Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-03-17 at 10:02

HEADLINES
- Israel strikes Ali Larijani in Lion Roar
- Khamenei rejects deescalation defeats US and Israel
- Airlines suspend flights to Israel and Dubai

The time is now 10:02 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Operation Lion's Roar, Israel says Ali Larijani, Iran's top security official and a de facto leader within the regime's security apparatus, was the target of an operation following the assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on February 28. Defense sources say Larijani was constantly moving to different secret locations over the last two weeks, taking precautions to delay and avoid detection by Israel. They note that extensive intelligence and operational resources were poured into locating him, with "special capabilities" tracking him and a rapid decision by IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant-General Eyal Zamir enabling air force action.

In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, observers point to the broader consequences of ongoing hostilities as Iran seeks to project power while Tehran faces strategic strain after high-profile leadership moves. Analysts say the strikes leave a leadership gap in Tehran amid growing instability. In central Israel, three waves of cluster missiles were fired from Iran, triggering sirens across the region and causing damage in Holon, Tel Aviv, Or Yehuda and Rinatya as interception debris rained down; there were no reported injuries. The latest missile was intercepted successfully.

In Iranian Retaliation, Iran's new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei is described as rejecting de-escalation proposals and demanding that the United States and Israel be brought to their knees, a stance described by a senior official as “very tough and serious.” The official noted that two intermediary countries had conveyed proposals aimed at reducing tensions or a ceasefire, but the supreme leader said it was not the right time for peace until the adversaries are defeated.

In Regional Impacts, British Airways says it will suspend all flights to Israel and Dubai until the summer, with Doha suspended until the end of April and the Abu Dhabi route canceled until further notice this year. Lufthansa and other carriers announced they would not fly to Tel Aviv until at least April 2, while Wizz Air extended its suspension to Israel until April 7. The moves reflect widespread caution about airspace stability in the region amid ongoing tensions.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, the IDF says it is reviewing reports that Lebanese Armed Forces soldiers were wounded in a strike near Froun in southern Lebanon. The army reiterated that its operations target Hezbollah and not the Lebanese Armed Forces or civilians, as forces from the 36th Division conduct a limited ground operation alongside the 91st Division to strengthen Israel’s northern defenses and remove threats.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, the director of the National Counterterrorism Center, Joe Kent, has resigned, saying he cannot in good conscience back the administration’s war in Iran. Kent wrote on social media that Iran posed no imminent threat to the United States and that the war began due to pressure from Israel and its influential American lobby.

In Israeli Economy and Business, investors are nearing the end of a fundraising round for the Israeli AI firm mulटיקול, with more than 100 investors contributing over 4.2 million shekels. The group invites interested backers to join a WhatsApp investors group as the round closes; the report notes the round was first disclosed by the Satum Investors channel.

In Uplifting News, a green guenon monkey identified as No. 64 was rescued in Kafr Qasim after authorities detained a suspect in a wildlife trafficking probe. The monkey, kept in poor conditions in a yard, was transferred to the Israel Nature and Parks Authority and will later receive veterinary evaluation and rehabilitation at the Israeli Monkey Sanctuary. The suspect, a Kafr Qasim resident in his 50s, was summoned for further questioning, and authorities reminded the public that private possession of wild animals is prohibited by law.

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.

SOURCES
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