Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-03-20 at 12:02

HEADLINESMissiles aimed at Israel sirens sound nationwideEl Al evacuates 2000 US citizensElron pivots to defense tech via RDCThe time is now 12:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, sirens have been heard in southern and central Israel over the past hour, including red alert sirens in central Israel as missiles were fired toward Israel. There are no immediate reports of injuries or significant damage.In US Policy Concerning Israel, the US State Department has partnered with El Al to help Americans leave Israel, with El Al having returned over 2,000 Americans to the United States since the start of Operation Epic Fury on flights designated for US citizens. The department says it has reached out to all Americans who expressed interest and provided personalized assistance, while El Al is offering discounted fares and reserving a portion of seats for US-bound travelers. Americans were advised to consider an overland route to Taba, Egypt, where other flights are operating. More than 70,000 Americans in total have left the Middle East and returned to the United States since February 28, with over 41,000 receiving security guidance and travel assistance from the State Department. Separately, a video clip features President Trump saying that their leaders are all gone and that nobody wants to be a leader over there anymore.In Israeli Economy and Business, Elron Ventures reported strong results for 2025 and outlined a shift toward defense technology, signaling a growth strategy for 2026 that centers on M&A activity in the defense tech sector through RDC, its long-standing joint venture with Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. Founded in 1962, Elron invests in cybersecurity, medical devices, and enterprise software, and the new focus aims to deepen involvement in security and defense tech. The company said its leadership will drive the M&A push in early-stage defense tech through RDC, with leadership from chairperson Lisya Bahar Manoah and CEO Yaniv Schneider emphasizing the collaboration with Rafael to pursue this strategic path.In Uplifting News, the Israel Film Archive offers a wealth of clips spanning more than a century, including home movies, weddings, nature scenes, inventions, fashion shows, folk dances, and films. Most feature films are available to rent for about NIS 15 and come with English subtitles, and the archive highlights two Gulf War–era titles that show how Tel Aviv residents coped during the conflict, including Eytan Fox’s The Song of the Siren (1994). The archive is described as a useful resource to explore between missile attacks, offering a reminder of resilience and culture. Israeli artist Idan Raichel is also bringing resilience to the fore with a desert festival called Fata Morgana, planned for April 30 and May 1 in Kfar Hanokdim between Arad and Masada. The two-day event will blend live music with art and sound installations, featuring Raichel performing with the Haifa Symphony Orchestra conducted by Yaron Gottfried, alongside a diverse lineup of musicians on a double stage. The festival aims to fuse sculpture, art, and food with performance, as Raichel personally handles interview logistics and photo selection.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://t.me/ILtoday/18008https://t.me/StandWithUsBreakingNews/7766https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-890662https://t.me/JewishNews24/51637https://www.jpost.com/defense-and-tech/article-890671https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/culture/article-890551https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/culture/article-890409