Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-03-22 at 14:02

HEADLINESMisgav Am death probed as IDF mortarIran brands US debt buyers legitimate targetsUS ready to fund Iran operationsThe time is now 2:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, the Israeli military says it is examining the death of Ofer Moskowitz in Misgav Am for possible involvement by an IDF mortar, rather than Hezbollah fire. The Northern Command, the Air Force, and the Artillery Corps are all part of the investigation, after initial reporting suggested he was killed by a Hezbollah anti-tank missile. A Walla report cited a 122mm mortar shell as a possible cause, and a military source told Ma’ariv that several actions were unfolding at the time as investigators review the circumstances. The IDF offered condolences and said it remains in contact with the kibbutz community. Moskowitz, who grew up in Kiryat Bialik, leaves behind three daughters and two grandchildren. Separately, there were northern alerts tied to a drone intrusion, with Iran increasing launches toward Israel and fragments reported in the Tel Aviv area. The IDF said it is reviewing Moskowitz’s death in the context of ongoing operations, and reports indicate the army struck Hezbollah oxygen lines while urging residents not to fear Hezbollah.In Iranian Retaliation, Iran’s leadership and messaging have escalated amid the conflict. Iran’s parliament speaker Ghalibaf issued a stark warning that financial entities financing the US military budget are legitimate targets, asserting that purchases of US Treasury bonds amount to strikes on headquarters and assets. The speaker’s message signaled a hard line against Western financial interests as part of Iran’s broader posture. Separately, a Clemson University study found that Iran redirected a network of social media accounts affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps from campaigns aimed at Western audiences to pro-regime propaganda about the war with Israel and the United States, with hundreds of thousands of posts and millions of potential exposures across English- and Spanish-language accounts.In US Military Role, US officials describe readiness to fund the war effort, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent telling NBC’s Meet the Press that the government has “plenty of money” to support operations against Iran and that supplemental funding would be sought from Congress to ensure forces remain well supplied. The administration has not yet submitted a formal funding request, and the figure cited in discussion could change. Opposition in Congress to a large new package is noted, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has said that additional funds are needed to guarantee proper preparation.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Israel launched strikes in southern Lebanon, targeting infrastructure it says is used by Hezbollah, including a key bridge near Tyre. The Lebanese president warned that the attacks mark a dangerous escalation and could presage a ground invasion, while Israel's military said it was carrying out a wide wave of strikes against Hezbollah infrastructure in the area. Lebanon’s National News Agency reported multiple strikes in southern regions. Separately, Hezbollah claimed it shot down a Hermes 450 drone over the border area with a shoulder-fired missile, a claim that underscores the rapid escalation and ongoing proxy dynamics in the region.In Israeli Domestic Politics, the government announced measures affecting families and schooling amid the conflict. The Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs and the Treasury said they would provide a reimbursement to parents for kindergarten payments. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education updated its contingency plan for the days ahead: there will be no in-person classes on Monday, with remote learning replacing classroom instruction nationwide, while exemptions remain for certain programs and settings. Special education and certain youth programs will continue, and there will be no organized transportation. After a risk assessment with the Home Front Command, the Jewish sector will enter Pesach break on Tuesday; during the break, special education facilities and some informal activities will continue as allowed, with holiday camps operating only in municipalities that choose to participate and in accordance with regional guidance.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/israel-news/article-890824https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1299806https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/73517https://www.jpost.com/international/article-890819https://www.jpost.com/international/article-890820https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/03/israel-launches-strikes-lebanon-warns-invasionhttps://t.me/abualiexpress/118372https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1299813https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1299811