Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-03-13 at 21:02

HEADLINESIranian Strike Damages Five US RefuelersUS Strikes Kharg Island Military TargetsQatar Intercepts Missile Aimed at DohaThe time is now 9:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Iranian Retaliation, five US Air Force refueling planes were struck and damaged on the ground at Prince Sultan air base in Saudi Arabia during an Iranian missile strike on the base in recent days. No fatalities reported, but the planes are undergoing repairs. The update indicates that at least seven Air Force refueling planes have been damaged or destroyed in recent days, and this figure follows a Thursday incident in which two KC-135 refueling planes collided, resulting in one aircraft crashing to the ground. Tragically, all six crew members aboard were killed, as confirmed by the Pentagon on Friday.In US Military Role, CENTCOM struck Kharg Island, one of Iran's main oil terminals, according to US President Donald Trump. "Moments ago, at my direction, the United States Central Command executed one of the most powerful bombing raids in the History of the Middle East, and totally obliterated every MILITARY target in Iran’s crown jewel, Kharg Island," Trump wrote. He said the strikes were focused on military targets on the island and avoided the oil installations, which provide a naval exit for almost 90% of the Iranian oil exports. "Our weapons are the most powerful and sophisticated that the world has ever known, but, for reasons of decency, I have chosen not to wipe out the oil Infrastructure on the island," Trump said. In a subsequent post, he said Iran had plans of taking over the entire Middle East, and completely obliterating Israel. Just like Iran itself, those plans are now dead. His remarks came as he spoke to reporters at Joint Base Andrews while leaving Air Force One, and he noted that the goals for the war with Iran might differ somewhat between the United States and Israel.In Regional Impacts, Qatar said its armed forces intercepted a missile attack that was aimed at Doha, according to the Qatari Defense Ministry. Explosions were heard in Doha, and the Interior Ministry said certain areas were being evacuated as a precaution to safeguard the public, urging residents to rely on official information.In US Policy Concerning Israel, Lebanon’s bid for historic negotiations with Israel was rebuffed as the United States said the opportunity had passed. Beirut had said President Joseph Aoun had initiated direct ceasefire talks with Israel and even weighed normalization, but Israel did not respond, and sources say the United States and Israel distrust Lebanon's government for failing to confront Hezbollah.In Israeli Domestic Politics, after a situation assessment, the Home Front Command announced that people may leave the protected space. The Pentagon says cooperation with Israel is changing the campaign after the elimination of top Hezbollah leaders. The Israeli military chief directed preparations for a possible ground maneuver in Lebanon. There was a shooting incident in Umm al-Fahm involving two men, with a 25-year-old man dying from his injuries. The Mossad continues to threaten the Basij, and such messages have been directed to the Iranian public. Sirens were heard in several areas, including Beit She’an Valley, the West Bank region of Samaria, the Wadi Ara, the valleys; sirens also in Sharon. A separate report noted sirens in the Galilee region.In Uplifting News, Janet McCain Huckabee, the wife of former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee, is described as a versatile public figure whose pursuits have ranged from jet skiing the Arkansas River to bungee jumping and learning how to fly an airplane; she has been widely described as the “First Tomboy” by local media and speaks about her role as the ambassador’s wife, emphasizing faith and family as guiding priorities. She and Huckabee will celebrate their 52nd anniversary this spring, and they have three children. In a profile of Melania Trump, the first lady of the United States, she is described as the second foreign-born first lady in US history and the only first lady to become a naturalized citizen (in 2006); she is the second Roman Catholic first lady. She met Donald Trump in 1998, and they married seven years later; their son Barron was born in 2006. She stepped back from modeling after marriage and has pursued ventures with her husband, including a jewelry line and skincare products, working with a business adviser to brand those ventures.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/international/article-889882https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-889881https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-889880https://www.ynetnews.com/article/sjhusxf9bxhttps://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1296030https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1296029https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1296028https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1296027https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1296026https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1296025https://www.jpost.com/american-politics/article-889617https://www.jpost.com/american-politics/article-889598