic campaign with a 6-2 win over the Netherlands, pulling ahead to 2–2 and taking sole possession of third place in Pool D. The blue-and-white built an early deficit, with former MLB All-Stars Didi Gregorius and Xander Bogaerts driving runs for Holland, but Israel answered with key hits, including a crucial double by Jake Gelof that plated Noah Mendlinger, and a standout pitching stint by Harrison Cohen, who set a WBC record by fanning five of the six batters he faced.

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.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1295244
https://t.me/DefenderDome/19096
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/sports/article-889662
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-889660
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1295247
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-889664
https://t.me/newssil/195180
https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/72237
https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/72239
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-889643
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-889665
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/sports/article-889661

Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-03-12 at 01:02