Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-03-22 at 15:02

HEADLINES- Mossad pressures Iranian commanders to stand aside- IDF expands Lebanon offensive, buffer zone widens- Iran targets US finances, treasury bondsThe time is now 3:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, Mossad has called senior Iranian commanders to stand aside, a move described as part of psychological warfare paired with targeted assassinations. The reporting notes that these tactics resemble the methods the IDF previously used against Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon.In Iranian Retaliation, the demon-possessed speaker of the Iranian parliament, Ghalibaf, warned that alongside military bases, financial entities that finance the US military budget are legitimate targets. He claimed US treasury bonds are soaked in Iranians’ blood and suggested that purchasing them amounts to striking a company HQ and assets, adding that portfolios are being monitored and this was a final notice.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, the IDF chief has approved a deeper Lebanon offensive and said the fight against Hezbollah has only just begun. Israel is expanding a buffer zone in southern Lebanon, targeting bridges and supply routes and accelerating Gaza-style home demolitions, with Lebanon warning the strikes could signal a ground invasion and an effort to isolate the south. Separately, northern Israel has issued air-raid alerts following cross-border fire from Lebanon, while Iran is said to be increasing the tempo of launches toward Israel, with multiple reported shrapnel incidents in the Gush Dan area; the IDF also reported destroying Hezbollah oxygen lines and urged civilians to stay vigilant.In the US Policy Concerning Israel, a CBS poll finds that while a large majority of Americans support a swift end to the conflict and oppose a broad US military action, most want the Iranian people to be safe and free, and want Tehran’s nuclear program permanently ended. The survey, conducted with 3,335 American adults, shows 92% believe it’s important for the conflict to end quickly, about 80% want the Iranian people to be safe and free, 73% want the nuclear program ended, and 68% want Iran prevented from threatening other countries. Just over half (53%) say it would be unacceptable for the war to end while the regime remains in power, though overall sentiment about continuing the conflict remains cautious.In Israeli Domestic Politics, the IDF is investigating whether Ofer Moskowitz, killed after Hezbollah rocket fire, was struck by an IDF mortar; the Northern Command, Air Force, and Artillery Corps are participating in the probe, with earlier reports suggesting a Hezbollah anti-tank missile was behind the casualty but later denials or different assessments emerged. Separately, the teachers’ union pushed back against calls to alter working conditions and remote learning arrangements, insisting that changes require the 2022 collective agreement and stressing that remote learning remains the key tool during emergencies to keep students connected. Also, students have voiced responses to new proposals by Kisch and Smotrich, arguing for redirecting resources to non-formal education, volunteering, and youth-focused cultural activities, emphasizing the value of such programs alongside formal schooling. Finally, Sara Netanyahu is set to attend a first ladies summit in Washington, joining a global gathering of first ladies and tech leaders from 45 countries, marking her first public appearance abroad since the war began.In Uplifting News, Israeli twins underwent circumcision in a bomb shelter, with neighbors joining the ceremony after a building group chat was used to coordinate the event. In another bright moment, an 11-year-old Israeli boy, Nir Krigel of Moshav Zvi, wrote and performed a hip-hop song about drones that has gone viral, becoming an unofficial anthem of the Israel-Iran war as many Israelis sing along between alarm sirens.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://worldisraelnews.com/mossad-is-calling-senior-iranian-commanders-and-pressuring-them-to-stand-aside/https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/73517https://www.ynetnews.com/article/s1vbmnp911ehttps://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1299821https://www.jpost.com/international/article-890825https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-890824https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1299831https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1299825https://www.ynetnews.com/article/s1ee0jpcbehttps://worldisraelnews.com/israeli-twins-undergo-circumcision-in-a-bomb-shelter/https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/culture/article-890822