Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-03-17 at 06:02

HEADLINES- Israel Says Iran Leadership Targeted Larijani Killed- Iran Launches Missiles Toward Northern Israel- Trump Seeks Gulf Backing for Iran StrikesThe time is now 6:02 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Operation Lion's Roar, Israeli officials say the campaign targeted Iran’s leadership, with Ali Larijani, the secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, identified as the most significant targeted killing since the war began on February 28. Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed his death shortly after. The IDF also said it assassinated Gholamreza Soleimani, head of the IRGC’s Basij militia, and Soleimani’s deputy, Seyyed Karishi, in a strike described as aimed at the Basij leadership and at disrupting the regime’s command and control. An Israeli official said the Basij leadership was largely eliminated overnight, and the military said the IRGC’s Aerospace Force chief was killed in the same campaign. Iranian authorities suggested Larijani was due to address the public, though IDF sources voiced skepticism about any public statement proceeding from the strike. Some observers have described Larijani as a leading figure running the Iranian regime in the period since Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s leadership, though such characterizations vary.In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, reports say a missile fell in an open area with no immediate accompanying damage or casualties cited, underscoring an ongoing exchange. Separately, there was a launch from Iran toward northern Israel, part of the continuing cross-border hostilities.In US Military Role, Gulf sources warn that incomplete US strikes could leave Iran a lasting threat to the Gulf’s oil lifelines and economies. They note that Gulf states did not ask the United States to go to war, but many urge not to stop short and leave Iran able to threaten the region. Washington is reportedly pressing Gulf states to join the US-Israeli campaign, with President Trump seeking regional backing to bolster international legitimacy and domestic support. Iran has already attacked airports, ports, oil facilities and other targets across six Gulf states with missiles and drones, and shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has been disrupted.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, the section notes two items. One entry references remarks attributed to Nasrallah with two responses noted. Another entry reports a senior Israeli official confirming the elimination of Akram Ajuri, head of the military wing of the Islamic Jihad.In Uplifting News, Israeli TV ratings milestones are highlighted: the Reshet 12 broadcast of Adir Miller’s program “Rist” hits a record 22.2% rating and about 701,000 viewers. Channel 14’s “The Patriots” with Yinon Megal crosses the 10% mark and easily surpasses Channel 13’s “The Slum,” which stands around 5.5%. On Kan 11, the new series “Be’hastora” brings in about 4.0%. A caption in the piece also notes Defense Minister Katz’s confirmation of the reported eliminations of Ali Larijani and the Basij commander, alongside broader discussion of regional events.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-890225https://www.israelhayom.com/2026/03/17/idf-kills-basij-commander-gholam-reza-soleimani-tehran-strike/https://t.me/selena_updates/58608https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/72886https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/72885https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-890221https://t.me/abualiexpress/117849https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/72883https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1297434