Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-03-04 at 05:03

HEADLINESIsrael shoots down Iranian Yak-130 in dogfightThousands of Gulf flights canceled by strikesAramco site hit Ras Tanura threat growsThe time is now 5:03 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, Israeli F-35I downed an Iranian YAK-130 in the war’s first fighter-jet dogfight, announced by the IDF at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday. The Russian-made YAK-130 is used mainly as an advanced trainer but can also operate as an attack aircraft; it followed a Sunday afternoon strike that destroyed Iranian fighter jets moments before they could take off, with two jets on the runway, an F-4 and an F-5. The YAK-130 is considered more capable than some Iranian aircraft, and the engagement highlights the contested air space around Iran and the challenge to stand‑in operations and drones. Israel and the United States have asserted air supremacy in the Tehran area, enabling prolonged surveillance over potential targets. In related developments, two unmanned aerial vehicles breached near the front line and were met with scrambled fighter jets. Red alert sirens sounded in northern Israel due to an attack drone in the area, and observers said the interception of the Iranian jet could be seen in the skies. Separately, video circulated showing a Basij base in West Tehran at the intersection of Marzdaran Boulevard and Yadegar Highway destroyed, with routes around the site closed.In US Military Role, more than 20,000 flights have been canceled across the Gulf as the US‑Israel strikes against Iran continue to disrupt air travel. Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi hubs have been closed or severely restricted for a fourth day, leaving tens of thousands of travelers stranded. Flightradar24 data show about 21,300 flights canceled at seven major airports since the strikes began. Emirates, flydubai and Etihad are operating a limited number of repatriation and essential flights as governments move to bring travelers home and manage the disruption to long‑haul routes between Europe and Asia.In Regional Impacts, air defense systems shot down incoming threats successfully. Ras Tanura, Saudi Arabia’s main oil export hub, has been targeted again in this escalating war, raising concerns about energy infrastructure in the region. Saudi authorities also indicated the Ras Tanura attack was carried out by a drone and caused no damage. Separately, reports from Saudi Arabia point to Iranian strikes on an Aramco site, underscoring the vulnerability of key energy facilities and the potential impact on supply chains.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, a senior Israeli official warned that the IDF must prepare for a possible Houthi attack, saying the group has rebuilt its ballistic missile and UAV capabilities with Iran’s help that could reach Israel. In Lebanon, about 300,000 Lebanese Shi’ites evacuated from at least 50 villages in the south as the IDF pummels Hezbollah with more than 250 strikes since Monday, and Israel says Hezbollah will be substantially harmed by losing access to Iranian funds. In Beirut, supporters of Hezbollah reportedly displayed Nasrallah’s image in a Sunni district and were met with street confrontations.In US Policy Concerning Israel, CNN reports that the CIA is active in arming Kurdish rebel groups in western Iran to “drive” a broader uprising against Iranian security forces, with Israeli‑American support, according to the network’s account.In Israeli Domestic Politics, the Attorney General has told the High Court that an absolute order must be issued directing Prime Minister Netanyahu to dismiss National Security Minister Itamar Ben‑Gvir for abusing his authority. Ben‑Gvir denounced the move as an attempted political coup during wartime, framing it as an attack on the government. A separate Hebrew headline references aviation news about a plane associated with Nicole Raidman during the attack and notes rumors about Sara Netanyahu being investigated.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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