Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-03-21 at 03:01

HEADLINESThree Iranian missile waves strike central IsraelIran to allow Japanese ships through HormuzUS releases Iranian oil to dampen pricesThe time is now 3:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, a volley of Iranian missiles prompted sirens across central Israel as air defenses moved to intercept the incoming threat. The military urged the public to follow Home Front Command guidance, and shelter-in-place orders were issued for the Greater Tel Aviv area, Ashdod, the Shfela Lowlands, and parts of the West Bank. Separately, police reported that a crowd gathered outside Jerusalem’s Old City for Eid al-Fitr was dispersed after surpassing authorized capacity, with authorities citing safety risks from missile sirens and limited protected shelter nearby. Earlier, the IDF identified launches from Iran toward central Israel and said air defenses were engaged, with the Home Front Command distributing advance instructions to mobile devices in the affected areas. The evening carried a somber note of a sleepless night, with reports describing three waves of launches and Tehran extending the reach of its missiles beyond prior expectations, underscoring ongoing safety concerns for residents across the region.In Regional Impacts, Iran signaled willingness to let Japanese vessels pass through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for global oil supplies, with Tehran beginning talks with Tokyo about potentially opening the waterway. Japan relies on the Hormuz Strait for about 90% of its oil shipments, and global oil prices have risen as the war drags on; Washington has pressed allies to help ensure open shipping, while Tokyo has not publicly commented through Reuters inquiries. In Israel, reports from the night highlighted an incident in Rishon LeZion where a fragment damaged a kindergarten yard, with no injuries reported, and police indicated that residents could exit protected areas where appropriate as the situation evolved. Across the Dan region, the Shfela, Samaria, and Lachish, sirens were heard in multiple communities, signaling continued alert status. A analysis piece from the north-border perspective suggested security resources are stretched, noting a perception of limited patrol coverage relative to population centers.In US Policy Concerning Israel, the Secretary-General said the United Nations is cooperating actively with structures created by Trump’s Board of Peace to fund and deliver Gaza reconstruction, emphasizing that the Security Council defined objective should be pursued within the framework of international law. He cautioned that the board is not a substitute for established UN processes and that any peace initiative must adhere to the UN Charter. On Iran, the UN chief called for an end to Tehran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz and suggested the UN could help protect the waterway as part of a de-escalation plan. Guterres noted he has not spoken with Trump since the onset of the conflict, though he has engaged with other members of the administration. Separately, NATO said it has withdrawn its advisory mission from Iraq and relocated several hundred troops to Europe, with the operation continuing from Naples and focusing on assisting Iraqi security forces without a combat role.In Israeli Domestic Politics, a prominent figure criticized a successful satirical program, arguing it damaged his career and expressing strong disapproval of the portrayal. In parallel coverage, reports examined what public-facing sketches revealed about Prime Minister Netanyahu and his wife, detailing behind-the-scenes notes that sparked controversy and prompted broader discussion about satire and political accountability in the Beit Bluf district.In Israeli Economy and Business, the war prompted a move by the United States to release Iranian oil onto the market in an effort to dampen price spikes, while Washington officials weigh the potential economic impact ahead of elections. A major American bank warned about looming costs for households as oil markets react to the conflict, highlighting concerns over the broader economic footprint. In parallel, the International Energy Agency issued guidance advising energy users to work from home and avoid flights in response to supply disruptions tied to Hormuz-related pressures, as the global energy market recalibrates amid the crisis.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. 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