Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-03-17 at 09:02

HEADLINESIran fires missiles and drones at UAEIsraeli aircraft attack Iranian police in TehranIsrael bombs southern Lebanon, soldiers woundedThe time is now 9:02 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Operation Lion's Roar, Israel’s Foreign Minister Saar said Ali Larijani had a $10 million prize on his head, and that Israel did it for free.In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, Iranian opposition sources say an Israeli aircraft attacked Iranian police in Tehran’s Revolution Square a short time ago.In Iranian Retaliation, the UAE Ministry of Defense said air defenses have engaged 10 ballistic missiles and 45 one-way attack drones launched by Iran today, in one of the largest daily attacks since the first week of the Iran War.In US Military Role, an analysis argues that Iran cannot beat the US military, noting that its nuclear sites are rubble, air defenses are depleted, and Revolutionary Guards casualties have not been acknowledged for months. The piece highlights Tehran’s claim that the Strait is open but closed to enemies, underscoring the strategic importance of a key energy artery. Brent crude trades above $105 a barrel and US gasoline prices have risen about 25 percent since late February as strikes hit energy facilities. Goldman Sachs has cut its 2026 US GDP growth forecast by 0.3 percentage points and raised its inflation forecast by 0.8 points; in a worst-case scenario with oil disruptions lasting a full month, recession odds rise.In Regional Impacts, sirens are heard along the frontline as fighting intensifies; residential areas in central Israel have been hit by shrapnel, and the Holon train station was damaged and closed. The report also references a dramatic claim about an Elbit move and alleged assassinations in Tehran, including Ali Larijani and a Basij commander, though no independent confirmation is provided. Separately, humanitarian groups warn of disruption to Sudan’s medical supplies: Save the Children says clinics serving millions could run out in about two weeks unless shipments are rerouted due to the broader Middle East conflict, with airspace closures and halted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Some $600,000 worth of essential medicines are stuck in Dubai ports, and about 90 Sudanese government-run clinics serving roughly 400,000 patients rely on this supply. Willem Zuidema of Save the Children stresses time is limited.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Iraq has become a frontline as Iranian-backed militias intensify nationwide strikes, expanding their influence and carrying out attacks including on a Baghdad hotel and numerous other incidents across the country. The militias, long empowered by Tehran, operate with support that has drawn US sanctions on several groups tied to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps. In Lebanon, the Lebanese army reports five soldiers injured after an Israeli strike on a vehicle in the Nabatieh region of southern Lebanon, with two seriously hurt. The Israel Defense Forces also continue to bomb the strategic area of Al Khiam in southern Lebanon.In US Policy Concerning Israel, the British Government has drafted a plan for a coalition to secure shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and has shared it with the United States and several other countries.In Israeli Domestic Politics, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says, “This is a new Middle East,” signaling that Israel and its allies are pursuing new peace deals after the reported killings of Iran’s de facto leader Ali Larijani and a Basij commander. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar adds that the regime can only be toppled by the Iranian people, but liberation would require external help.In Israeli Economy and Business, Surf AI, an Israeli-founded cybersecurity startup, announced $57 million in funding led by Accel, with participation from Cyberstarts and Boldstart Ventures. The company says it is already working with global enterprises, including Fortune 500 firms, and intends to use the capital to accelerate product development, grow its team, and broaden enterprise adoption.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://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/72910https://t.me/abualiexpress/117874https://t.me/DefenderDome/19314https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-890255https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1297535https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/03/sudan-clinics-face-stock-out-weeks-due-middle-east-war-ngo-sayshttps://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-890250https://t.me/abualiexpress/117873https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/72907https://t.me/DefenderDome/19313https://worldisraelnews.com/this-is-a-new-middle-east-netanyahu-declares-hinting-at-new-peace-deals/https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/72911https://www.jpost.com/business-and-innovation/tech-and-start-ups/article-890252