Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-03-04 at 00:01

HEADLINESHezbollah escalates strikes in Galilee from LebanonTrump orders Epic Fury strikes on IranIsrael bets on Iran's internal collapseThe time is now 12:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, cross-border fighting persisted as Hezbollah fired from Lebanon into northern Israel, with drones and rockets targeting communities near the Galilee and other strategic sites. Iran was reported to have launched missiles in the morning, adding to the headlines from the region. Analysts describe the crisis as unfolding not only through military moves but through eroding trust, weak institutions, and a deep uncertainty about what comes next. Sarit Zehavi, founder and president of the Alma Center, said Hezbollah escalated the conflict, expanding its reach from the border into deeper Israeli territory, including near border communities and key sites. The broader balance remains volatile, with observers noting ongoing interception of projectiles and heightened security readiness on both sides, while an unusual Lebanese Army response has added another layer to the tension along the frontier.In US Policy Concerning Israel, senior United States officials say President Donald Trump ordered strikes on Iran after Tehran demonstrated during three rounds of nuclear talks that it was not serious about relinquishing the capacity to produce a weapon, while seeking political concessions. The officials described Operation Epic Fury as the decision that followed the rounds of talks, as Democrats and some MAGA Republicans criticized the urgency and timing. They also cited Iran's efforts to move additional nuclear facilities underground, this time without air shafts, a development that would complicate efforts to identify Tehran's main sites.In Israeli Domestic Politics, the article frames the campaign as not seeking a swift battlefield victory but the moment when the enemy collapses from within. As the war enters its fifth day, the Israeli Air Force is said to be striking missile launchers and the governing structures in Iran, while the Israeli Defense Forces operate in Lebanon to weaken Hezbollah and to manage the security tensions in the region.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.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1291716https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-888737https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1291712https://www.timesofisrael.com/us-officials-say-diplomatic-path-was-at-dead-end-when-trump-approved-iran-strikes/https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1291711