Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-03-17 at 01:02

HEADLINESIran arrests surge as crackdown tightensHormuz closed, global oil flows crippledDubai fuel tanks hit in Iranian strikeThe time is now 1:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, Iranian security forces are launching a renewed crackdown on signs of domestic uprising, setting up new security checkpoints, arresting people on suspicion of collaboration with foreign entities, and warning protesters via text messages that there is a shoot-to-kill order in place. While the IRGC and plainclothes Basij have been weakened by US and Israeli attacks, Iranians insist they still exercise strict control over the cities, especially at night, with armed men on motorcycles patrolling and conducting frequent stop-and-search checks. Since the war’s onset, authorities say more than 500 people have been arrested on charges ranging from sharing information with enemy forces or international media to taking photos or videos of sites hit by airstrikes, with other detainees accused of celebrating the assassination of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei or of monarchist sympathies; state media have reported additional monarchist suspects. Across central Israel, sirens and interceptions were heard as the IDF intercepted a missile barrage launched from Iran. No casualties or severe injuries were reported, though paramedics from Magen David Adom treated individuals who were injured while seeking shelter in protected areas. This is a developing situation.In Iranian Retaliation, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar described Mojtaba Khamenei’s absence as an “open question” and said it is “embarrassing” for the Iranian regime that he has not appeared since his appointment as Supreme Leader. Sa’ar warned that Iran’s activity in the Strait of Hormuz amounts to near “modern piracy,” suggesting it could become a new practice of mad regimes and raise the cost of living globally. He stressed that a principal objective of Operation Roaring Lion is to remove long‑term existential threats, and he stated that Israel does not wish to embark on a new war every year.In מלחמת הנפט של איראן: האם ישראל תהפוך לבת ערובה במאבק ההישרדות של טהרן | ישראל זיו, the night news summary describes a broad Iranian campaign with regional repercussions, including air operations and the strategic challenge posed by Iranian missiles; it notes that the Israeli Air Force has struck Iran in a way that reportedly left Iranian targets reeling, with a destruction radius described in the report and the implication that Iran’s command infrastructure has been affected. The piece also references messaging toward Gulf states about regional dynamics. In 'Iran became an enemy': Gulf states lose patience after Hormuz closure, leaders say Iran has crossed red lines by attacking neighbors and by closing Hormuz, and they are moving to weaken Tehran’s military posture given Hormuz remains a leverage point in the region. A separate report then notes fires at fuel tanks near Dubai International Airport, attributed to an Iranian strike, underscoring the broader reach of Iranian actions and the vulnerability of Gulf infrastructure.In להוציא את איראן ולהכניס את סעודיה: כך ננקה את לבנון מחיזבאללה | אביגדור ליברמן, Avigdor Lieberman advocates a strategy to remove Iran from the Lebanon equation and to bring Saudi Arabia into Lebanon’s security dynamic in order to purge Hezbollah from the area.In US Policy Concerning Israel, איראן הוציאה את "נשק יום הדין" - ועכשיו לטראמפ יש שתי אפשרויות states that Iran has unleashed a so‑called doomsday weapon, leaving President Trump with two options in how to respond. In Trump criticises allies over rejection of Hormuz request, as Iran and Israel trade airstrikes, Reuters reports that the US president accused several Western partners of ingratitude after they declined his demand to dispatch warships to escort oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz. The war enters its third week, with Hormuz effectively closed and roughly 20% of the world’s oil and LNG flows affected, pushing energy prices higher. Some partners, including Germany, Spain and Italy, said they have no immediate plans to send ships, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz noted that Washington and Israel had not consulted Germany before launching the operation, saying they lack UN, EU, or NATO authorization. Trump said many countries told him they would help, but some allies were hesitant.In Israeli Domestic Politics, בליכוד מטילים ספק במינוי לוועדת הבחירות: הרזומה של מספר סיפור אחר reports that Likud and Netanyahu are calling to overturn the appointment of attorney יפת סימינובסקי as counsel to the election committee, arguing flaws in the tender process and a lack of election-law experience; the letter was sent to the committee chair, Judge נעם סולברג. בין מלחמת עיראק השנייה למלחמת איראן הראשונה פרחה הקריירה של נתניהו | צור שיזף notes that Netanyahu’s political ascent is characterized as flourishing between the era of the Second Iraq War and the First Iran War.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/middle-east/iran-news/article-890194https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-890192https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-890191https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1297306https://www.ynetnews.com/article/h17svui5wehttps://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1297301https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1297308https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1297300https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/03/trump-criticises-allies-over-rejection-hormuz-request-iran-and-israel-tradehttps://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1297307https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1297305