Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-03-04 at 03:02

HEADLINESIntelligence fuels Israel US Tehran strikesMarkets reel as Epic Fury escalatesBeersheba evacuees shelter as relief center opensThe time is now 3:02 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Operation Lion's Roar, a late-night report describes a phone call between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump in which new intelligence was shared that helped accelerate a joint decision to strike Iran. The Israeli military later announced the opening of a broad wave of airstrikes targeting Tehran’s infrastructure as part of the operation. The reporting also mentions regional escalation tied to the confrontation, including heightened activity and cross-border exchanges involving allied groups.In US Military Role, CENTCOM officials provided an update on Operation Epic Fury in Iran, confirming continued engagement as part of the broader campaign. Separately, the United States said its assault on Iran is proceeding ahead of schedule, with Tehran appearing evacuated in parts of the country as strikes continue on launch sites, aerial defenses, and infrastructure. The Israeli side reported air raid sirens and intercepts after early strikes. Global markets were rattled by the conflict, with tens of thousands of flight cancellations and governments moving to repatriate travelers. Admiral Brad Cooper, who leads Central Command, said the initial 24 hours of bombardment were nearly double the scale of the Iraq War’s Shock and Awe campaign, and officials emphasized that Iran’s ability to hit the US and partners is declining while allied combat power grows.In Regional Impacts, Beersheba’s response to a missile strike has moved into relief operations, with a first aid center sheltering 1,083 evacuees, including 577 families. About 365 evacuees have been relocated to the Leonardo Hotel, while others have found shelter with family or in alternative housing. The mayor established the Lavi authority to coordinate care for those displaced by the strike and other blast damage, led by Dudi Lipshitz, with a focus on those affected by missiles and heavy blast forces.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, military sources in Sana'a told Al-Akhbar that the Houthis are closely monitoring regional developments and link their possible entry into the confrontation between Iran, the US, and Israel to the evolving course of events. They caution that the Houthis view Iran’s stance as stronger than ever, but suggest they could join the regional conflict if subjected to severe aggression by the US or Israel. Meanwhile, Israeli forces continued operations in Beirut’s Dahyia district, hitting another building as part of ongoing strikes. Across the region, Syria has reinforced thousands of troops and rocket units along the Syria-Lebanon border, described by Damascus as a defensive move to prevent smuggling and infiltrations, though observers worry the buildup could serve as a prelude to a broader invasion.In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, Candace Owens posted new conspiracy claims accusing Israel of orchestrating “false flags” and invoking Mossad in sweeping allegations tied to the Israel-US-Iran dynamic. Her posts largely avoided explicit references to Jews, but relied on antisemitic conspiratorial tropes by portraying Israel as controlling global events and using covert operations to provoke conflicts, with references to the Lavon Affair as part of the narrative.In Israeli Economy and Business, the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange bucked global trends, with shares in defense, energy, and financial sectors rising as traders weighed Israel’s position amid the war. The shekel strengthened about 1.5% against the dollar, reflecting investor optimism about the potential stabilization from a pro-Israel, pro-stability stance in the near term. Independent commentary described a wave of euphoria among investors, while market observers noted the broader geopolitical risk and shifting pricing. Another assessment highlighted that since the war began in October 2023, the Tel Aviv 125 index has surged, outpacing major benchmarks and attracting attention as a preferred market relative to some peers.In Uplifting News, an Iranian girl is pictured expressing love for President Trump, described in a light, affectionate moment captured and shared in coverage.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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