Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-03-29 at 10:03

HEADLINES
Iranian missile fragment sparks Neot Hovav fire
Israel kills Hamas cell in central Gaza
Syrian tunnels near Homs linked to Hezbollah

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 Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, an Iranian missile fragment struck the industrial zone of Ne'ot Hovav on Sunday afternoon, starting a fire and raising the possibility of a hazardous chemical leak. Israel’s Environmental Protection Ministry said the possibility of a leak was being investigated, but there is currently no expected risk to nearby towns in the Ramat Negev Regional Council. One person was lightly wounded by the shockwave, and police blocked Highway 40 while the Regional Council advised residents to seek alternative routes as the situation develops. Separately, an Iranian state news agency reported that Iran attacked a facility connected to Israel’s military industries in the southern territories, a claim issued as a warning to Israel over attacks on Iranian facilities.

In Regional Impacts, Israeli forces identified and killed overnight a cell of about ten Hamas militants operating in central Gaza. In a separate operation, troops from Brigade 188 killed Ahmad Fais Salim Abu Ridah, a militant released in the past under the Wings of Freedom deal who returned to terrorism, violated release terms, and posed a threat to Israeli forces.

In the the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, the Syrian Army discovered two tunnels linking Syrian and Lebanese territory near the village of Housh Al-Sayyid Ali, west of Homs. The tunnels were used by Hezbollah and Lebanese Shi’a gangs for smuggling, and Syrian authorities have sealed both tunnels.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, was prevented from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre by Israel Police as he and Fr. Francesco Ielpo moved to celebrate Palm Sunday Mass; the incident came as Palm Sunday celebrations and the annual procession were canceled due to security concerns and restrictions. The Patriarchate said the leaders were traveling privately and not as part of a procession, and called the restriction a grave precedent that disregards the sensibilities of billions who look to Jerusalem this week.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, a separate analysis notes that safe rooms in Israel are not designed to withstand direct missile hits; following last year’s Petah Tikva tragedies, Home Front Command officials explained that direct hits can devastate even well-placed shelters. Experts say a direct hit from a half-ton missile would require a concrete barrier about three meters thick, a standard not present in public shelters; a recent cluster-bomb strike on a safe room did not kill those inside because they were protected, illustrating the limits and ongoing debates about safety.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, a rare step: Eli Ohana has publicly attacked Prime Minister Netanyahu for the first time, signaling a notable shift in political posture.

In Israeli Economy and Business, Arkia canceled flights from Jordan after authorities blocked approvals, forcing the airline to halt those services. Jordanian authorities also did not approve operations to certain European destinations and Bangkok, leading to a complete suspension of Jordanian operations. Some flights have been redirected to Taba, Egypt, where crossing fees have doubled. Arkia had announced shifting most international activity to Taba and Aqaba, Jordan, from Ben-Gurion, with Jordanian operations increasingly moved to Taba, subject to operational approvals.

In Uplifting News, Palm Sunday and the Precision of Prophecy is highlighted, presenting a feature focused on Palm Sunday and themes of prophecy.

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
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-891524
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1302673
https://t.me/newssil/196983
https://t.me/selena_updates/60085
https://www.jpost.com/christianworld/article-891522
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-891518
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1302676
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-891517
https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/74102