Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-03-26 at 23:02

HEADLINES
- US weighs 10k more troops in Mideast
- Hezbollah rockets surge, 3,500 launched since March
- Mittal sues Unilever over Ben Jerry's

The time is now 11:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In US Military Role, the United States is weighing sending up to 10,000 additional ground troops to the Middle East amid negotiations with Iran, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing Defense Department officials. The force would likely include infantry and armored vehicles, in addition to the 82nd Airborne Division already deployed to the region, to give President Donald Trump more military options. Experts have noted that the 82nd’s deployment could be aimed at Iranian interests such as Kharg Island in the Persian Gulf, though it is unclear where any extra forces would be stationed or deployed. A Deputy White House Press Secretary said that all announcements on troop deployments will come from the Department of War, and that the President already has all military options at his disposal. CENTCOM declined to comment.

In Regional Impacts, the Home Front Command update says the red alert event ended in Beit Hillel, Margaliot, and Kiryat Shmona. Overnight rocket launches from Iran included at least one missile carrying a cluster warhead. In Nahariya, Uri Peretz was killed by a missile and 25 people were evacuated to hospital. Investigations are continuing into the death of Yehuda Sherman near Homesh in a ramming attack, and Sergeant Aviad Elhanan Wollenski was killed by an anti-tank missile in Lebanon. The update notes security actions in southern Lebanon as the conflict continues.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, As Hezbollah rockets fall, emergency medics in Israel’s North work double shifts. When sirens sounded in a northern town, Ala Ghassan, a paramedic trainee with Magen David Adom, rushed toward the shelter at the Kiryat Shmona station, as Hezbollah coordinated with Iran to launch a strike on northern Israel, firing more than 200 missiles in a few hours. Since Hezbollah joined the conflict on March 2, it has launched more than 3,500 rockets, missiles, and drones at Israel. Several Israelis have been killed, including a woman who was about to be married and a man killed in Nahariya. Local leaders have demanded a better strategy to protect residents. Ghassan, 21, described staying focused on the job as the team responded to damage and treated victims.

In Israeli Economy and Business, Unilever and its Magnum ice cream unit were sued for defamation on Thursday by Anuradha Mittal, who was ousted in December as chair of Ben & Jerry’s independent board. Mittal seeks unspecified compensatory and punitive damages, arguing the companies vilified and discredited her for supporting Palestinian rights. The complaint, filed in federal court in Oakland, says the defamation included claims she engaged in self-dealing, received improper benefits, diverted funds from the Ben & Jerry’s Foundation, created a toxic work environment, and was unfit to remain board chair following internal investigations. Unilever did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Magnum said the claims are unfounded and they are confident the court process will show this. Mittal’s support for Palestinian rights and a Gaza ceasefire, the suit says, rankled Unilever, and it notes the Magnum spinoff in March 2024.

In Uplifting News, Maccabi Tel Aviv keeps Euroleague Playoff hopes alive with a win over Fenerbahce. The 94-89 victory highlighted the club’s Israeli contingent, with Roman Sorkin and Tamir Blatt delivering standout performances alongside captain John DiBartolomeo and fellow Israelis Oshae Brissett, Jimmy Clark, and Jaylen Hoard. Maccabi improved to 16-16 and sits 12th with six games remaining, remaining in contention for a Play-In spot as they visit Belgrade to face the league-leading Fenerbahce.

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/middle-east/iran-news/article-891382
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1301754
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-891385
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-891381
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/sports/article-891384