Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-02-28 at 12:02

HEADLINESUS Israel joint plan targets Iran leadershipAirspace closed as airlines reroute flightsBritain ramps up regional defenses against IranThe time is now 12:02 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Operation Lion's Roar, Israel and the United States conducted an unprecedented joint planning process in the months leading up to the strike on Iran, engaging with United States Central Command, according to the IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant-General Eyal Zamir. He said the aim is to destroy the capabilities of the Iranian regime and noted that the Home Front Command, emergency services, and police are prepared to respond to civilian impacts, while warning there is no hermetic defense. He added that IAF pilots have struck hundreds of targets across Iran as Israel’s air defenses, navy, and ground forces remain on high readiness across multiple theaters, and he urged the public to follow Home Front Command directives to save lives. Zamir stressed that Israel would act with uncompromising force against any enemy threatening its security, framing the operation as part of a broader effort to prevent Iran from restoring and expanding capabilities including missile production and proxy support. In his remarks, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the operation is meant to remove Iran’s leadership from power and prevent it from becoming nuclear-armed, creating conditions for the Iranian people to take their destiny into their own hands. He charged Iran’s leadership with sponsoring terrorism and threatening both Israel and the United States, and warned Tehran must not be allowed to obtain nuclear weapons. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said the security cabinet had approved the operation overnight, arguing that delaying action would have been far more dangerous and stressing that time is critical. The campaign has included an additional wave of airstrikes targeting missile launch sites and aerial defense systems in central Iran. The operation has also prompted dramatic steps on civilian aviation, with reports that airspace has been closed and Israeli aircraft relocated to Europe as airlines shift operations to destinations such as Larnaca, Rome, and Bucharest to shield assets from escalation; authorities issued an explicit warning not to crowd Ben Gurion Airport, with flights canceled until further notice. Back home, Tel Aviv saw missile alerts that interrupted daily life as residents sought shelter and safety, underscoring the fragility of normal life amid the current security situation.In Regional Impacts, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said British forces and aircraft are participating in coordinated regional defensive operations to protect Britain’s people, interests, and allies but are not involved in the US and Israeli strikes against Iran. He said British planes are in the sky today as part of these defensive operations and that protections for bases and personnel have been stepped up to the highest level, while noting that the government did not provide details on the defensive actions. Starmer stressed that Iran must never be allowed to develop nuclear weapons and that ensuring that remains a priority for Britain and its allies, consistent with international law.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Hezbollah signaled solidarity with Iran after the US and Israeli strikes but stopped short of pledging involvement, warning of dire regional consequences if the conflict is left unchecked. Lebanon’s Hezbollah said the consequences would affect everyone, while the country’s Prime Minister Nawaf Salam urged against dragging Lebanon into adventures that threaten its security and unity. In Bahrain, Iranian drones were reported to have struck a skyscraper in Manama, with several residential buildings targeted and Civil Defence crews continuing firefighting and rescue operations at affected sites, as documented by Bahraini authorities. Footage accompanying the reports showed drone strikes and their aftermath in the Bahraini capital, reflecting the broader regional volatility tied to the Iran-focused hostilities.In Israeli Domestic Politics, at 22:00 a security briefing is scheduled between the prime minister and the nation’s security leadership, with further updates expected. Earlier, weather and security conditions over Israel included interceptor activity in the Sharon region around sunset. In addition, all discussions scheduled for tomorrow in the Knesset, its committees, and the plenary session were canceled, and the prime minister will hold a security assessment at 22:00.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. 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