Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-03-02 at 21:02

HEADLINESIran Threatens US With Cyber AttacksUS Deploys Epic Fury Against Iran MissilesUS Urges Citizens to Depart Middle EastThe time is now 9:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Iranian Retaliation, a Department of Homeland Security intelligence assessment warns that Iran and its proxies probably pose a threat of targeted attacks on the United States, with the near term seen as more likely to involve cyber actions such as website defacements or denial of service attempts than a large-scale physical assault. The report notes that retaliatory actions are expected to escalate if reports of the Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s death are confirmed, and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem says she is in direct coordination with federal intelligence and law enforcement to monitor risks. Meanwhile, tensions have surged with reports that Iran attacked the US Embassy in Riyadh with drones, causing a limited fire and minor damage, and authorities have noted additional explosions in Riyadh’s diplomatic quarter. Separately, detainee advocates warn Iran is detaining at least six US citizens or permanent residents, raising fears that Americans abroad could be used as bargaining chips as the conflict widens. In remarks broadcast on NewsNation, President Trump suggested the retaliation would soon be clarified and indicated that US boots on the ground would not be needed, underscoring the ongoing exchange of warnings and responses in this rapidly developing situation.In US Military Role, the posture is framed as precise and overwhelming in its intent. US forces are described as hitting Iran surgically, overwhelmingly, and unapologetically, with Operation Epic Fury focused on destroying Iranian offensive missiles. Vice President Kamala Harris’s administration allies emphasize substantial capacity to shape Iran’s capabilities, including its nuclear program and missiles, while signaling that the United States retains broad options to deter and respond. At the same time, officials highlight ongoing deterrence and readiness, including more than a dozen US Air Force KC-135R/T Stratotankers that have launched from bases around the United States and are crossing the Atlantic en route to join forces in the Middle East for Epic Fury, with some aircraft pausing in Bangor, Maine for refueling before continuing onward toward Europe.In Regional Impacts, Bahrain has activated air raid sirens as tensions flare in the region, adding to the sense of imminent risk and the strain of daily life under the shadow of potential further strikes and retaliatory actions.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Iraqi Islamic Resistance says it attacked the Erbil hotel housing American troops with a wave of drones, signaling ongoing militant actions against US personnel in the area. In a related development, Hezbollah said it had joined the broader conflict in response to what it described as 15 months of Israeli aggression, underscoring the widening scale of regional involvement by non-state actors amid the intensifying fight.In US Policy Concerning Israel, the United States is urging citizens to depart immediately from more than a dozen Middle Eastern countries, including Israel, due to safety risks. The State Department’s travel advisories were updated to advise against travel to Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, the West Bank and Gaza, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen, and the department has activated an inter-agency emergency task force to coordinate the US response as cross-border hostilities escalate following strikes against Iran and its senior leaders.In Israeli Domestic Politics, a Fox News interview with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to air, in which he contends that action against Iran’s missile program and nuclear ambitions was necessary to prevent a future threat to Israel and to the United States, arguing that delaying action could allow Iran to solidify capabilities that could threaten American security.In Uplifting News, Israel’s national basketball team defeated Cyprus 83-54 to advance to the second stage of World Cup qualifying, moving to 2-2 and into third place in Group E. Earlier, Israel had swept the Cyprus pair with a 94-54 win, improving the team’s momentum. Off the court, Israelis marked Purim in a Tel Aviv underground setting, with air raid sirens sounding as residents gathered four floors underground in a mall parking level, costumes in place and a sense of resilience shaping the national mood 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. 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