Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-03-29 at 16:03

HEADLINESIsrael strikes Tehran ballistic missile sitesUS deploys Marines as Iran threat risesLebanon orders Iranian ambassador to leaveThe time is now 4:02 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Operation Lion's Roar, dozens of Israeli Air Force fighter jets carried out an additional wave of airstrikes targeting Iranian terrorist regime infrastructure sites in Tehran, focusing on crippling weapons production capabilities. More than 120 munitions were launched at sites used for the research, development, and production of weapons, including a facility for the development of critical components for ballistic missiles; a site used by the IRGC’s military industries for the research and development of ballistic missile systems and various satellite launchers; and an Iranian military research, development, and weapons production site. Simultaneously, the IDF struck storage and launch sites for ballistic missiles and several regime aerial defense systems. Over the past 24 hours, more than 150 fighter jets have attacked weapons production sites across Tehran, and the strikes on the regime’s military industries there are ongoing.In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, power outages were reported in Tehran and Karaj after shrapnel struck a high-voltage tower in Alborz province, with authorities working to restore power. The energy ministry said the outages followed attacks by the American-Zionist enemy on electricity industry facilities in Tehran and Alborz. Deputy Energy Minister Mustafa Rajabi Mashhadi said several power transmission stations have been installed and power would be restored to Tehran and Karaj in a few hours. Hours after the outage report, the IDF said it was striking Iranian terror regime targets across Tehran. The IAEA also reported that the heavy water production plant at Khondab, attacked on Friday, was no longer operational.In US Military Role, US officials have indicated that escalation could follow if Iran does not pursue a diplomatic path, including the possibility of a ground operation. By early next week the US military is expected to deploy sufficient ground forces to the Middle East to support a potential operation against Iran. Thousands of Marines and paratroopers are arriving in the US Central Command area in the coming days, and the administration is considering deploying another 10,000 infantry troops to the region. Among the options presented to the president is a plan to seize Iran’s Kharg oil island and conduct raids along coastal areas near the Strait of Hormuz to prevent Iran from targeting ships transiting the waterway. Iran has not yet responded to President Trump’s 15-point proposal.In Regional Impacts, Gaza is reported to be receiving over 70,000 cubic meters of water per day, according to COGAT in response to UNRWA’s claim that freshwater supplies in Gaza were severely limited and polluted due to a sewage infrastructure collapse. COGAT said UNRWA’s claims were false and noted four active pipelines into Gaza: Nahal Oz, Bani Suheila, Birkat Sa’id, and the Emirati line. The agency said it continues to repair water infrastructure even during combat to ensure civilians have access to safe, potable water, while acknowledging challenges in local groundwater resources.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, the Iranian ambassador to Lebanon refused to leave the country after being declared persona non grata, with Beirut indicating expulsion but not enforcing departure. Hezbollah and Amal lawmakers had boycotted parliamentary sessions following the government’s decision to expel the Iranian diplomat. Lebanon’s foreign minister said he instructed the Secretary-General to summon the Iranian Chargé d’Affaires and inform him of the decision to withdraw agrément and request departure by 29 March 2026.In Israeli Domestic Politics, a fractured opposition appears to have handed Netanyahu a full term as the budget is set to pass on Monday morning, ensuring the sixth Netanyahu government will complete its four-year term. Opposition infighting is cited as undermining efforts to unseat him, even after October 7. Former IDF chief Gadi Eisenkot rejected Naftali Bennett’s offer to unite parties, saying he would not serve as anyone’s number two and reaffirming his leadership ambitions.In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, the UK Green Party’s planned vote on a Zionism is racism motion did not proceed after a string of no-confidence motions consumed conference time, preventing debate on the controversial proposal.In Uplifting News, Pope Leo XIV addressed tens of thousands in St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City on Palm Sunday, the start of Holy Week leading to Easter, saying that God rejects the prayers of leaders who start wars and have “hands full of blood,” and that Jesus, the King of Peace, does not listen to prayers used to justify war.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. 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