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

HEADLINESF-35I Downs Iranian Yak-130 Over TehranIDF Tanks Near Kfar Shuba Hezbollah FiresBeersheba Strike Displaces 1,083 Evacuees Lavi FormedThe time is now 4:02 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, the Israeli Air Force confirmed the downing of a Russian-made Iranian YAK-130 over Tehran in the first dogfight of the war, with an F-35I identified as the fighter that shot down the jet. The strike comes as Israel and the United States maintain air superiority around the Iranian capital, enabling stand-in attacks that can persist for extended periods. The YAK-130, built in the 1990s and used primarily as an advanced trainer but capable of attack roles, is considered more capable than some of Iran’s aging fighters, complicating the battlefield for drones and close-range operations. The IDF noted the downing occurred as Israel pressed a tenth wave of strikes on Tehran after earlier Sunday air action that targeted Iranian jets on the runway. The broader picture remains that air supremacy in the Tehran area is enabling extended stand-in operations.In Regional Impacts, the Sri Lankan navy rescued at least 30 people from a sinking Iranian ship near Sri Lankan waters after a distress call, with a defense ministry spokesperson saying Sri Lanka will take appropriate action and injured were admitted to a hospital in Galle. Separately, a missile strike in Beersheba damaged a cluster of residential buildings, with a first aid center reporting shelter for 1,083 evacuees, including 577 families; 365 evacuees relocated to the Leonardo Hotel and others sought shelter with relatives or in alternative housing as local authorities organized relief through a new coordinating body named the “Lavi” authority led by Dudi Lipshitz. The authority is tasked with coordinating care for those displaced by missiles linked to Iran. In another development, reports circulated of footage showing a British warplane shooting down an Iranian drone over Jordan.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Lebanese sources reported IDF tanks advancing toward the area of Kfar Shuba in southern Lebanon. In Lebanon, the owner of Al Sharq Sweets posted on social media after Hezbollah rockets were fired at Israel, stating that those who launched the rockets are not Lebanese, a move followed by vandalism against the shop and the owner issuing an apology. A video circulated showing a building in Dahieh, Beirut, being destroyed in airstrikes. Observers discuss a theory that Hezbollah’s military wing may have broken away from its political leadership; coordinator Ali Khalifa discusses this in a detailed video. The Northern Command commander, Major General Rafi Milo, told several northern municipal leaders that Hezbollah made a grave mistake by joining the campaign and that the military will strike the organization with force throughout Lebanon, including Beirut, Tyre, and Sidon. The IDF’s Arabic-language spokesperson also announced a fifth evacuation warning for a building in Dahieh, with three of five warnings already implemented and two awaiting air force action.In Israeli Domestic Politics, television ratings reflected intense public attention: about 15 hours after a dramatic event, Channel 12 led across all time slots, with Channel 14 closing the gap and, in the late-night edition, overtaking Channel 13. Yonit Levi delivered a pointed message to Magi Tavibi of Channel 12 amid the coverage that captivated audiences.In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, Candace Owens sparked controversy with new claims accusing Israel of orchestrating “false flags” and invoking Mossad in sweeping allegations, using coded antisemitic rhetoric while avoiding explicit references to Jews. Her posts frame Israel as manipulating global events and shaping narratives, drawing on a historical reference to the Lavon Affair in an argument about covert Israeli influence within US conservative circles as Israel and the US conduct actions connected to Iran.In Israeli Economy and Business, Bank Leumi announced an unprecedented dividend of about 6 billion shekels for 2025 after meeting strategic goals, including a projected net profit of 10.3 billion shekels and a double-digit return on equity at 15.8%. The bank reported robust credit growth of 14.1% in 2025, with its corporate lending up roughly 20.5% as infrastructure investments expanded. Asset quality remained strong, with nonperforming loans at 0.4% and credit losses at 0.09% for 2025.In Uplifting News, supporters and enthusiasts highlight the F-35 as a formidable aircraft, sharing striking images and praising its performance as part of the ongoing developments in air power.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/israel-news/defense-news/article-888768https://t.me/ILtoday/17427https://www.ynetnews.com/article/rkhvj00bkzehttps://t.me/newssil/194058https://t.me/abualiexpress/116386https://www.jpost.com/international/article-888754https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-888750https://t.me/hnaftali/21887https://t.me/abualiexpress/116389https://t.me/selena_updates/56953https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1291808https://t.me/selena_updates/56952https://t.me/selena_updates/56951https://t.me/abualiexpress/116387https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1291807https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-888749https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1291801https://t.me/hnaftali/21886