Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-03-24 at 12:02

HEADLINES- Israel destroys ballistic missile launcher in Iran- Israel expands security zone to Litani River- Hormuz closure would devastate Asian energy marketsThe time is now 12:02 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Operation Lion's Roar, the Israeli Air Force says it destroyed and removed from use a ballistic missile launcher loaded and ready to fire at Israeli territory, part of a broad airstrike campaign in western Iran. The air force also struck storage and launch sites where ballistic missiles were kept and operated, and targeted personnel from the ballistic missile corps. Four people were injured by shrapnel in a settlement, including a man in moderate condition and two infants in mild condition.In Iranian Retaliation, Israel's Bedouin community rushed to help more than 100 people wounded when Iranian missiles hit Dimona and Arad, offering homes, food, and messages of solidarity. Sager Abu Srehan, a father of six and vice principal at Amal Reut School in Tel Sheva, was among the first to extend help. He said, "We live together with the Jewish society as brothers," and that the country belongs to all of them; he described the partnership across communities as a strength of Israeli society.In Regional Impacts, a New York Times report says the Asian energy market would bear the brunt of a possible closure of the Strait of Hormuz. In 2024, about 80% of Gulf oil exports were destined for Asian nations, with Pakistan, Japan, and China as the main importers. The report notes measures such as a four-day workweek in Pakistan to conserve stockpiles; India is facing cooking gas shortages; Thailand's state fund to subsidize fuel costs ran into a deficit; there are widespread jet fuel shortages causing delays at airports in Asia; Taiwan is also affected.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Israel's defense minister said the country would occupy southern Lebanon up to the Litani River to create a defensive buffer, explaining that Israeli forces would control the remaining bridges and the security zone up to the Litani, about 30 kilometers north of the border. Hezbollah warned it would fight against such an occupation, with a senior lawmaker saying they would resist. Israel has destroyed five bridges over the Litani since March 13 and has accelerated demolition of homes in Lebanese border villages as part of a campaign against Hezbollah rather than civilians. Attacks on civilian infrastructure, including homes and bridges, are cited as problematic under international law.In Israeli Domestic Politics, the Israel National Cyber Directorate chief, Yossi Karadi, said the Iran war has delayed the cyber law he has been pushing for nearly a decade. He hopes the bill can at least pass the first of three Knesset readings before elections, which are set for October; full passage is unlikely before the next parliament in 2027. He had told The Jerusalem Post previously that the latest version of the cyber law would be a priority.In Israeli Economy and Business, traders placed bets worth more than $500 million on oil prices in the minute before a post by the US president indicating a delay in attacks on Iran's energy infrastructure, which triggered a market selloff. Brent crude fell as much as 15% in minutes as the post suggested de-escalation; data show about 5,100 lots of Brent and WTI futures changing hands in that moment, valued well over $500 million; The identity of the traders is not disclosed.In Uplifting News, a light feature highlights a man who devised a creative way to move his cats from place to place, a quirky note of everyday ingenuity.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-1300662https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-891064https://www.jpost.com/business-and-innovation/energy-and-infrastructure/article-891034https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-891052https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-891054https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-891048https://www.jpost.com/american-politics/article-891068https://t.me/newssil/196301