HEADLINES
Iran regime remains on ground after airstrikes
Israel braces as Hezbollah fires missiles
Drone hit Italian base Erbil no casualties

The time is now 6:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Iran regime maintains control on ground, cannot be toppled by airstrikes, INSS expert says, Dr. Raz Zimmt notes that even as airstrikes target IRGC sites, the regime remains on the ground and is unlikely to be toppled by such action, with protests potentially resuming months later and allowing a recovery.

In Regional Impacts, an Italian military base in Iraqi Kurdistan was hit overnight, with officials initially describing a missile attack and later saying a drone may have destroyed a military vehicle, possibly by accident; there are no casualties among Italian personnel, and around 300 Italian troops are stationed in Erbil. Staff had been warned of aerial threats and took shelter in bunkers hours before the strike, and the air raid alert had ended as officials assess the area. Italian defense sources noted that the drone may not have been fired at the base intentionally. Separately, Oman, Egypt, Pakistan, and Turkey are holding behind-the-scenes talks with Iranian officials to urge Tehran to begin discussions with the United States toward a deal or ceasefire, though Iran has so far refused to enter talks, with President Masoud Pezeshkian stating on X that any agreement would require recognition of Iran’s rights, compensation, and international guarantees against future aggression. Tehran is also drawing attention to the possibility of using sea mines to choke the Strait of Hormuz, a prospect tied to fears of disrupted oil traffic following US and Israeli strikes.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, the IDF says it is not ready for a full Lebanon invasion but is considering it once the fight with Iran cools, after Hezbollah unleashed a heavy attack with rockets and drones; officials said air defenses and coordination were mixed, with intelligence work and forward attacks preventing roughly two-thirds of a planned Hezbollah strike, while Iron Dome and other defenses shot down nearly all drones, about a hundred in number, even as some rockets still penetrated and caused damage. Hezbollah is reported to have more than 1,000 long-range missiles available to strike Israel, and the military has reinforced the North in response, moving the Golani Brigade from Gaza to northern operations and expanding deployments by Divisions 36, 91, 146, and 210 deeper into the Lebanon theater. In the coming days, the IDF expects to approach 1,000 attacks in Lebanon as it navigates a broadened, multi-front confrontation.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, former defense minister Yoav Gallant said he will not run in the upcoming election and will take a break, leaving the decision about the future open; although he has criticized Prime Minister Netanyahu, Gallant indicated he still sees potential for influence within Likud and suggested he would step forward if an opportunity arises, noting his role as defense minister on the day of the Hamas attack and his ongoing involvement in wartime debates.

In Israeli Economy and Business, the Bank of Israel warned that the amended budget could worsen the deficit and debt trajectory as the government approved a defense budget increase of 32 billion shekels and set aside about 13 billion for defense and civilian needs in case the war continues; the central bank projected growth to slow by 0.5% of GDP and cautioned that uncertainty in global markets, energy price volatility, and war conditions could amplify economic damage. The deficit target rose to 5.1% of GDP, and the revised deficit path for 2026 points toward a higher debt-to-GDP ratio, potentially around 70% in 2026, up from roughly 60% before the current conflict.

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/iran-news/article-889675
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-889696
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-889678
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/bkze9we5bl
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-889713
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-889682
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1295363
https://www.timesofisrael.com/yoav-gallant-says-he-wont-run-for-office-in-next-election-leaves-future-open/
https://www.jpost.com/business-and-innovation/article-889680

Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-03-12 at 06:01