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

HEADLINES- Israel strikes secret Iranian nuclear scientists base- Gulf rattled as missiles and drones strike- Israel vows to crush Shiite axisThe time is now 2:02 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Operation Lion's Roar, the Israeli Air Force says it struck the secret Min-Zadai compound in Northern Iran, where a group of nuclear scientists operated to develop a key component in the nuclear weapons system. Military intelligence tracked the scientists' activity and located their new base at the site, enabling a precise strike on the facility near Tehran.In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, an opinion piece argues that Iran can terrorize but cannot win a modern war against Israel's technological edge, citing gaps in doctrine, discipline, and depth. Red alert sirens sounded in northern Israel after an attack drone was reported in the area. Reports describe aircraft intrusions in the north. Alerts in the north followed a drone incursion, with authorities noting property damage in Ramat Gan and Bnei Brak and drones falling in the north. A Royal Air Force F-35B Lightning II reportedly shot down an Iranian one-way attack drone over Jordan during defensive operations, marking the first operational air-to-air kill by a British F-35, according to the U.K. Ministry of Defense.In US Military Role, CENTCOM reports that 1,700 Iranian targets have been struck in 72 hours, with about 900 targets hit in the first 24 hours, 300 more by the 48-hour mark, and 500 additional targets by the 72-hour mark, signaling a pace near doubling over the period.In Regional Impacts, simultaneous explosions were heard across the Gulf as Iranian attacks unfolded, with Reuters witnesses reporting loud bangs in Kuwait, the UAE, and Qatar. Iraqi authorities also downed a drone attempting to target the US consulate in Erbil. In the UAE, authorities said 174 ballistic missiles were detected, 161 destroyed, and 13 fell at sea; about 689 drones were detected, 645 intercepted, and 44 fell within the country’s territory, with eight cruise missiles detected and destroyed. In the UAE, three people were killed and 68 suffered minor injuries, and strikes reached targets such as Dubai International Airport.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant-General Eyal Zamir said Israel will remove the entire Shiite axis threat led by Iran and Hezbollah, describing the conflict as one that now also aims to finish off Hezbollah as a long-standing danger. Separate analysis notes that Hezbollah’s funding relies heavily on narco-trafficking and other criminal activity, with Iran providing much of Hezbollah’s support; authorities estimate illicit crime accounts for a significant portion of Hezbollah’s roughly $1 billion annual budget. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar told about 60 ambassadors that countries should sever ties with Iran, adding that Hezbollah acts in Iran’s interest. The IDF spokesperson in Arabic, Colonel Avichay Adraee, warned Iranian regime representatives in Lebanon to leave the country within 24 hours or face imminent attack, with the IDF stating there will be no safe haven for operatives. Rockets were fired from Lebanon as Israel warned Iranian officials to leave within 24 hours; two launches were intercepted and one hit open ground, with no injuries reported.In US Policy Concerning Israel, President Donald Trump said the US “might have forced Israel’s hand” to strike Iran during a joint appearance with the German chancellor. He argued that US Operation Epic Fury had knocked out Iran’s air force, navy, and air defense, and suggested that without such preemption, casualties would have been higher.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://t.me/DefenderDome/18672https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-888622https://t.me/StandWithUsBreakingNews/7418https://t.me/newssil/194003https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1291572https://t.me/DefenderDome/18671https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-888702https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-888699https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-888708https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-888705https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-888694https://t.me/selena_updates/56881https://www.ynetnews.com/article/rkctpjek11lhttps://www.jpost.com/international/article-888696