Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-03-02 at 10:07

HEADLINESIsrael targets Iran, aims to topple regimeAirstrikes won't topple Iran; pursue political changeIsfahan raid kills Iranian nuclear scientistsThe time is now 10:06 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Operation Lion's Roar, the IDF said on Monday afternoon it has dropped 2,500 bombs on 600 Iranian targets since the conflict began Saturday morning. Among those targets, 150 ballistic missiles were destroyed, dozens of missile launchers were taken out, 200 air defense targets were hit, and 20 Iranian leadership targets were struck. Officials say the focus has shifted from crippling ballistic missile firing capabilities toward undermining the Islamic regime itself, with the aim that within a week or more the regime will be weakened enough for Iranian protesters to topple it. Separately, the IDF has drafted 110,000 reservists into active duty and is prepared to draft more if necessary, and officials indicate no decision yet to invade Lebanon.In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, an analysis argues that airstrikes won’t topple Iran’s regime and that Israel must pursue a political change strategy. The piece notes that while military action can degrade capabilities and buy time, it is unlikely to produce regime change in Tehran. Air power can destroy facilities, degrade defenses, eliminate commanders, and delay programs, but it rarely yields political capitulation; Japan in 1945 is cited as an exception. The Islamic Republic is described as built to absorb punishment and tighten repression. The article says the operation will end on an American timetable, with a US president able to declare victory and pivot home, a path Israel cannot take. Even if immediate danger is reduced, Tehran can rebuild missile capabilities faster than outside observers expect, creating a cycle of repeated rounds that elevates risks to Israel’s economy and civilian resilience, especially if a less sympathetic US administration takes office. The piece emphasizes that the United States’ preference for a less hostile regime does not place Israel’s future at risk in a direct sense.In Iranian Retaliation, the American-flagged bulk oil tanker M/T STENA IMPERATIVE, one of ten tankers in the Navy’s Tanker Security Program, was struck by projectiles while pierside at the Port of Bahrain; onboard fires were extinguished and the extent of damage remains unknown. Separately, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said strikes on Iran would not become an endless war and that the aim is to destroy Tehran’s missiles, navy, and other security infrastructure, stressing this is not Iraq and that the operation will take time. General Dan Caine, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, cautioned that additional US casualties are expected as the strikes continue, and Kuwait’s air defenses reportedly shot down three American F-15E jets during an Iranian attack. Additionally, US forces are reported to have targeted an underground uranium enrichment facility in Isfahan, with reports that 24 nuclear scientists were killed in the attack.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said northern residents will not be evacuated during Operation Roaring Lion, with the IDF providing protection on the front line deep inside Lebanese territory. Experts note that the 2024 war weakened Hezbollah but the group remains a dangerous factor as Israel conducts its current strike campaign. Lebanon signals limits on Hezbollah as Israeli retaliation raises escalation risks, with rockets fired toward Jerusalem and warnings of a widening war that could involve Lebanon. The Lebanese government has voiced concern about Hezbollah's military activities while maintaining a separate political wing. The IDF said it eliminated Hussein Makled, the head of Hezbollah’s intelligence headquarters, in ongoing strikes against the group. Cyprus authorities indicated that drones directed toward Cyprus were launched by Hezbollah, and a belt-of-fire style attack was reported in Nabatieh, southern Lebanon, signaling intensified cross-border hostilities.In Israeli Domestic Politics, former chief of staff Gadi Eizenkot spoke at a control center in Nahariya, noting that while it should be stated with humility, there is a remarkable capability within the air force, Aman, and the Mossad, along with courageous, unified government decisions that many rally behind. He described this moment as a generation-defining opportunity, stating that if achieved, it could bring deep change for generations.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.SOURCEShttps://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-888536https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-888396https://t.me/DefenderDome/18567https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-888538https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/70400https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-888540https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-888537https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-888533https://t.me/DefenderDome/18568https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/70402https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/70401https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/70387https://t.me/Newss0nline/60992