Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-03-23 at 00:01

HEADLINES- Iran escalates civilian strikes as capabilities wane- Ben-Gurion cuts departures to 50 passengers- London antisemitic arson destroys Hatzola ambulancesThe time is now 12:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Iranian Retaliation, US CENTCOM chief Admiral Brad Cooper tells Iran International that the Islamic regime intensified strikes on civilian targets as its military capabilities decline and pressure mounts in the conflict. Cooper says Iran is acting out of desperation, with more than 300 civilian-targeted attacks in recent weeks, and that its military capabilities have deteriorated since operations Roaring Lion and Epic Fury began on February 28. The strain has pushed Tehran to reduce attacks on neighboring states and Israel; where early in the conflict there were large volumes of drones and missiles, the pace now tends to one or two at a time. He also notes that the United States and its allies are working to secure shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz, and that naval pressure has included sinking or severely damaging around 140 vessels since the operation began. The Strait of Hormuz is physically open to transit.In Regional Impacts, Israel’s Ben-Gurion Airport is adjusting departing capacity, with only 50 passengers allowed per departing flight starting Monday morning. The reduction follows a period when 120 to 150 passengers were allowed, and the number of flights will be limited to one landing and one takeoff per hour; incoming flights will remain unchanged. Airlines are determining which passengers will board tomorrow, per security requirements. One passenger scheduled to depart is the prime minister’s wife, Sara Netanyahu, who is set to attend the First Ladies of the World conference in Washington. El Al has canceled flights to dozens of destinations through March 27, canceling about 25,000 tickets in the week before Pesach.In the Gulf, UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan said the Emirates will “never be blackmailed by terrorists” in response to criticism of its Iran policy. The UAE’s Defense Ministry said air defenses were activated after detecting missiles and drones launched at the Gulf state. Since Iranian attacks began, Iran has launched 15 cruise missiles, 345 ballistic missiles, and 1,773 drones.On global markets, stocks tumbled and oil prices rose as Trump and Iranian leaders traded threats over the Strait of Hormuz, with Israel noting the conflict could drag on for weeks. The head of the International Energy Agency warned of the worst global energy crisis in decades, and said the world economy is under major threat, with inflation pressures and fertiliser supply concerns cited as part of the risk. The United States has issued a 48-hour deadline to reopen the Strait, warning of energy infrastructure strikes if Tehran does not comply, while the waterway remained effectively closed.Away from the immediate flashpoints, Trump and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke by phone, agreeing that reopening the Strait of Hormuz is essential to stabilizing the global energy market and planning to speak again soon. The British government had recently authorized the United States to use British military bases to strike Iranian missile sites that are attacking ships in the Strait. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said 22 countries have joined the effort to help reopen the Strait, with the United Kingdom at the forefront.In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, authorities are investigating an apparent antisemitic arson attack on the Hatzola Northwest Jewish volunteer ambulance service in London’s Golders Green. Surveillance footage circulating online appears to show hooded or masked men pouring gasoline on the ambulances before fleeing. Four ambulances appear to have been destroyed. London’s Fire Service said it was in attendance but could not confirm the cause of the incident or whether an explosion occurred at this stage. Hatzola Northwest is a registered charity providing 24/7 emergency medical response within a 2.5 mile radius, staffed by 61 medics and paramedics.In Uplifting News, Beit Shemesh tragedy: siblings recall losing their mother and sister in a missile strike, and the two DJs vow to keep playing, saying, “We chose joy for them.”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/middle-east/iran-news/article-890850https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-890849https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-890848https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/03/asian-stocks-tumble-trump-gives-iran-48-hour-ultimatumhttps://www.jpost.com/international/article-890847https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-890851https://www.ynetnews.com/article/hjfef70qbl