Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-03-03 at 00:01

HEADLINESNetanyahu Calls Iran Unreformable, Fanatical ThreatUS Epic Fury Destroys IRGC BasesHezbollah Rockets Hit Golan, Drones StrikeThe time is now 12:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu characterized Iran's leadership as unreformable and “totally fanatical about destroying America” during a Fox News interview, saying that ongoing joint United States–Israel strikes against the regime are necessary because Tehran is seeking to rebuild nuclear and ballistic-missile capabilities after earlier strikes damaged its facilities. He argued the Iranian terror regime is at the weakest point it's ever been and that military actions against Iran are expected to be quick and decisive, with the aim of creating conditions for the Iranian people to change their government. He also thanked President Donald Trump for his participation in the joint strikes, saying there has never been a president like Donald J. Trump. This is a developing story. Netanyahu later said the war against Iran may take some time but will not take years, telling Fox News that while the US and Israeli air war against Iran began with attacks on Tehran on Saturday, killing Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in the account of the event, and prompting Iranian retaliation against Israel and missile attacks at Arab nations with US bases across the region, the conflict should not become an endless one; it could be quick and decisive and may take some time, but not years, and it could present an opportunity for lasting peace.In US Military Role, US Central Command says that since the start of offensive operations on Saturday, US forces have destroyed Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps command-and-control facilities, Iranian air defense capabilities, missile and drone launch sites, and military airfields, under Operation Epic Fury. The Air Force has conducted a wide wave of attacks in Iraq as part of the broader campaign.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Hezbollah fired about 15 rockets from Lebanon toward the Golan Heights, and the Israeli Air Force intercepted at least two drones launched toward the western Galilee. Hezbollah later claimed responsibility for tonight’s drone strikes, saying the objective was to hit the base at Ramat David.In US Policy Concerning Israel, the United States is reportedly considering relocating certain air defense systems and military assets from South Korea to the Middle East amid the ongoing conflict with Iran. Assets under review include Patriot missile batteries, THAAD systems, and surveillance platforms such as MQ-9 Reaper drones stationed with US Forces Korea at Kunsan Air Base. Sources say the THAAD battery in Seongju and its interceptors could potentially be redeployed to bolster regional defenses in the Middle East.In Israeli Domestic Politics, editors note that Israel’s defense and societal resilience are shaping responses to the long-running war with Iran, with the defense establishment described as disciplined, precise, and capable of coordinating across intelligence, air defense, and diplomacy to contain escalation and deter Tehran’s regional proxies. Separately, officials say Netanyahu may call early elections after Iran war as a strategic move to shift attention from domestic issues, including debates over exemptions from military service for ultra-Orthodox men. In Jerusalem’s Katamon neighborhood, residents described staying calm as rockets flew, with public spaces remaining open and a sense of steadiness persisting despite sirens; one observer noted the community’s resolve and a local clown scene offering a moment of levity amid security alerts.In Uplifting News, US Medal of Honor recipient Master Sergeant Roderick W. Edmonds, who protected Jewish comrades in a Nazi prisoner-of-war camp in 1945, was honored posthumously by the President, one of three individuals awarded the nation’s highest military decoration. Edmonds directed 1,200 American troops to assemble for roll call rather than allow segregation, confronting a Nazi commandant who threatened punishment for refusing to segregate Jewish-American prisoners.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/middle-east/article-888597https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/03/netanyahu-says-war-against-iran-may-take-some-time-not-yearshttps://t.me/DefenderDome/18634https://t.me/hnaftali/21817https://www.ynetnews.com/article/sjaiuyvk11ghttps://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1291290https://t.me/JewishNews24/50496https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-888586https://www.ynetnews.com/article/bjlua07y11ghttps://www.timesofisrael.com/in-jerusalems-katamon-neighborhood-levelheadedness-and-levity-prevail-as-rockets-fly/https://www.timesofisrael.com/wwii-vet-who-shielded-jews-at-nazi-pow-camp-at-gunpoint-gets-medal-of-honor/