Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-03-04 at 13:03

HEADLINESIsrael destroys Iranian ballistic missile before launchUS launches first combat precision strike missionIsrael widens Hezbollah strikes in LebanonThe time is now 1:02 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, new footage shows Israeli pilots and fighter jets moving toward potential targets in Iran, with footage circulating of crews en route. Reports describe violent explosions in Tehran and a strike on a large Iranian military compound in eastern Tehran, hitting command centers that include the IRGC headquarters, the Intelligence Directorate, the Basij, the Quds Force, the Internal Security forces headquarters, the Cyber Warfare Directorate, and the unit responsible for suppressing protests. Separately, an Israeli F-35 is reported to have destroyed an Iranian ballistic missile as it was preparing to launch earlier today.In Iranian Retaliation, a report in Hebrew indicates that Israel and the United States have agreed on a division of labor, with promises to destroy launchers while other aspects of the conflict are handled by others. The piece cites evacuations and housing losses in Israel’s south, including 1,083 people evacuated and 198 apartments deemed unfit, and notes significant damage in Beersheba from a missile strike, with broad online attention to the developments.In US Military Role, the US military conducted a long-range Precision Strike Missile strike in combat for the first time as part of Operation Epic Fury, marking a new deep-strike capability. CENTCOM says more than 20 Iranian warships have been struck or sunk since the operation began, including a Soleimani-class vessel. Officials released footage showing efforts to locate and target Iranian launchers as the operation progresses.In Regional Impacts, flight activity gradually resumes as Israeli airspace reopens, with Israir planning five flights to Ben Gurion on Thursday from Rome, Berlin, Athens, Batumi, and Rovaniemi/Lapland; initial limits allow one landing per hour, with a planned increase to two per hour in a later phase, while Arkia also plans flights. The resumption comes after days of disruption that left thousands stranded abroad. Separately, alarms were heard on the northern border due to reports of an attack drone in the area, prompting security alerts. Iraqi reports circulated about foreign troops arriving in Iraq on six helicopters near the An-Nah'hib desert area between Najaf and Karbala, with claims of a detained individual and casualties in a search operation, and French forces reportedly placing radar and equipment in Diyala province near the Iranian border.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Israel widened strikes on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, increasing military deployments along the southern border and intensifying exchanges with Beirut’s surroundings. Lebanese authorities report casualties and displacement as Hezbollah retaliation grows, with strikes targeting command centers and weapons storage sites. Late last night, a targeted attack at the Comfort Hotel in Haazmiya, Baabda, near Beirut, killed the wife of an Iranian official who was present with his Lebanese wife, while Hezbollah imposed a security cordon around the hotel. Today, very powerful Israeli airstrikes hit terrorist infrastructure in Nabatieh and Tyre (Sur) in southern Lebanon as the campaign broadens.In US Policy Concerning Israel, sources cited by CNN indicate Iran signaled a willingness to discuss ending the war, though officials say there are no immediate negotiations forthcoming. The overarching approach attributed to Israel and the United States remains focused on destroying launchers while addressing other aspects of the broader operation.In Israeli Domestic Politics, Netanyahu’s Instagram post drew attention as the prime minister shared a message on the social platform.In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, a global rise in antisemitism is highlighted by an attack on Jewish tourists in Milan, Italy, with officials and communities calling for condemnation and renewed vigilance wherever antisemitism appears.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/hnaftali/21926https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/70972https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/70971https://t.me/JewishNews24/50587https://t.me/ILtoday/17449https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1292050https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-888841https://t.me/hnaftali/21925https://www.jpost.com/business-and-innovation/article-888838https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1292051https://t.me/abualiexpress/116478https://t.me/StandWithUsBreakingNews/7449https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/70964https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-888842https://t.me/selena_updates/57042https://t.me/selena_updates/57033https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1292047https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/70970https://t.me/StandWithUsBreakingNews/7450