Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-03-18 at 01:01

HEADLINES- Ford Carrier Fire Souda Bay Repairs Underway- Beirut Bachoura Hit as Israel Targets Hezbollah- Triple J Lifts Jerusalem Toward EuroCupThe time is now 1:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In US Military Role, the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier, America’s newest and largest, is currently in the Red Sea and is expected to temporarily dock at Souda Bay on the Greek island of Crete for repairs after a fire that took about 30 hours to extinguish. The carrier has been deployed for nine months, including operations against Venezuela in the Caribbean, before arriving in the Middle East, and officials say the length of the deployment has raised questions about sailors’ morale and the ship’s readiness. Nearly 200 sailors were treated for smoke-related injuries when the fire broke out in the ship’s main laundry area, affecting roughly 100 sleeping berths, and one service member was flown off the ship for injuries, with the operation occurring on the 18th day of the war with Tehran.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, an Israeli airstrike hit Beirut’s Bachoura neighborhood in central Beirut, with a loud explosion heard after residents were warned to evacuate a building ahead of the strike. The attack is part of a broader wave of Israeli strikes across Lebanon, including in southern and eastern areas, signaling an intensification of Israel’s campaign against Hezbollah. Earlier on Wednesday, Beirut strikes killed at least six people and wounded 24, Lebanon’s health ministry said. In southern and eastern Lebanon, at least 14 people were killed in separate Israeli airstrikes, the health ministry added. The Israeli military said it had begun striking Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon. Hezbollah attacked Israel on March 2, saying it aimed to avenge the killing of Iran’s supreme leader, and the Israeli campaign follows that move, pulling Lebanon deeper into the regional conflict. Iran has also executed a man convicted of spying for Israel, according to Mizaan and Reuters.In Uplifting News, Jerusalem eyes EuroCup semis as ‘Triple J’ finds his groove. Hapoel Jerusalem is back in continental competition, taking on Turk Telekom in EuroCup quarterfinal action in Belgrade, with the winner advancing to the semifinals. The Reds moved their base of operations to Belgrade after the outbreak of the war with Iran, training in Serbia as they pursue a potential path to EuroLeague by winning the EuroCup. Rookie forward Josiah-Jordan James, nicknamed “Triple J,” has emerged as a key contributor in his first overseas season after time in the G-League with the Indiana Mad Ants and college basketball at Tennessee, and he spoke to The Jerusalem Post ahead of the quarterfinal matchup about his first season abroad.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/article-890326https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/03/israeli-strike-hits-central-beirut-after-evacuation-warninghttps://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1297784https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/sports/article-890329