Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-03-09 at 10:05

HEADLINES- IDF Iran launchers reduced 75% public supports- Iranian missile inscription fragment lands near farm- Hegseth rising star in Israeli Iran coverageThe time is now 10:04 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Operation Lion's Roar, the IDF says Iran can continue firing for an extended period even after a 75% reduction in ballistic-missile launchers, a figure the military says marks progress from 65% two days earlier. On Saturday night, officials reassured Israelis that while sirens spiked and millions sought safety in shelters, the IDF had destroyed about three-quarters of Iran’s missile launchers and that missiles fired fell to roughly 10–14 on that day, from about 100 on the war’s first day and 20–25 in recent days. The military cautioned that early gains in reducing fire may not translate into an immediate, lasting lull, noting that there were significant hits in Israel on Sunday and Monday and that the overall rate of launches has not fallen dramatically in the past several days. Israelis also show strong support for the campaign, with a public opinion survey indicating broad backing across political lines and high trust in the security establishment. More than 80% express strong trust in the IDF, and over 85% in the Air Force and Home Front Command; about 63% say the campaign should continue until the Iranian regime falls, though only a small share believe that outcome is likely, and public sentiment on Iran’s nuclear program mirrors that cautious outlook.In Iranian Retaliation, a large fragment of an Iranian missile bearing inscriptions commemorating “martyrs” and a verse from the Quran landed near children herding sheep at a farm in the Binyamin region, with no injuries reported. The debris fell near a boy in the pasture, and authorities described the incident after videos and photos circulated showing the inscriptions. Local officials noted the fragment landed as sirens wailed, and one farmer was tending his flock nearby when the piece struck the ground. Yisrael Ganz, who visited the scene, said the missile bore names linked to the regime’s martyrs, and described the inscription as part of a broader pattern seen in debris from recent barrages.In US Military Role, Pete Hegseth has become a prominent figure in Israeli coverage of the war, after moving from relative obscurity to daily attention in Hebrew-language media and social platforms. His Pentagon briefings delivered tough talk on Iran, praise for Israel, and a camera-ready persona that Israeli outlets amplified. Reports say he spoke of “historic” results and warned the conflict would not become an “endless war.” There was also a reported phone call with Defense Minister Israel Katz in which Katz’s office said Hegseth urged Israel to press on “until the end” and added, “We are with you.”In Regional Impacts, the Tourism Ministry announced that people wanting to leave Israel can book flights with Israeli airlines to various destinations as part of a new aviation framework. Airlines operating in the country—El Al, Israir, Arkia, and Haifa Air—shoulders bookings through official airline sites or authorized travel agents, with a dedicated assistance system for tourists and foreign nationals facing urgent or exceptional circumstances. The ministry stressed that submitting a form for emergency assistance does not guarantee a flight and that this option is intended for those unable to secure a seat through regular channels. Separately, two fires in bomb shelters in central Israel—first in Petah Tikva and then in Yavne—sent 17 people to hospitals with smoke inhalation injuries. About 16 families were evacuated to a nearby school for initial aid. Firefighters extinguished the fires, searched for trapped residents, and ventilated the stairwells; no one was found to be trapped, and a fire investigator was called to examine the incidents.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, St.-Sergeant Or Demry, 20, of Liman and a member of the Combat Engineering Corps in the 91st Division, was killed in Lebanon on Sunday as part of forward defensive operations intended to keep fighting away from northern Israeli residents. In the incident, a deputy company commander and a Puma vehicle were involved in an extrication with a D9 bulldozer; the vehicle was struck by Hezbollah anti-tank fire or a mortar, killing Demry and another soldier previously named M.-Sergeant Maher Khatar, 38, from Majdal Shams. The IDF emphasized the soldiers’ role in defense near the border. Separately, experts discuss the legal framework for Israel’s Iran campaign, arguing that it represents a lawful preemptive response. The interview with Dr. Shuki Friedman notes that the Caroline Test provides a basis for striking when necessity is instant and overwhelming, framing the campaign as a pre-emptive intervention against an ongoing mobilized threat rather than an unprovoked escalation, with emphasis on legal limits and oversight.In Israeli Domestic Politics, Israel urged Australia to grant asylum to Iranian women’s soccer players who refused to sing the national anthem during their match in Australia. Science Minister Gila Gamliel wrote to the Australian ambassador, citing appeals from the players who left their team hotel after facing accusations from hardliners at home. Officials said the players fear persecution and harm if forced to return to Iran and sought safety, freedom, and the chance to live without threat. The case highlights broader concerns about dissent and personal security for athletes connected to the regime.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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