Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-03-31 at 10:02

HEADLINES
Kurdish Forces US Shape Iran Showdown
Tehran Weapons Network Struck by US Israel
Iran Ambassador Stays in Lebanon After Expulsion

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, Kurdish forces and the US military presence are shaping the prospects for Iran’s opposition and the regime’s stability. Reports describe roughly 50,000 American troops already in the Middle East, with the Pentagon bringing in about 5,000 Marines and 2,000 paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne, and a potential 10,000 more ground troops under consideration. A Kurdish leader, Babasheikh Hosseini, said that the Iranian regime would not fall without a ground offensive that includes Kurdish forces, and noted that Hosseini’s group leads a Kurdish opposition party operating from exile in Iraqi Kurdistan. Hosseini helped elaborate the formation of the Coalition of Political Forces of Iranian Kurdistan, of which Khabat became a founding member earlier this year. The situation remains fluid as opposition groups weigh their path forward amid international military moves and diplomatic signals.

The United States and Israel expanded their strikes on Iranian weapons infrastructure in Tehran. The Israeli Defense Forces completed a wave of strikes targeting ballistic missile production and development sites, a ballistic missile research and development facility, and facilities producing components for anti-tank and anti-aircraft missiles. In parallel, the IDF said it was hitting missile launch sites and surface-to-air missile launch positions. The United States has publicly framed these actions as part of a broader effort to degrade Iran’s capabilities, with top military officials noting the ongoing destruction of key Iranian manufacturing and research sites. In a further update, another overnight operation targeted similar weapons infrastructure in Tehran, including ballistic missile warhead production, missile R&D, and component facilities, while continuing to strike launch sites and SAM positions. Separately, Major General Jamshid Eshaqi, an advisor to the Iranian Armed Forces’ Chief of Staff, was killed in an Israeli airstrike.

In the US Military Role, CENTCOM provided the latest update on Operation Epic Fury during a watch briefing, outlining the current status and ongoing actions as the operation progresses.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, a Hamas spokesman identified as Abu Abida II urged Hezbollah operatives to intensify efforts to abduct soldiers to facilitate the release of Palestinian and Arab prisoners held by Israel, signaling continued cross-border tensions in the region. Meanwhile, Lebanon faces its own test as Iran’s ambassador to Lebanon, Mohammad Reza Sheibani, refused to leave the country after being expelled in mid-March for meddling in Lebanon’s internal affairs. Tehran has indicated the ambassador will remain and act as an “illegal resident,” a stance supported by Hezbollah and the Amal party, while Lebanon’s foreign ministry considers legal action. The broader dynamic between Tehran’s proxies and Beirut’s political landscape remains unsettled.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, the United States asked Poland to send a Patriot missile system to the Middle East, but Warsaw declined. Poland’s defense minister said the Patriot systems are used to defend Polish skies and NATO’s eastern front, and there are no plans to transfer them elsewhere.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, a cabinet meeting concluded with remarks attributed to Prime Minister Netanyahu reflecting on morale and national resilience during a time of existential conflict. A commentary attributed to Moti Katsnelson (reported as Moti Kastel in some references) described a “huge industry of despondency” and emphasized presenting the government’s achievements while addressing ongoing challenges. A cabinet member, referred to as Stroock in the report, compared the situation to the Passover seder, urging resolve. Netanyahu appeared to reiterate a message that the Jewish people have faced threats across generations and will continue to defend themselves, stressing that the struggle against extremism remains real beyond any comparisons to neutral contexts like Switzerland.

In Uplifting News, Sami Steigmann, a Holocaust survivor and educator, shared his life story at the StandWithUs Conference in Las Vegas, highlighting resilience and the impact of individuals who helped save his life.

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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https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-891760
https://t.me/selena_updates/60312
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https://t.me/StandWithUsBreakingNews/7948