HEADLINES
Iran unleashes 4000-km missiles, alarms rise
Saudi Expels Iran’s Military Attaché in Showdown
Cruz Demands Resignations over Iran Policy

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

In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, Iran has reportedly doubled the demonstrated range of its ballistic missiles to about 4,000 kilometers, a leap attributed by former IDF air defense chief Brigadier-General Ran Kochav to a two-stage, satellite-like launch process that could reflect a clandestine program and a mission targeting the joint UK-US base at Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean. Israel’s Arrow defense system then intercepted an Iranian missile in an exo-atmospheric engagement. Additional footage of the intercept has circulated as part of ongoing disclosures. Air-raid sirens sounded across wide areas following a drone intrusion, with reports that Iran is increasing its launches against Israel and debris sites identified in the Tel Aviv region. Separately, a separate threat to Dimona in the south was met by an Arrow 3 interception minutes ago in the lower atmosphere.

In US Military Role, US Senator Ted Cruz blasted several figures in his party for not backing US actions against Iran, telling CBS News that those who disagree with the president’s national security policies should resign and defending the president’s measures as justified given Iran’s years of state sponsorship of terrorism. A separate report in Hebrew quoted Senator Lindsey Graham advising President Trump to keep up the pressure, suggesting the operation should continue for a few more weeks and aiming to seize a revenue-focused island as part of the response.

In Regional Impacts, Saudi Arabia expelled Iran’s military attaché, his assistant, and three embassy staff, a move announced by the Saudi foreign ministry that follows Qatar’s similar action and raises questions about the 2023 Beijing-brokered normalization between Riyadh and Tehran. Iran has warned of a regional blackout after a Trump ultimatum on Hormuz, saying the Strait remains open to all but enemies and warning that strikes on Iran’s power grid could trigger retaliatory attacks on energy, water and oil facilities across the region. Israeli forces also blew up all the bridges over the Litani River in southern Lebanon.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, sirens sounded in southern Israel and the Negev as a missile from Iran was intercepted outside the atmosphere, while northern Israel experienced rocket and drone sirens amid Hezbollah attacks from Lebanon.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, State Comptroller Matanyahu Englman disclosed a highly classified report ahead of the war with Iran warning of gaps in air defenses and urging a nationwide fortification plan with an emphasis on the periphery, citing contractor incentives as a factor. Israel also approved a massive 4,500-home expansion in Kiryat Shmona, reflecting security considerations as northern real estate remains sensitive amid ongoing tensions.

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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https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-890799
https://worldisraelnews.com/israel-approves-massive-4500-home-expansion-in-kiryat-shmona-as-northern-real-estate-hinges-on-security/