Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-03-22 at 17:01

HEADLINES- IRGC commander Mortazavi killed in Shiraz strike- US may seize Kharg Island- Saudis host US bases amid Iran threatThe time is now 5:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Operation Lion's Roar, Iranian media reported the killing of Ibrahim Mortazavi, a commander in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, in airstrikes on Shiraz in southern Iran. The Israeli defense forces are examining whether Ofer (Poshko) Mushkovich was killed by cross-border fire. Iran is increasing the pace of launches toward Israel, with debris reported at multiple sites in the Gush Dan region as updates continue to come in.In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, an Iranian launch was identified. The IDF is assessing whether Ofer Mushkovich was killed by cross-border fire. Meanwhile, Dimona residents say their sense of security has been shaken after an Iranian missile strike, which Iran described as retaliation for a Natanz facility strike allegedly carried out by American forces. The broader context remains tense as observers monitor further Iranian strikes and Israel's defensive responses.In US Military Role, senior American officials have told their counterparts that the United States may be forced to launch a ground operation to seize Kharg Island, Iran’s primary oil export terminal in the Northern Persian Gulf. The US military has accelerated deployment of thousands of Marines and Navy personnel to the Middle East, including the USS Boxer Amphibious Ready Group with the ships USS Portland and USS Comstock, carrying about four thousand five hundred Marines and other combat personnel. The move follows discussions about restoring freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and applying pressure to Iran to stop blocking vessel traffic.In Regional Impacts, Iran has decided to limit its strikes on Saudi Arabia out of concern that continued attacks could trigger a direct Saudi military response, with Saudi officials also signaling a readiness to host US forces as needed. Saudi Arabia has recently shifted policy to allow the US military to use bases in the country for operations against Iran. Meanwhile, planes were lifting off and landing within minutes of a drone strike in Dubai, highlighting the anxiety for civilian flights near a war zone and the risk to aviation as airlines resume routes in the region.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, an Iranian dissident journalist in the Netherlands was shot in what may be an Iran-backed attack; Mohamed (Mohi) Shafiei, who works in the ICT department at the Police Services Center in Schoonhoven, is said to be seriously injured or in unknown condition, with investigators pursuing leads. In the north, sirens sounded as blasts or cross-border fire from Lebanon prompted security alerts, adding to the sense of regional volatility.In US Policy Concerning Israel, former president Donald Trump is reportedly weighing a wartime visit to Israel to receive the Israel Prize on Independence Day. The prize recognizes what the Education Ministry describes as Trump’s work in fighting antisemitism, aiding the return of hostages, recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, and supporting Israel’s right to defend itself. He is said to be considering traveling to Jerusalem in April to accept the honor on Israel’s national holiday.In Israeli Domestic Politics, Israeli settlers are accused of burning buildings and cars in attacks on several West Bank villages. Palestinian residents described arson in Fandaqumiya near Jenin and in Jalud, where a medical center was torched and Hebrew graffiti appeared on a mosque. Local residents report injuries in separate assaults near Deir al-Hatab, with ten Palestinians wounded, as the army condemned violence in the region.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.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1299873https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1299874https://worldisraelnews.com/dimona-residents-say-sense-of-security-shaken-after-iranian-missile-strike/https://www.jpost.com/international/article-890834https://t.me/DefenderDome/19564https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-890833https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-890830https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-890831https://www.jpost.com/international/article-890832https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1299862https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-890835https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/03/israeli-settlers-burn-buildings-attacks-west-bank-villages