Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-03-18 at 14:02

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The time is now 2.02 pm in New York. I'm Noah Levi and this is the latest Israel today,

ongoing war report. In direct Israeli-Ran clashes, many senior members of Iran's political

and military echelons have been killed in strikes since Operation roaring lion began on February 28.

In the past two days, Israel killed Ali Larajani and former intelligence minister Esmil Kartib,

who is still believed to be alive, what roles they play, and how influential are they in leading Iran.

Supreme leader Majtaba Kaminay succeeded his father Ali, who was killed in an Israeli strike on

February 28. He was confirmed in the position on March 8, following a short interim period,

closely tied to leadership within the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Kaminay is believed to have

been the IRGC's preferred choice to succeed his father. Kaminay is believed to have been

seriously injured in Israeli strikes, including possibly in a coma. His wife and at least one of his

sons were killed in the strike that killed his father. As Supreme leader, Kaminay holds absolute

power over Iranian politics, policy, and the military, with all political bodies ultimately reporting

to his office. Masoud Pizeshkin has served as president of Iran since July 2024. The leader of the

so-called reformist faction, he was elected over other hard-aligned candidates. In U.S. military

role, U.S. intelligence chief, Iran's regime intact, but weakened by Operation Epic Fury.

U.S. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard testified that Iran's regime remains

intact, but largely degraded by Operation Epic Fury, and that Tehran and its proxies remain

capable of attacking U.S. and allied interests in the Middle East. The hearing before the Senate

intelligence committee's annual threat assessment highlighted that, even with degradation,

the regime and its proxies can strike in the region. And if a hostile regime survives,

it will seek to begin a year's long effort to rebuild its missiles and UAV forces. The session

focused on the Iran war now in its third week, with lawmakers seeking more information about an

air campaign that has killed thousands of people, disrupted the lives of millions, and shaken

energy and security concerns. In U.S. policy concerning Israel, not all opposition to war is

created equal. There is a difference between an argument about costs and risks, and a narrative

that attributes policy to a hidden motive. Joe Kent, the director of the National Counterterrorism

Center, resigned over policy differences with President Donald Trump regarding the Iran war.

A green beret veteran, Kent's departure was framed by some outlets as emblematic of anti-war

sentiment within the administration. The New York Times ran a headline declaring,

a top U.S. counterterrorism official resigns, citing the Iran war.

While the forward highlighted Kent's alleged ties to white supremacist groups in reporting

that he resigned over Iran policy and blamed Israel, the discussion around Kent underscores

that dissent is not monolithic. And the peace emphasizes that his objection speaks to the

substance of policy rather than implying a broader shift in approach within Trump's circle.

In uplifting news, Pakistan and Taliban declare Eid Al-Fitr ceasefire in conflict that has killed

hundreds. Pakistan announced a ceasefire with Afghanistan's Taliban on Wednesday,

and the Taliban government said it would pause military operations against Pakistan,

both statements aimed at allowing Eid Al-Fitr celebrations.

Separately, the Pakistani military said a Kabul site hit by a Pakistani airstrike.

This week was used for storing drones and military-grade ordnance,

and for training suicide bombers. The Taliban had said the strike targeted a rehab center

and killed more than 400 people. The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan

put the death toll at 143, an official told Reuters.

Pakistan rejected the Taliban claim that the rehab center was targeted,

saying the strike hit military installations and terrorist support infrastructure.

Independent experts said it was challenging. Thank you for tuning into this Israel today,

ongoing war report update. I'm Noah 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.

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