Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-03-09 at 14:02

HEADLINESIsrael strikes Iran in risky regional pushAccords deepen Middle East ties with IsraelAirspace closures trigger world travel chaosThe time is now 2:02 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Operation Lion's Roar, a senior Israel Air Force officer described the opening strikes into Iran as extremely risky, noting the planes entered with air defenses only partially reestablished. He said he led the air contingent and that the pilots took significant risk because they aimed to strike a surface-to-surface missile squadron that could threaten Israel and its citizens. He added that the IDF is preparing for a long conflict beyond Iran, across regional threats, and that the force remains determined with clear goals. He warned that, so far, Israeli pilots have not faced major surprises about Iranian capabilities and most operations have proceeded as planned, though the threat of unexpected moves from the Iranian regime and the IRGC remains. Simultaneously, the Israeli Air Force is striking in Tehran and Beirut, reflecting a broader set of operations across the region. In a separate development, a second Iranian Shahid Soleimani-class corvette is on fire after an attack near Bandar Abbas port.In Regional Impacts, Israeli relations with Middle Eastern countries appear to be strengthening as the war with Iran continues. The Jerusalem Post reports that several Abraham Accords countries are increasing direct military exchanges with Israel, and even those not yet part of the accords are sometimes coordinating with Israel through CENTCOM as the conflict affects them. Iran’s wide missile and drone attacks have drawn these nations closer to Israel and the United States in various ways. Morocco, the UAE, and Bahrain are noted as increasing military exchanges with Israel since 2020, with ongoing cooperation shaping regional security dynamics amid the current hostilities.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Human Rights Watch accuses the IDF of unlawful use of white phosphorus in a village in southern Lebanon, saying the use would contravene international law. HRW verified eight images showing airburst white phosphorus munitions over a residential area, but could not confirm whether people were present or wounded. Israel is not a signatory to the Convention on the Prohibition of Use of Certain Conventional Weapons that bans white phosphorus and has used it in the past in what it describes as lawful operations, including to create smoke screens during deployments. Separately, a spokesperson for the IDF in Arabic warned residents of southern Lebanon to evacuate from red-marked buildings within 300 meters to stay out of harm’s way as operations target Hezbollah infrastructure, stating that there will be no second warning. Analysts at ACLED suggest the Houthis are avoiding joining high-precision, intelligence-driven strikes against Israel that could further dismantle their remaining command structure.In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, Canada could face its own Bondi Beach scenario, Haskel warns following Toronto synagogue shootings. Israel’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Sharren Haskel, described the crisis in an emergency online briefing for dozens of Canadian opinion leaders, journalists, and politicians. She emphasized the surge of antisemitism in North America and the influence of Iranian agents seeking to inflame fear, noting that diaspora communities are targeted and that a network of “truth ambassadors” is being built to push back against perceptions that Iranian extremism is a local problem. Participants included a broad range of groups and communities, reflecting an active effort to mobilize support and information in Canada amid Israel’s war, Operation Roaring Lion.In Israeli Economy and Business, the US-Israeli war on Iran is sending shock waves through global markets. Energy prices are climbing, supplies of key raw materials are tight, and critical trade routes are disrupted as airspace in the region closes. Dubai and Doha airports, among the world’s busiest transit hubs, have faced severe disruption, leaving tens of thousands of passengers stranded and forcing airlines to cancel about 40,000 flights—the largest disruption since the COVID-19 era. Governments are scrambling to repatriate citizens, while airports gradually resume operations at limited capacity. Private jets are being used as alternative departures for some travelers, and others undertake long drives across the desert to reach alternate hubs. Goods—from fresh produce to airplane parts—are in limbo as freight capacities shrink and freight rates rise, with the regional airspace shutdown reverberating through airline networks and weighing on travel industry shares.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-889381https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/71845https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/71843https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-889389https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-889388https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1294164https://worldisraelnews.com/why-are-houtis-not-joining-in-attack-on-israel-like-hezbollah-analysis/https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-889387https://www.jpost.com/international/article-889394