Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-03-31 at 21:06

HEADLINES
Last Best Chance to Stop Iran's Nuclear
Syria Says Israel Rejected Normalization Talks
Maccabi Tel Aviv Keeps Play-In Hopes Alive

The time is now 9:05 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In US war on Iran, officials and lawmakers describe a critical moment in the campaign to block Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. Senator Marco Rubio said in a video posted to the White House’s X page that there is a “last best chance” to prevent a nuclear Islamic regime, arguing that a country run by radical clerics with an apocalyptic vision must not be allowed to possess such weapons. He framed Iran as “on the verge” of a weapons program too strong to overcome and said Tehran has refused offers to pursue civilian energy alongside, or instead of, weapons. Rubio contended that Iran has been offered every opportunity to pursue a peaceful energy program and has rejected it each time. In separate remarks, President Trump said a deal with Iran was not mandatory to wind down the conflict, telling reporters that if Tehran would not strike a deal, the United States could put Iran “into the stone age” and then leave. He described the path to ending the campaign as potentially swift, saying the exit could come in as little as two weeks to three, while insisting Iran does not have to make a deal with the United States. Earlier, Defense Secretary Hegseth described the coming days of the operation as decisive, while declining to offer a fixed timeline. The framing of these statements underscores the administration’s aim of preventing a nuclear capability, even as questions remain about how and when a broader resolution might occur.

In Israel refused normalization with Syria last minute, the Syrian president emphasized that efforts to normalize relations with Israel had been halted unexpectedly. Ahmed al-Sharaa said during an appearance in London that Syria had reached good points in talks but that Israel changed its mind at the last minute. He noted that Syria had pursued direct and indirect dialogue and negotiations, and he suggested that Iran’s intervention in Syria has complicated regional dynamics, contributing to the upheaval experienced by Syrians. Al-Sharaa asserted that Syria has “no problem with Iran in Tehran,” but does have concerns about Iran’s activities in Damascus, and he stressed a preference for negotiations over war due to the risks such conflicts entail. He framed Syria as maintaining restraint in its relations with Iran, and he reiterated Syria’s stance that Hezbollah remains a factor in the region, while insisting that as long as Syria is not attacked by any party, it will stay outside wider conflict. The remarks reflect the fragile, multi-layered balance of regional alliances and adversaries as Syria navigates its position amid regional tensions and external influence.

In Angela Buchdahl: This Passover, have faith in the story of the Exodus, the senior rabbi of a major New York City congregation reflects on leadership, identity, and meaning during a season of renewal. Buchdahl, the author of Heart of a Stranger, discusses the challenges of being a Zionist rabbinic figure in North America and finding purpose this Passover. The conversation is part of a broader What Matters Now series featuring Buchdahl in dialogue with host Jessica Steinberg, touching on themes of rising antisemitism in the workplace and public discourse, and how Jewish identity has come to the fore in recent years as she navigates her role and her memoir tour. The discussion centers on the enduring significance of the Exodus story for contemporary Jewish life and the ways faith and tradition speak to current events and personal belonging.

In Maccabi Tel Aviv keeps Play-In hopes alive, the Euroleague season remains alive for the Israeli club as five games remain on the schedule. Maccabi Tel Aviv defeated Dubai 104-100 in overtime to preserve its playoff push, moving to 17-16 and holding a tiebreaker over Dubai thanks to the head-to-head results. The win keeps the team within striking distance of a Play-In berth, though they remain two victories shy of a coveted spot given the current standings. The club has been operating without key contributors, with Iffe Lundberg sidelined for an estimated two to three weeks and TJ Leaf having undergone surgery earlier in the season. Jeff Dowtin Jr. has seen limited minutes, and Gur Lavy is out for an undetermined period, underscoring the challenges facing Oded Katash’s squad as it fights for a postseason chance.

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/international/article-891857
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-891856
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-891855
https://www.timesofisrael.com/angela-buchdahl-this-passover-have-faith-in-the-story-of-the-exodus/
https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/03/trump-says-us-could-end-iran-war-two-three-weeks-0
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/bkc0frkjzx
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/sports/article-891853