Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-03-29 at 14:03

HEADLINES
Tehran strike near Mehrabad missile intercepted
Israel expands Lebanon buffer zone medics killed
US mulls ground troops for Iran operation

The time is now 2:02 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, a strike in Tehran near Mehrabad Airport and an Iranian missile intercepted were reported. A strike occurred in Tehran near Mehrabad Airport, and a missile from Iran was intercepted.

In Regional Impacts, electricity was cut in large parts of Karaj west of Tehran, apparently following attacks cited by Iranian opposition sources; around 21:00 Tehran time, explosions and the sound of fighter jets were heard near the Karaj power plant, and power was then cut across most of Karaj and western Tehran. Separately, in Syria, residents of Al-Suqaylabiyah protested after homes and shops were burned in sectarian violence, calling for investigations, tighter arms control, and accountability, highlighting ongoing sectarian tensions that have intensified since 2024.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Israel said it would expand its buffer zone in Lebanon to deter invasion and push anti-tank missile fire away from the border, describing it as part of a broader shift in its security approach. In a separate operation, Israel conducted a targeted airstrike on Hezbollah fighters serving as combat medics in Bint Jbeil, southern Lebanon, killing two people described as a father and son.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, officials have said that by early next week the United States could deploy sufficient ground forces to the Middle East to support a potential ground operation against Iran, with thousands of Marines and paratroopers arriving and discussions of deploying up to 10,000 infantry troops; options reportedly include seizing Iran’s Kharg Island and conducting raids along coastal areas near the Strait of Hormuz. Another line of reporting cites President Trump saying the US is working to take control of the Strait of Hormuz, with coordination with Netanyahu described as tight and noting that Iran is “begging for a deal.” A Jerusalem Post roundup of headlines on the topic notes coverage of these discussions and related commentary.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee criticized the police’s blocking of Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa and three other priests from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre on Palm Sunday, calling the move an unfortunate overreach given safety guidelines restricting gatherings. A late evening poll cited in local media shows Netanyahu’s bloc at 53 seats against 67 for opponents, with Bennett and other figures experiencing shifts in support. Separately, Israeli forces arrested around 30 Arabs attempting to cross illegally from the West Bank into Israel near the separation wall by the village of Faqqu’a, northeast of Jenin.

In Israeli Economy and Business, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems is reporting a major move moving forward, with preparations under way and discussions returning to the table soon, signaling a significant step for the company and its defense initiatives.

In Uplifting News, ZAKA volunteers described the emotional toll of their work, with one volunteer recalling that, in the critical moment of placing a deceased person into a bag, he told himself, “this is the last time I saw him,” underscoring the heavy human cost behind rescue and recovery efforts. A companion account echoed the same sentiment, highlighting the resolve and compassion that drive volunteers in the face of tragedy.

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.

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