Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-03-02 at 14:03

HEADLINES- 600 Targets Hit in Iran Roar Expands- Spain Blocks Bases Amid Iran Campaign Escalation- Tel Aviv Stock Rally Breaks Covid-era RecordThe time is now 2:03 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Operation Lion's Roar, the IDF spokesperson announced that more than 600 targets in Iran have been struck and warned that Hezbollah will pay a heavy price for joining the campaign. Officials described the operation as broad, saying the numbers behind the effort are remarkable and signaling a sustained campaign across the region.In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, Israel estimates that more than 1,000 IRGC and Iranian security officials have been killed in the strikes so far, with some estimates much higher, as the campaign has targeted IRGC, Basij, and government facilities since the Roaring Lion operation began alongside the US-led Epic Fury. On Monday, Israel conducted a significant strike in Tehran, focusing on internal security emergency bases, Basij facilities, and IRGC installations. Some estimates place fatalities over 2,000, while the more conservative assessment cites over 1,000. Israel also says it has disrupted Iran’s missile program by thwarting scientists who specialize in ground-to-ground missiles. In the broader campaign, Bandar Abbas port was reported to be smoking after an attack, and there was an attack on an IRGC base in Zanjan.In Iranian Retaliation, an Iranian drone strike on a hotel in Manama, the capital of Bahrain, injured two employees with the US Department of Defense over the weekend, according to a diplomatic cable from the State Department seen by The Washington Post.In US Military Role, fifteen US aircraft have departed from the Rota and Morón military bases in southern Spain after Spain’s government declined to allow the facilities to be used for potential strikes on Iran. Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares said Spain would not permit its jointly operated bases to support attacks on Iran.In Regional Impacts, the US Embassy in Kuwait has instructed staff to shelter-in-place, while recommending that all Americans in the country do the same, with the airspace over Kuwait still closed due to constant attacks by Iran. The General Staff of the Kuwaiti Army mourned the loss of a sergeant in the naval force who was killed this evening while performing his duty. Bloomberg reports that the UAE is expected to run out of interceptor missiles within roughly a week at its current usage rate, while Qatar could deplete its supply in as little as four days, with both countries pressing the United States for immediate additional military assistance.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Lebanon’s Foreign Ministry issued a circular to diplomatic missions abroad informing them of the Cabinet decision banning Hezbollah’s military activities, urging missions to convey the decision to host countries and rely on it in official contacts. Ehud Yaari comments that militias could play a role in bringing down the Iranian regime. Watch how Hezbollah raises large sums of civilian money to pay for its weapons, infrastructure, and terrorists, with strikes aimed at the heart of this funding network to cut off financing. Commenting on the Lebanese prime minister’s remarks after an emergency cabinet meeting, Hezbollah MP Mohammad Raad said Lebanon’s government is unable to act against the Zionist enemy, but rejected any justification for aggressive measures against Lebanese who reject the occupation. Adham Al-Atman (Abu Hamza), commander of the Islamic Jihad/Al-Quds Brigades in the Lebanese arena, was eliminated by an IDF airstrike in Dahieh, Beirut this morning.In Israeli Domestic Politics, the government approved an initial emergency grant to residents whose homes were damaged and deemed uninhabitable due to Iranian missile strikes, with NIS 2,000 allocated per affected resident. The distribution plan provides NIS 500 directly to residents and NIS 1,500 to local authorities to fund their immediate response efforts. Those with significant property damage will be evacuated to a government-funded hotel. The Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee approved extending the emergency declaration on the home front until March 12, as part of preparations for a prolonged campaign, with officials noting expansion of an order under the emergency framework.In Israeli Economy and Business, the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange recorded its strongest single-day gains since the coronavirus-era surge nearly six years ago, marking one of the market’s most significant rallies in recent history.In Uplifting News, Israeli President Herzog was seen reading the Megillah with fighters from the IDF’s elite Duvdevan Unit, expressing admiration for the troops and wishing for achievements and good news in this heavy campaign.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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