Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-03-18 at 05:04

HEADLINESRamat Gan strike targets Iran intel chiefIsrael halts Hezbollah rocket threat, dozens firedAraghchi says Iran didn’t start Epic FuryThe time is now 5:03 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, neighbors recount the early-morning strike in Ramat Gan as security alarms sounded. Chen Amir said, “We were in the bedroom on the upper floor. We received the alert and went downstairs to the mamad. Half a minute from the siren going off, the missile fell here.” He described the aftermath: the power flickered, glass shattered, thick smoke, and a front door ripped from its frame as the living room was left "turned upside down." He spoke of checking on neighbors and the scene inside his apartment before the blast. In the wider developments, reports circulated that the IDF attempted to strike Iran’s Intelligence Minister Esmaeil Khatib on Tuesday night; a Jerusalem Post source said the strike was optimistic but not yet confirmed, and Iran International echoed that a strike had been attempted with no verified fate for Khatib. Separately, after Iran’s deadly overnight missile strike that killed two Israelis and wounded many, the IDF said it succeeded in reducing Hezbollah’s planned larger-scale rocket attack, issuing a countrywide warning and noting that Hezbollah fired roughly 40 rockets, mostly short of their targets. An opposition report likewise claimed that Israel targeted Esmail Khatib in Tehran overnight strikes, and that a Hezbollah-linked commander whose predecessor was eliminated last week was also involved.In Iranian Retaliation, Iran’s foreign minister said Iran’s political system remains unshaken even as senior officials were targeted by US and IDF strikes. Abbas Araghchi told Al Jazeera that Iran has a strong political, economic, and social structure and that the presence or absence of a single individual does not affect the system, and that leadership changes would not disrupt governance. He stressed that officials could be targeted amid the fighting and referenced attacks on hospitals, schools, and residential areas as part of the broader conflict. On Operation Epic Fury, Araghchi said Iran did not start the war and described it as an American move.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Israeli forces reported thwarting an increased Hezbollah rocket threat. Lebanese Hezbollah reportedly prepared for a heightened salvo, and the IDF identified and intercepted rocket launches and strike teams aimed at Israel, taking rapid-action steps to disrupt the launches. As the barrage began, the army targeted launchers and depots involved in firing toward Israel, and, at night, began evacuating residents of Tyre while continuing to strike weapon depots and command centers associated with Hezbollah across Lebanon, including facilities in Beirut. The operation also targeted Hezbollah assets tied to the organization’s operations in Beirut, with the Israeli Navy striking a central operative there. Throughout the night, authorities emphasized steps to minimize civilian harm through early warnings, precision munitions, and aerial monitoring.In US Policy Concerning Israel, a report claimed the United States was pushing Syria to intervene in Lebanon against Hezbollah, but an American ambassador denied the claim, saying there is no such push underway. The report and denial highlight the fluid debate over potential regional actions and the lack of confirmation on any Syria-led intervention.In Israeli Domestic Politics, former defense minister Yoav Gallant spoke to 103FM about Iran’s continues fire, noting that Iran still launches around 30–40 missiles but is wearing down. He outlined three strategic aims: decapitating the command, striking missiles and bases, and wearing down Iran’s nuclear program, predicting a strategic shift within a week to three weeks. Gallant also addressed the question of his relationship with Prime Minister Netanyahu and his decision not to run in the upcoming elections, stating that the matter is not personal.In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, the World Jewish Congress gathered major Jewish community leaders in New York to discuss the global rise in antisemitism, ongoing counter-efforts, and the need for broader coordination among Jewish organizations. Participants from WJC-affiliated communities in Argentina, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom joined representatives from the Anti-Defamation League and the Conference of Presidents. The discussion focused on mounting antisemitism and the creation of a more coordinated response, including the newly established J7 working group and an emphasis on representing the full breadth of the global Jewish community.In Israeli Economy and Business, Pepper, the digital banking platform of Bank Leumi, announced a new one-year investment package for stock market investors. The offer includes 0% buying and selling commissions, 0% foreign-exchange charges for trading, no minimum per transaction, and no third-party charges, plus a cash grant of up to 1,500 shekels. The package is available to existing Pepper customers who start receiving their salaries and to new customers who sign up with salary transfers. Pepper also offers a fee-free current-account and advanced budgeting tools within its app, aiming to attract younger investors.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/article-890340https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-890351https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-890342https://www.ynetnews.com/article/synoz1d9behttps://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-890337https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1297879https://worldisraelnews.com/us-pushing-syria-to-intervene-in-lebanon-against-hezbollah-report/https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1297875https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-890338https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1297867