Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-03-29 at 13:02

HEADLINES
IRGC Commander Hassan Hasanzadeh killed in clashes
Iran’s Mojtaba Khamenei unseen rare address
Netanyahu expands buffer zone into Lebanon

The time is now 1:02 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, Hassan Hasanzadeh, commander of the Mohammad Rasoulallah force of the IRGC and responsible for coordinating and commanding the ground forces of the Revolutionary Guards and Basij forces in Tehran, was eliminated.

In Iranian Retaliation, Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei issued a rare message thanking Iraqi paramilitary groups for support during the war, but the message offered no public indication that he is alive and he has not been seen publicly since the conflict began last month. A separate development concerns a report from the Jewish Institute for National Security of America warning that the United States and Israel face an interceptor shortage as the war unfolds, even as more than 90 percent of missiles and drones have been intercepted; the analysis notes Iran’s use of cluster munitions and its aim of degrading air defenses by striking radar, satellite dishes and communications links.

In US Military Role, a Jerusalem Post roundup notes discussion of a possible US ground invasion and features commentary by Shifra Jacobs.

In Regional Impacts, Netanyahu announced an expansion of Israel’s buffer zone in Lebanon to deter invasion and push anti-tank missile fire away from the border, describing a paradigm shift in Israel’s wars and security concepts and saying three security zones have been created deep inside enemy territory in Lebanon, Gaza and Syria; he urged government ministries to assist residents and mourned soldiers who have fallen. Protests erupted in the Syrian Christian town of Al-Suqaylabiyah after sectarian violence, with residents calling for tighter arms control, compensation and investigations. The international airport in Bushehr in southern Iran was attacked yesterday, with passenger halls among those hit. The IDF Home Front Command issued a warning for civilians near the Ne’ot Hovav industrial zone south of Beersheba to remain indoors due to concerns of a hazardous materials leak after Iran’s ballistic missile attack, with a debris strike triggering a large fire and rescue teams deployed to the scene.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, a day and a half after the Houthis joined the campaign, two missiles were launched; observers say the group is not a game changer and is largely absorbed within the broader downturn in Iran’s missile-launch activity.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, during the sirens in Beersheba tonight, a police officer protected a civilian. In a family dispute, Arnon Sagal is set to appear on Patriots tonight to defend the name of the settlers after a father and AmihG condemned what they termed settler violence. Israel’s Smotrich said there is a shortage of fighters and alleged that Eisenkot closed six armored brigades.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, pro-Palestine French politician Rima Hassan was denied entry to Canada, blaming an undisclosed “Israel lobby” in the denial. A Palestinian journalist’s post insulting Jordanians and ties to Israel sparked outrage, leading to her suspension by the Palestinian Authority and a formal investigation.

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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