Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-03-16 at 13:02

HEADLINESTen cluster munitions hit central IsraelAllies reject Hormuz operation divisions persistIsraelis trust IDF more than governmentThe time is now 1:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, the morning of day 17 of the war against the Iranian regime began with ten impact sites from shrapnel and cluster munitions in central Israel, causing significant damage. The report notes that cluster munitions carry dozens of small submunitions that disperse over a wide area when the warhead opens, and even when air defenses intercept the main warhead, fragmentation can still occur. These weapons are designed to strike multiple targets across a broad zone, with submunitions typically weighing about one to one-and-a-half kilograms each. The use of cluster munitions has raised public questions about air defense capabilities as the conflict continues.In Regional Impacts, the Israeli healthcare system is preparing for potential exposure to chemical substances from missile fuel used in the fighting. A document published by Magen David Adom warned emergency teams that some missiles launched toward Israel may be powered by liquid propellants, which could pose health risks if leaked or encountered in the field. The briefing notes that rocket fuel is hazardous and that propulsion systems may contain dangerous substances, including hydrazine-based fuels, which are highly volatile and flammable and can irritate eyes, skin, and the respiratory system. Since the operation began, hundreds of missiles and drones have been fired, creating numerous impact zones across the country. Separately, authorities investigated a direct hit in Nahariya and examined whether it resulted from an Iron Dome interceptor failure.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, rockets fired from Lebanon struck the western Galilee, including Nahariya, with sirens sounding across the area. Reports described several impact sites and a direct hit on a residential building that caught fire, from which five people were rescued as the home burned, while one person sustained a moderate injury. At the same time, commentary and reporting from Jerusalem focused on Lebanon, with Katz issuing fiery statements on the Lebanese situation as missile barrages produced additional injuries, reflecting the ongoing and widening hostilities in the region.In US Policy Concerning Israel, allies indicated they would not immediately join a proposed operation to keep the Strait of Hormuz open. President Trump had urged nations to help police the strait after Iran’s response to US-Israeli actions by using drones, missiles, and mines to effectively close the channel to tanker traffic. Germany, Spain, and Italy ruled out participation for now, while Britain and Denmark signaled they might assist in some capacity but emphasized de-escalation. German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius stressed that this is not a war for which they are ready to deploy, underscoring the complexity of a broader regional confrontation. Separately, the United States designated the Sudanese Muslim Brotherhood as a global terrorist organization, accusing it of violence against civilians and noting ties to Iran’s IRGC. The designation aims to curb resources available to the group as it engages in ongoing conflicts, with the United States signaling intent to treat allied and affiliated networks as threats.In Israeli Domestic Politics, sources questioned the idea that Defense Minister Katz would reinstate five Force 100 prison guards tied to the Sde Teiman scandal. The guards were technically exonerated when the indictment against them was cancelled, but the reasoning was described as reflecting concerns about insufficient evidence for conviction rather than a clear determination of innocence. The IDF’s legal division had found that elements of evidence might support a conviction, even as the case was closed. A concurrent poll showed almost 80% of Israelis trusting the IDF command, far higher than the 54% who trust the government. The survey also highlighted broad support for the strikes on Iran and a belief that the war could eventually improve the regional situation, with substantial positive views toward US President Trump’s role in US–Israel relations. Separately, Israel deported a Jewish-American young adult involved in West Bank solidarity efforts after an incident in Umm Al-Khair, where a 5-year-old Palestinian child was struck by a settler’s vehicle; the deportation occurred due to flight disruptions, with the individual sent to Egypt rather than the United States.In Uplifting News, a moment from the streets of Tel Aviv captured attention as a Jewish Israeli interrupted a CNN Türk live broadcast about missile strikes from Iran and the accompanying sense of panic in Israel. The on-the-street moment featured the passerby addressing the Turkish reporter in Turkish and challenging the commentary at hand, instantly becoming a widely shared moment online.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-1297165https://www.ynetnews.com/article/sjwsq2b511ghttps://www.jpost.com/podcast/jpost-headlines/article-890138https://www.jpost.com/international/article-890159https://www.jpost.com/international/article-890144https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-890150https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-890139https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/crime-in-israel/article-890143https://www.ynetnews.com/article/sj2p00jhcwx