Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-03-17 at 11:02

HEADLINESIsrael hunts Ali Larijani after Khamenei assassinationHezbollah plots large overnight rocket attackWFP warns 45m more in acute hungerThe time is now 11:02 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, Iran’s top security official Ali Larijani was reportedly the primary target for the Israeli defense establishment after the February 28 assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Defense sources say Larijani moved between secret locations for the past two weeks, taking extensive precautions to avoid detection by Israel. The push to locate him involved substantial intelligence and operational resources, reflecting how deeply hunted the surviving Iranian leadership feels in the wake of the earlier strike. The reporting also notes that the decision to act came swiftly from senior Israeli leadership, with air force jets deployed following the gathering of intelligence and the rapid convening of decision-makers, underscoring the high level of urgency attributed to the mission.In Regional Impacts, the World Food Programme warned that tens of millions more people could slide into acute hunger if the Iran conflict persists through June. Analysts say the US-Israeli attacks beginning February 26 have disrupted key humanitarian aid routes, delaying life-saving shipments to crises around the world. The WFP projections estimate an additional 45 million people pushed into acute hunger, lifting the global total to around 319 million. Deputy Executive Director Carl Skau highlighted that hunger would reach an all-time high, pointing to shipping costs up about 18 percent since the campaign began and noting that some routes have been rerouted. He also cited ongoing donor spending cuts as donors shift focus toward defense.Additionally, a regional Israeli official cited a developing threat from Lebanon, signaling an expected attack around 19:00 and urging vigilance and readiness as defenses monitor activity. Reports describe damage to central housing areas and to a Holon train station, with authorities stressing the need for caution and adherence to safety instructions as security measures remain in place.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, the IDF warned Hezbollah is planning a larger-than-usual overnight rocket attack, with officials saying pre-warnings to the home front were issued after a prior incident in which rocket fire rose from about 100 to 200 rockets a day. The army noted that Hezbollah had intended to fire as many as 600 rockets but was thwarted by air defenses, and it stressed that air force operations are continuing to disrupt such plans while the home front is urged to stay ready but not panic. Iran may participate in the broader effort, but the primary threat is considered to come from Hezbollah.Analysis from Lebanon’s border region indicates Iranian-backed groups entered the conflict on Iran’s side on March 2, and have since conducted rocket and drone attacks against Israel as Israel has launched airstrikes and a limited ground operation into Lebanon. Reports from pro-Hezbollah outlets reflect ongoing concern about Israeli moves, including speculation about how far the fighting could extend, with observers noting Israeli activity around Khiam and potential implications for the Litani River area as part of a broader military dynamic.Hebrew-language reporting within this topic notes heightened Hezbollah readiness to fire intensified rocket salvos toward northern Israel in the coming hours, with the IDF countering and air defenses standing by while border forces remain alert. Other updates describe IDF strikes on Hezbollah command centers in Beirut and multiple strike sites in the Beqaa valley, aimed at hindering rocket launches and locating weapons storage facilities, and officials reiterate that the IDF will persist in targeting the organization as it operates under Iranian sponsorship. The military continues to warn of heavy rocket barrages and to advise the public to rely on safety protocols and remain near protected spaces, while reaffirming its commitment to act decisively against credible threats.In US Policy Concerning Israel, the head of the United States National Counterterrorism Center, Joseph Kent, resigned in a letter posted on X, arguing that Iran posed no imminent threat to the United States and asserting that the war in Iran was pursued under pressure from Israel and its lobbying. He stated that he could not support ongoing military action on those grounds and noted that White House and intelligence leadership did not respond publicly to the resignation. Kent’s departure follows comments linking relations with Iran to domestic and international considerations, with analyses noting the evolving views around the necessity and scope of US involvement.Netanyahu, speaking at a cabinet meeting, indicated that Israel is assisting the United States in efforts related to the Strait of Hormuz, framing the matter as a shared objective in keeping sea lanes open and secure. The briefing underscored continued collaboration with the United States on strategic chokepoints and stabilization efforts in the region.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. 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