Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-03-28 at 00:02

HEADLINES
Israel thwarts Iran drones, strengthens defenses
Houthis join Iran as missiles target Eilat
West Bank raid nets 80 arrests weapons

The time is now 12:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Operation Lion's Roar, the Israeli air force says it has downed more than 90% of drones launched at Israel by Iran and its Lebanese proxy Hezbollah since the operation began late last month. The military added that it continues to remove threats to Israeli citizens and to degrade the capabilities of the Iranian regime and Hezbollah. The United States can reportedly confirm the destruction of about a third of Iran's drone fleet, while Israel relies on a range of defenses including Iron Dome and attack helicopters. In one incident, a Hezbollah drone was intercepted by a western Galilee emergency standby squad using small arms. Despite the recent deployment of Iron Beam high-energy laser units, the system has not yet significantly reduced drone intrusions. Gulf states have faced roughly 5,000 missile and drone attacks on energy facilities, civilian infrastructure, and maritime traffic.

In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, red alert sirens sounded in central Israel as the Iranian regime continued to fire missiles at Israel.

In Regional Impacts, a fire was reported near Abu Dhabi’s Khalifa industrial area following an Iranian attack, though officials have not yet confirmed the extent of damage or casualties. Separately, authorities said there were no reported casualties and the Home Front Command told central residents they could leave protected spaces. Reports also noted a 60-year-old man was killed in a missile strike on the Gush Dan area, and there was activity near Iran’s Bushehr nuclear facility. A nightly news summary cited about 11 impact sites across Gush Dan and the Negev.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, the Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen have decided to officially join the war on Iran’s side, with sirens sounding across southern Israel due to the launch of a ballistic missile from Yemen. Alarms were reported in the south as launches toward Eilat were identified, with the missiles reportedly originating from Yemen, and another launch toward the Negev being detected. IDF spokesperson Brigadier-General Effie Defrin warned that if the Lebanese government does not disarm Hezbollah, the IDF will disarm the group to protect civilians on Israel’s northern border. He said Hezbollah has continued attacks since joining Iran’s campaign, and a senior Hezbollah official acknowledged in a podcast that the group has been rebuilding and rebuilding its capabilities in recent months.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, the IDF completed multiple operations in the West Bank over the past week, arresting about 80 wanted individuals and 40 inciters, along with the seizure of firearms and drones. Among the seized weapons were M4 and M16 rifles, shotguns, hunting rifles, and pistols. Authorities also recovered more than 100 drones and over 100,000 shekels intended for use in terrorism. The operations come as officials say they are stepping up security amid rising violence linked to settler activity, with combat units being diverted from the north to the West Bank to assist.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, a Milwaukee judge sentenced a retired rabbi and his son to pay a total of $1,000 in restitution to the muralist who reportedly praised Hamas in court. The mural depicted the Star of David transforming into a swastika. Peter Mehler pled no contest to a misdemeanor for criminal damage, while his son Zechariah Mehler pleaded guilty and received a suspended sentence of 25 hours of community service. The muralist, Ihsan Atta, praised Hamas in court and was brought back into the proceedings after leaving the room.

In Uplifting News, Playmakers: How Jews shaped the American Dream through toys and teddy bears—a review, discusses how Jewish immigrants helped shape 20th-century American childhood by designing and selling educational toys and nursery items, illustrating how marginalization and entrepreneurial drive intersected with national culture. Jewish School in Chicago secures a new head and building for fall 2027 debut, announcing that Richard H. Cuenca will lead the new Davis School in downtown Chicago, set to open in 2027 with a blend of rigorous academics and Jewish pride in a still-under-construction building.

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.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1302119
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https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-891442
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-891448
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-891452
https://www.jpost.com/history/article-891306
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/article-891449