HEADLINES
Iranian missiles slam central Israel; light injuries
US plans 3,000-troop 82nd deployment
Hormuz transit tightened as Iran asserts control

The time is now 4:02 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, Iranian cluster missile hits central Israel; 3 lightly wounded in Bnei Brak, damage in Petah Tikva. Israel's Defense Forces say it struck Iranian weapons sites and Hezbollah cells, and officials note Hezbollah’s arsenal has declined even as reservist call-ups could expand amid a multi-front war. Significant damage to several residential structures in Bnei Brak has been reported from multiple cluster munitions launched by Iran, with further damage noted in nearby cities.

In US Military Role, the White House plans to deploy around 3,000 troops from the 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East to support Operation Epic Fury, with an order expected later Tuesday. Officials say the move does not confirm a decision by the president to put boots on the ground in Iran, but it outlines options for future action. The 82nd Division would deploy its combat brigade alongside its headquarters, given the unit’s rapid deployment capability, and a large exercise previously planned for the division was canceled, fueling speculation about possible action in the region.

In Regional Impacts, Iran has told International Maritime Organization member states that non-hostile vessels may transit the Strait of Hormuz if they coordinate with Iranian authorities, as the war has disrupted roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil and LNG shipments. Tehran has said it has taken necessary and proportionate measures to prevent aggressors from exploiting the strait, and that vessels tied to the US and Israel, as well as other participants in the aggression, do not qualify for innocent passage. The shipping regulator notes its role in safety and security of international waterborne commerce, though verification of the report could not be immediately established.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, an Iranian missile was intercepted above Lebanese airspace, with shrapnel landing on towns north of Beirut and causing some light injuries, according to Lebanese security sources. The IDF later confirmed that a missile had landed near Beirut after a barrage aimed at Israel. Lebanon’s government declared Iran’s ambassador-designate persona non grata, and Beirut summoned Iran’s ambassador for consultations, as officials suggested the war might have been avoidable if Israel had withdrawn from southern Lebanon and honored the 2024 ceasefire.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, President Trump described events in Iran since the start of the conflict as a regime change and said the United States is in negotiations with Iran to reach a deal to end hostilities, while offering few details. A pause in strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure—described by Trump as productive talks—has sparked debate over whether diplomacy is taking holds or simply delaying a confrontation. Trump also claimed Iran made a major energy-related concession and called it a positive development tied to the Strait of Hormuz, though he offered few specifics. A Reuters/Ipsos poll found Trump’s approval at 36%, with fuel prices rising and public disapproval of the war affecting perceptions of his leadership. Trump added that he believes the war will end, though he could not say for sure.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, the Knesset National Security Committee was set to vote on approving the death-penalty outline for terrorists and move it to final readings in the plenum. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir promised the measure would pass, telling lawmakers that the law will pass and that terrorists’ supporters would face consequences. An Otzma Yehudit spokesperson indicated the committee was expected to reconvene to push the bill toward its final plenum readings next week.

In Israeli Economy and Business, Volkswagen is in talks with Rafael to convert its Osnabrück plant from car production to manufacturing components for the Iron Dome.

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.ynetnews.com/article/bkdjevlo11e
https://t.me/DefenderDome/19677
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-891081
https://t.me/abualiexpress/118595
https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/03/iran-says-non-hostile-ships-can-transit-strait-hormuz-ft-reports
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1300733
https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/73764
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-891085
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-891086
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-891082
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/ry4wbpeo11g
https://www.jpost.com/american-politics/article-891079
https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/73770
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-891084
https://t.me/abualiexpress/118596

Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-03-24 at 16:02