Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-03-16 at 12:03

HEADLINESTen cluster munition sites rocked central IsraelCENTCOM pounds Iranian targets, thousands struckLiquid fuel missiles raise chemical riskThe time is now 12:02 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, officials report ten impact sites across central Israel from shrapnel and cluster munitions. The morning of day 17 of the war began with these impacts and has drawn public attention to how air defense systems handle cluster munitions. Cluster munitions are warheads that carry dozens of small submunitions which disperse over a wide area when the warhead opens. Each submunition typically weighs about one to a little more than a kilogram and is designed to strike multiple targets. Some submunitions explode before ground impact, others on impact, and some act as mines. The practical advantage of such weapons is the spread of damage over a broad area, but interception does not always prevent fragmentation, leaving residual risk and ongoing questions about protection and response.In Iranian Retaliation, the health system is bracing for possible chemical exposure from liquid-fuel missile propellants used in some missiles launched toward Israel. A document prepared by Magen David Adom warned emergency teams that missiles fired during Operation Roaring Lion may be powered by liquid propellant, which can pose health risks if leaked in the field. Propulsion systems use fuel and oxidizers, with hydrazine-based fuels singled out as highly volatile and flammable; exposure can irritate eyes and skin and cause respiratory issues. Separately, an Arab report described unusual activity in Iran, alleging defections from the IRGC and Basij to cities such as Isfahan and Tabriz, and noting alarms and security concerns, including reports of shrapnel near the Knesset and police inquiries into other incidents. The report reflects claims of internal disruption and heightened tensions as the conflict continues.In US Military Role, CENTCOM footage shows strikes against Iranian surface-to-air missile launchers and other military assets, with CENTCOM stating that thousands of Iranian targets have been struck by US forces to neutralize threats posed by the Iranian regime now and into the future.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Lebanon has ordered official media to stop referring to Hezbollah as “resistance” and to use the group’s name instead. A circular from the information ministry instructed media outlets to remove terms like “resistance” or “Islamic Resistance” from statements issued by Hezbollah itself through the National News Agency. The move follows a cabinet decision to centralize authority over decisions of war and peace, reflecting a shift in how Hezbollah is described and signaling a separation between Hezbollah’s political and military wings within official communications.In US Policy Concerning Israel, the United States designated the Sudanese Muslim Brotherhood as a global terrorist organization, with the designation taking effect on Monday. The State Department described the group as using unrestrained violence against civilians to undermine efforts to resolve conflict in Sudan and advance its violent Islamist ideology, noting that its fighters receive training and support from Iran’s IRGC. The designation aims to deprive Islamist networks of resources and to address broader concerns about Iranian influence, including through the Brotherhood’s overseas reach, as highlighted by the secretary of state’s statement.In Israeli Domestic Politics, a new poll shows Israelis’ trust in the IDF command at a near record high, with about 80% expressing trust, while only 54% express trust in the government. Despite political divides, about three-quarters believe the strikes on Iran were the right move, and 65% think the war will improve the regional situation over time. The survey also finds a broad sentiment of confidence in US leadership on Israel–US relations, with 75% expressing trust in President Trump on those ties; opinions on honoring Trump with the Israel Prize are mixed, with 47% in favor and 26% opposed. Separately, Israel deported a Jewish-American young adult involved in solidarity efforts for Palestinians in the West Bank to Egypt, citing wartime travel disruptions, following an incident in Umm Al-Khair where a 5-year-old Palestinian child was struck by a settler’s vehicle; the deportation adds to discussions about security and civil liberties during the conflict.In Uplifting News, the Beit Shemesh community witnessed a powerful display of unity after a missile strike destroyed the Peretz family’s home. The mother, inside the house at the time, survived, timing this moment with the anniversary of the family’s father’s death. Volunteers from diverse backgrounds—kibbutz members, hilltop youth, chareidi volunteers, and Beit Shemesh teenagers—joined in rescue and recovery efforts, turning tragedy into a testament to communal support and resilience.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-890148https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-890142https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1297142https://t.me/DefenderDome/19280https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-890129https://www.jpost.com/international/article-890144https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-890139https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/crime-in-israel/article-890143https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-890137https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-890141