HEADLINES
Missile barrage hits Rishon LeZion seven sites
Iran vows to continue war, defend itself
Hormuz energy route at risk EU weighs

The time is now 7:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, several impact sites were reported in central Israel on Monday after Iran’s latest missile barrage. Initial reports indicate 10 locations damaged by intercepted shrapnel or cluster munitions, seven of them in Rishon LeZion, with additional sites on Highway 431 and in Lod and Shoham. Rescue teams were dispatched to multiple locations in Shoham and Rishon LeZion to search buildings and surrounding areas, and authorities said there were no trapped individuals. The Shoham Home Front Command Committee reported shrapnel in a yard causing property damage, and urged residents to stay indoors to avoid hindering security and rescue efforts, with updates to follow. Magen David Adom said medics treated and evacuated a woman in her 30s in mild condition with minor injuries to Shamir‑Asaf Harofeh Hospital, describing scenes of destruction with smoke and broken glass as teams conducted thorough searches. In related notes, reports reference heavy strikes on Tehran and, in a Hebrew briefing, footage of Tehran’s morning attacks is highlighted along with questions about who was eliminated in Tehran.

In Iranian Retaliation, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi released a video saying the war must end in a way that enemies will never think to attack again, that Iran has learned a lesson and understands the kind of nation it faces, and that Iran will defend itself and continue the war wherever it is necessary.

In Regional Impacts, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said she discussed with United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres the possibility of unblocking the Strait of Hormuz by replicating a deal like the Black Sea Initiative to move oil and gas despite the Iran war. The closure of Hormuz has been described as dangerous for energy supplies to Asia and for fertilizer production, with ministers set to discuss the idea further. Separately, reports from the north note jet fuel leaking from interceptor debris, with security forces scanning the area and officials cautioning about a possible hazardous materials leak. A drone strike was reported at Dubai International Airport, and there are notes of shrapnel from missile interceptions in the north along with an unexploded cluster warhead submunition found in central Israel.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, a report references Mordechai David arriving with activists at the home of a News 12 journalist during wartime. The government is seeking to delay a hearing in the Ben Gvir matter, with the prime minister asking the Supreme Court to postpone the proceeding and arguing there is no current authority to rule on it given the ongoing war. The prime minister and Ben Gvir are described as focused on the wartime situation. Education Minister Nipah Kisch states that schools will not reopen while the firing continues, even if the conflict lasts past Passover. In addition, there is mention of coalition and opposition members gathering in a protected space.

In Israeli Economy and Business, the Tax Authority updates show 11,835 compensation claims filed since the war began, with 54 compensation fund teams across the country (24 in the central region, 11 around Beit Shemesh and Beersheba, 12 in the north, 3 in Eilat) and 4 tax assessment teams stationed in hotels assisting evacuees. Of the claims, 8,184 are for property damage, 1,248 for contents and equipment damage, 2,206 for vehicle damage, and 197 under other categories. Regional breakdown shows Tel Aviv with 6,044 claims, Ashkelon 4,195, Jerusalem 235, Akko 1,014, Tiberias 316, and Eilat 31. A fast-track option exists for damages to buildings and contents up to 30,000 shekels, with 1,975 fast-track claims submitted so far. Officials note the high volume may cause delays in adjuster visits, and they urge eligible victims to consider the fast-track route.

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
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Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-03-16 at 07:02