Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-03-11 at 02:02

HEADLINESIsrael's Lion Mission Tests AircrewsKhatami Air Base Destroyed Dozens JetsDrone Strike Hits US Facility Near BaghdadThe time is now 2:02 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Operation Lion's Roar, the Israeli Air Force continues its historic mission as a senior officer, speaking in a Walla interview, says air crews are deeply committed and resilient under heavy workloads and constant air sorties. He describes fierce competition among pilots for cockpit seats and says they are eager to fly more because of pride in taking part in this historic effort. He also says he believes the war could affect Israel's security for years to come. Separately, the Israeli military says it killed members of a drone-launch cell in Iran moments before it could launch drones at Israel; sirens and interceptions were reported nationwide, and Iran's regime is described as chaotic in night reports. Satellite imagery from Vantor confirms an "aircraft massacre" at Khatami Air Base, located northeast of Isfahan, following strikes by the Israeli Air Force this past week. The images show roughly a dozen Iran Air Force aircraft destroyed, including several F-14 Tomcats and other fighters, along with hardened shelters penetrated and destroyed using bunker busters by Israel and/or the United States.In Regional Impacts, alarms have been activated in several communities along the northern border after the intrusion of an unmanned aircraft, with additional sirens and intercepts reported across the country as security measures remain in place.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Hezbollah’s renewed attacks on Israel have displaced hundreds of thousands in Lebanon and have drawn rare public criticism of the Iran-backed group among Shiite communities still recovering from the last war. Separately, a drone strike hit a major US diplomatic facility near Baghdad airport, with six drones launched and one hitting the facility; five were shot down. The strike appears to have been carried out by the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group of Iran-backed militias, according to reports cited by the Washington Post; there were no immediate reports of injuries, and officials did not immediately comment.In US Policy Concerning Israel, observers consider what Moghtaba Khminai’s appointment means for US policy on Iran and the region, with questions about how it could shape Washington’s approach to Israel. Another development notes concerns in Israel about a potential early end to hostilities, with discussions about how such an outcome might affect strategic objectives and US involvement in the conflict.In Israeli Domestic Politics, security briefings warn that civilians should not stop in tunnels or under bridges during sirens, to avoid becoming trapped in danger zones. In a separate case, prosecutors handling the Aiges family case say the army attempted to present a false narrative that the child died by suicide, prompting calls for accountability and scrutiny of official statements.In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, an editorial argues that New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s decision to host Mahmoud Khalil for an iftar at Gracie Mansion signals a troubling tilt toward anti-Israel activism entering city politics and risks alienating the Jewish community.In Israeli Economy and Business, an analyst argues that Israel is counting on a surprising factor to pressure the Iranian regime economically, a line of thinking that could influence Tehran’s broader strategic calculations.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/article-889547https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1294743https://t.me/DefenderDome/19026https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1294744https://www.ynetnews.com/article/b1kctoctzlhttps://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-889544https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1294737https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1294736https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1294748https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1294738https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-889532https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1294735