Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-03-11 at 00:01

HEADLINESBeit Shemesh casualties rise amid Israel-Iran strikesLion's Roar pilots race for cockpit seatsIraq drone strike underscores Iran proxy reachThe time is now 12:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Operation Lion's Roar, a senior Israeli Air Force officer reflects on the mission in a Walla interview, describing intense competition among pilots for cockpit seats and a strong eagerness to fly more as part of this historic effort. He emphasizes the crews’ commitment and resilience amid a heavy workload and constant air sorties, noting that they understand the significance of their work inside the cockpit. The officer also points to the operation’s potential to shape Israel’s security for years to come and speaks of cooperation with allied forces as part of the broader effort.In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, evacuees from Beit Shemesh seek shelter in Jerusalem after a missile strike damaged their home, with nine people killed and about 65 injured on the second day of the joint US-Israel strike on Iran. About 300 evacuees are staying at the Leonardo Plaza Hotel in Jerusalem, many likely to remain until their homes are rebuilt. One resident recalled the damage, describing a ceiling collapse on her daughter and herself, shattered windows, and the family’s displacement to relatives before the hotel shelter. At the same time, Iran launched a new round of strikes and Israel said it detected missiles heading toward the country, activating air defences after a three-hour attack targeting Tel Aviv, Haifa, and West Jerusalem, an assault Iranian state media characterized as among the most intense since the war began. Saudi Arabia said it intercepted missiles and drones, and the United States said it destroyed 16 Iranian mine-laying vessels near the Strait of Hormuz. Overnight, red alert sirens sounded in central Israel as missiles continued to be fired, and authorities updated guidance that some protected spaces could be vacated as the security situation evolves.In Iranian Retaliation, Iranians who celebrated Khamenei’s assassination say they now regret the war after attacks on oil facilities, arguing the conflict is making people poorer. Shirin from Tehran recalls celebrating with drinking and dancing, but now says this is not what they wanted. Another Iranian notes that innocents are dying and characterizes the war as terrible.In US Military Role, the US Navy has refused near-daily requests from oil and shipping industries for military escorts through the Strait of Hormuz since the start of Operation Epic Fury, citing the risk of attacks as too high for now. Separately, F/A-18E/F Super Hornets assigned to Carrier Air Wing Eight carried out daytime flight operations aboard the USS Gerald R. Ford in the Northern Red Sea in support of Operation Epic Fury on March 7, 2026.In Regional Impacts, a new survey by the Israeli Student Union finds that more than four-fifths of Israeli students are struggling to study amid the war with Iran. The poll of 1,220 respondents, including 240 reserve soldiers, shows 82% cannot focus on studies, 64% have difficulty concentrating, 61% feel fatigued, 55% report anxiety and stress, 35% lack quiet, comfortable study spaces, and 59% cannot attend scheduled exams, signaling major disruptions to the academic year and broader student well‑being.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, a drone strike hits a major US diplomatic facility in Iraq near the Baghdad airport, with those at the Baghdad Diplomatic Support Center ordered to duck and cover. The attack is attributed to the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group of Iran-backed factions, underscoring the broader regional dimension of the crisis.In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, an editorial argues that New York City Mayor Mamdani’s invitation to anti-Israel activist Mahmoud Khalil for an iftar at Gracie Mansion signals a troubling shift, raising concerns about anti-Israel activism entering City Hall and potentially alienating the Jewish community. Khalil has been a prominent figure in anti-Israel protests on American campuses following the October 7 Hamas attacks, and the piece criticizes how such activism intersects with governance and community dynamics.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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