Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-03-20 at 17:02

HEADLINESIran fires cluster-warhead missile; sirens ring IsraelBritain lets US bases strike IranSouthern Lebanon may require permanent Israeli presenceThe time is now 5:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, Palestinians celebrate Iran's latest launch and call for nuclear fragmentation, prompting discussion online. Sirens sounded in central Israel as Iran launched a missile described as using a cluster warhead, with no injuries reported.In US Military Role, Britain approved US use of its bases to strike Iranian missile sites targeting ships in the Strait of Hormuz, a move condemned by Iran's foreign minister who said most Britons do not want involvement in the Israel-US war, while Iran’s leadership warned of responses and UK officials indicated the arrangement includes US defensive actions to degrade missile sites. Separately, the Pentagon has drawn up plans for potential US ground forces deployment into Iran as Operation Epic Fury progresses, with White House saying ongoing preparations maximize options but do not reflect a decision, and reports that thousands more Marines and sailors will be sent to the Middle East. US Central Command has released imagery of the Esfahan drone production plant before and after it was destroyed by strikes between March 3 and 12.In Regional Impacts, US President Donald J. Trump said the United States does not use or need the Strait of Hormuz, signaling a stance on regional access and security dynamics amid the broader conflict.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, analyses contend that southern Lebanon may require a permanent Israeli presence to prevent Hezbollah’s return, arguing that buffer zones have not yielded lasting security. A related piece frames the north as a high-stakes frontier where Hezbollah’s capabilities must be contained beyond the Litani to secure the region. Reports from the region note airstrikes against pro-Iran militias in Baghdad and related activity in Basra, alongside continued rocket fire from Lebanon and red alerts in Misgav Am, reflecting ongoing regional spillover.In US Policy Concerning Israel, the United States announced new sanctions aimed at disrupting a global financial network supporting Hezbollah, targeting individuals and companies involved in money laundering and financing across the Middle East, Europe, and North America. Meanwhile, President Trump said he does not seek a ceasefire and suggested Israel could end fighting once the US finishes its campaign, as the Pentagon broadens options and more US forces move toward the Middle East.In Israeli Domestic Politics, Benny Peretz, former manager for Eyal Golan, was poised to join Ofira Asayag’s program as a commentator but withdrew at the last moment after discussions with advisers and his wife.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/abualiexpress/118217https://t.me/selena_updates/59040https://www.jpost.com/international/article-890683https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-890682https://t.me/DefenderDome/19503https://t.me/DefenderDome/19504https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-890444https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-890404https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1299042https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1299039https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1299043https://www.ynetnews.com/article/hjuvt7j5wxhttps://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1299045