Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-03-20 at 07:01

HEADLINESIranian missiles strike Rehovot; US weighs shiftIran vows disproportionate response after Kuwait strikeUS seizes Iranian hacking sites targeting IsraelisThe time is now 7:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Operation Lion's Roar, Iranian missiles fired toward central and southern Israel damaged a private home in Rehovot, with no injuries reported. The former chief of staff urged removing the threat, but Prime Minister Netanyahu did not authorize action. Avi Ashkenzi in the Israeli Navy described the strike as an unusual and unprecedented event. The United States is signaling a stronger stance, with discussions that the developing actions could shift the balance of power in the Middle East. Details are expected in about two weeks as Saudi Arabia issues an unusual warning about the war in Iran.In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, sirens are sounding in several southern communities after Iranian rocket fire. Earlier reports described launches toward central and Sharon districts, causing damage to a private home in Rehovot with no injuries. Separately, a post raises questions about who was eliminated on Shariati Street in Tehran.In Iranian Retaliation, Iran's leadership described Israel's strike on the South Pars oil facility as a declaration of existential war and outlined a doctrine of disproportionate response that would target Middle East capitals and major cities rather than military bases. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that there will be no restraint if Iranian infrastructure is struck again. Iranian drones struck Kuwait's Mina Al-Ahmadi refinery early Friday, causing a fire but no injuries or casualties reported.In Regional Impacts, Medicines UK warned Britain is one step from medicine shortages if instability persists, with soaring freight costs squeezing margins for generic drugmakers. If costs continue to rise, manufacturers may not be able to absorb them, potentially leading to price increases for NHS medicines or supply gaps. Off-patent medicines are especially exposed given thin margins.In US Policy Concerning Israel, the US Justice Department seized four websites tied to Iranian hacking operations targeting Israelis, according to a heavily redacted FBI affidavit, with authorities believing the same group is responsible for all four sites.In Uplifting News, Parashat Vayikra offers a message of purity, repentance, and unity, teaching that even without sacrifices people can draw closer to God and to one another, and this portion is often the first taught to children to illuminate inner purification and joy. Shabbat candle lighting times for Israel and the United States are provided for multiple areas, reflecting local schedules. My Word: When sleeper cells meet ‘woke’ presents an opinion piece arguing that hope persists as people stand against terror, hatred, and moral inversion.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.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1298871https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1298873https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1298872https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/73314https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-890644https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-890646https://worldisraelnews.com/us-justice-department-seizes-four-websites-tied-to-iranian-hacking-targeting-israelis/https://www.jpost.com/judaism/torah-portion/article-890464https://www.jpost.com/judaism/article-890632https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-890508