Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-03-19 at 06:02

HEADLINES- Israel destroys IRGC MI-17 at Sanandaj- Iranian strikes kill Israelis and Hebron women- Iranian strikes devastate Gulf energy complexThe 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, the Israel Air Force struck and destroyed an MI-17 helicopter belonging to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps at the Sanandaj Airport in Hamadan, Iran, overnight, the military said on Thursday morning. The IDF says it is expanding air superiority across western Iran and degrading the IRGC's air force capabilities. The strike comes after reports that the IDF hit Iranian targets in the Caspian Sea for the first time since the start of Operation Roaring Lion, a claim not yet confirmed by Israeli officials as of Thursday morning. Separately, the IDF said Israeli jets struck over 200 Iranian regime targets in western and central Iran, including sites used to store and launch ballistic missiles and UAVs, as well as air defense systems, ballistic missile launchers, and weapon production sites. This is a developing story.In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, sirens sounded in central Israel and Jerusalem after the Iranian launch. Reports say a man about 30 was killed by shrapnel in the southern Sharon area, and three women were killed in Hebron. Donald Trump criticized the events, saying there would be no further attacks of Israel at this site in Iran. There were also reports of an intercept fragment falling in central Israel with no damage and no injuries. Sirens were again heard in central Israel.In Iranian Retaliation, less than an hour after the latest strike, additional launches were identified from Iran, with sirens expected to be heard across wide areas.In Regional Impacts, Iranian aerial attacks since Wednesday have caused extensive damage across the Gulf energy complex, including damage to the world's largest gas plant in Qatar and a refinery in Saudi Arabia. The UAE shut gas facilities after intercepting missiles, and fires were reported at two Kuwaiti refineries. A drone struck the Aramco-Exxon refinery at SAMREF in Yanbu, and a ballistic missile was intercepted aimed at Yanbu. Kuwait Petroleum Corporation's Mina al-Ahmadi and Mina Abdullah refineries were targeted by drones, causing fires at both sites. Qatar's energy giant QatarEnergy said Ras Laffan sustained extensive damage, and the UAE reported facility shutdowns as a result of the attacks. Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister said Riyadh reserves the right to act militarily and that trust with Tehran has been shattered.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, as Israel expands strikes on Beirut, delivery drivers are steering clear of danger in the city. Lebanese couriers report fear as Israeli strikes hit neighborhoods and buildings in Beirut, a development linked to the broader cross-border clashes involving Hezbollah. Separately, a World Israel News report says the IDF killed 20 Lebanese terrorists in under 24 hours in Beirut, including Hassan Ali Marwan, commander of the Imam Hussein Division, about a week after targeting his predecessor.In Israeli Domestic Politics, Avi Benayahu contends that Netanyahu is attempting to undermine the election results, outlining a process that includes delegitimizing the Supreme Court and its judges, boycotting the president of the Supreme Court, and opposing a proposed national election committee led by a Supreme Court justice, along with claims of manipulation surrounding the victory.In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, British prosecutors charged two men with spying for Iran by carrying out surveillance of people and locations linked to the Jewish community in north London. Nematollah Shahsavani, 40, a dual Iranian-British national, and Alireza Farasati, 22, were charged under the National Security Act following a five-week investigation. The suspects were arrested earlier this month and will appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court. MI5 and British lawmakers have warned of threats posed by Iran, with authorities stressing that the investigation should reassure Jewish communities that action is being taken.In Uplifting News, for the first time since the breakup, Matan Blau reveals a new and exciting relationship.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/iran-news/article-890500https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1298397https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1298389https://t.me/ILtoday/17941https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1298395https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-890498https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/03/israel-expands-strikes-beirut-delivery-drivers-steer-clear-dangerhttps://worldisraelnews.com/idf-soldiers-kill-20-lebanese-terrorists-in-under-24-hours/https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1298388https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-890502https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1298396