Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-03-09 at 11:03

HEADLINES- IDF: Iran missile launchers down 75 percent- Missile fragment lands near children herding sheep- St.-Sergeant Or Demry killed in LebanonThe time is now 11:02 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Operation Lion's Roar, the Israel Defense Forces say Iran can sustain its fire for an extended period even after reporting a 75 percent reduction in ballistic missile launchers, a figure that rose from 65 percent two days earlier. The military said it destroyed about three-quarters of Iran’s missile launchers by Saturday night, while missile launches dropped to fewer than 20 on a recent day from 100 on the war’s first day and 20 to 25 in recent days. Still, there were notable strikes in Israel on Sunday and Monday, and rocket sirens and the threat level have stayed elevated in the days since, signaling that early gains may not guarantee a rapid end to the threat. On the home front, public opinion appears supportive: a new Institute for National Security Studies poll shows more than 80 percent of Israelis back the campaign, with broad cross‑party backing and high trust in the Israel Defense Forces, the Air Force, and the Home Front Command. Yet the data also reveal nuance: about 63 percent say the operation should continue until the Iranian regime falls, but only about 22 percent believe that outcome is the most likely. The same survey suggests a similar pattern in views on Iran’s nuclear program, with only a small share forecasting regime change as likely.In Iranian Retaliation, a large fragment of an Iranian missile landed near children herding sheep in the Binyamin region, with debris bearing inscriptions commemorating martyrs and a verse from the Quran. No injuries were reported, though a boy described seeing the fragment fall as sirens wailed and his brothers stood nearby; local officials said the piece landed close to a farmer tending his flock and a regional leader visited the site. In a separate update from Magen David Adom, there were no reports of injuries or falls at that time, though a few people were treated for minor injuries on the way to a protected space, and authorities indicated more updates would follow as needed while plans for education and civil arrangements were adjusted to the ongoing threat.In US Military Role, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has become a prominent figure in Israeli coverage since the war began on February 28, delivering tough talk on Iran, praising Israel, and arguing the campaign is producing decisive progress and will not become an endless war. Reportedly, he spoke with Israel’s defense minister, urging Israel to keep going “until the end,” with the defense minister’s office saying, “We are with you.” Israeli outlets quickly highlighted his appearances, portraying him as a central, recurring figure in the narrative of the war.In Regional Impacts, the Tourism Ministry says Israeli airlines will provide an exit route for tourists fleeing the conflict, opening an emergency framework for urgent cases. People can book flights with El Al, Israir, Arkia, and Haifa Air, through the official airline sites or authorized travel agents, with the government and airlines offering dedicated assistance for those in need. The ministry notes that submitting the emergency form does not guarantee a booking and that this option is intended for travelers who cannot secure a flight through regular channels. Separately, two bomb shelter fires in central Israel led to 17 people hospitalized with smoke inhalation. The first fire occurred in Petah Tikva around 11:30 a.m. and the second in Yavne around 12:30 p.m., with eight victims treated at Kaplan Medical Center and authorities evacuating 16 families to a nearby school for initial care while searches for any trapped residents continued and investigators examined the causes.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, St.-Sergeant Or Demry was killed in Lebanon combat, the Israel Defense Forces confirmed, after being ambushed while serving in a forward defensive capacity intended to shield northern Israeli residents. The soldier, 20, from Liman, belonged to the Combat Engineering Corps in the 91st Division; a deputy company commander arrived with a D9 bulldozer to assist in extricating a vehicle, but the vehicle was struck by Hezbollah fire, killing Demry and another soldier, M.-Sergeant Maher Khatar, 38, from Majdal Shams. Critics questioned armor choices, but the defense establishment defended the mix of equipment used. Separately, legal scholars and practitioners discussed the ongoing debate over the Iran war, framing the campaign as a lawful preemptive action under international law. Proponents cite the Caroline Test to justify strikes when danger is instant and overwhelming, arguing that Israel is fulfilling its duty to protect citizens by acting against an ongoing, mobilized threat rather than launching an unprovoked escalation.In US Policy Concerning Israel, a report notes that a Republican senator expressed dismay over Israeli strikes on Iranian oil depots, and that there are reports the Trump administration privately criticized Jerusalem over the strikes. The coverage portrays strain within some circles over the strains and aims of the campaign, reflecting domestic debate about how to balance alliance commitments with wider regional and geopolitical considerations.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/israel-news/defense-news/article-889370https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-889308https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-889367https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1294085https://www.jpost.com/omg/article-889325https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-889357https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-889364https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-889365https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-889360https://worldisraelnews.com/trump-dismayed-over-israeli-strikes-on-iranian-oil-depots-report/