Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-03-27 at 12:02

HEADLINES
Khandab Heavy Water Reactor Hit, Iran Says
Missile Fragments Rain Across Israel, West Bank
Hezbollah Tunnel Found Beside South Lebanon Church

The time is now 12:02 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Operation Lion's Roar, Iran says US and Israel struck the Khandab heavy water research reactor, with officials from Iran quoting the semi-official Fars News Agency that there were no casualties and no danger to the local population. The report notes the heavy water reactor sits near Arak, and that the attack followed a call from the IDF for residents of Arak to evacuate ahead of possible strikes on regime infrastructure, with evacuation routes illustrated on the IDF’s Persian-language X account. The Jerusalem Post sought comment from the IDF but has not received a reply. This is a developing story. Separately, the Israeli military said it has begun strikes in three areas inside Iran in parallel with other operations, as part of ongoing actions against regime infrastructure.

In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, fragments from Iranian missiles intercepted by air defenses have fallen across Israel and the West Bank, with missiles launched toward the region continuing since the conflict began. Some fragments are four to five meters long, and reports describe objects the size of small trucks crashing to the ground, including in schoolyards and along roadsides. Officials say at least 270 fragments have landed across the West Bank, mainly near Ramallah and also near Nablus, Bethlehem, Hebron, and Salfit, raising concerns about unexploded ordnance or toxic materials. In the north, sirens sounded in several Galilee communities as an enemy aerial intruder was detected, prompting updated alerts.

In US Military Role, US intelligence assesses that roughly a third of Iran's missile arsenal has been destroyed with certainty as the war enters its approximate one-month mark. The status of about another third remains less clear, but multiple sources say bombings likely damaged, destroyed, or buried missiles in underground tunnels and bunkers. The portrait for Iran's drones is similar in overall certainty, indicating a substantial inventory remains that could potentially be recovered after fighting ends. President Trump’s public assessment that Iran had “very few rockets left” is not aligned with the current intelligence view.

In Regional Impacts, Gulf Arab states tell the United States that ending the war is not enough; any deal with Tehran should also degrade Iran's missile and drone capabilities and ensure global energy supplies are never weaponised again. Officials say guarantees are needed that the Strait of Hormuz remains free of disruption and that energy shipments are protected, with private discussions stressing enforceable restraints on attacks targeting energy infrastructure and civilian assets. The questions extend to shaping a postwar regional order and the rules that govern future engagement.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, the IDF uncovered a Hezbollah tunnel near a south Lebanon church in El-Khiam stocked with weapons. The military described three shafts and the presence of beds and food used by Hezbollah operatives, adding that Hezbollah has long exploited Lebanon’s Christian population and turned Christian villages into battle zones against Israel. The army also said Hezbollah prevents Christian civilians from fleeing combat areas and has fired at those attempting to escape, noting that using church grounds for military purposes constitutes a violation of norms and international law.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, Simcha Rothman argues that calling support for Israel “aid” is a myth, describing the relationship as a deepening strategic partnership built on shared interests, joint capabilities, and mutual benefit. He portrays Israel as a fundamental pillar in American security and suggests the alliance represents more than a one-way transfer of aid. A separate report from the White House cites cautious optimism about progress in negotiations with Iran, with indications that Tehran may respond to the American framework with a counterproposal.

In Uplifting News, three Israelis born in Iran who now wear IDF uniforms recall escape, war memories, and hope for a freer homeland. B. grew up in Kermanshah Province, now a hub for drone activity; D. was six when he fled with his family toward the border under gunfire; S. remembers childhood trips across a vast, beautiful country with his father, all three escaping before the Islamic Revolution. The section also includes features about Israelis and Iranians who fell in love and who speak openly about their experiences and perspectives in the current context.

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-891437
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1301973
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-891431
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1301979
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-891429
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-891434
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-891428
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-891150
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1301987
https://www.ynetnews.com/magazine/article/rjh6xmeibg
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1301984
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1301981