Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-04-03 at 12:02

HEADLINES
- Israel US Crush Iran; 70% Steel Capacity
- Sejjil Missiles Hit Israel; Northern Alarms
- US Fighter Jet Downed; Rescue Underway

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

In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to crush the Iranian regime during a security assessment at the Kirya in Tel Aviv on Friday. He said, in full coordination between himself and President Trump, between the IDF and the United States Army, that they will continue to crush Iran. He described the regime as weaker than ever and Israel as stronger than ever. He noted that the Air Force has destroyed around 70% of the regime’s steel production capacity, calling the move a tremendous achievement that deprives the Revolutionary Guards of both financial resources and the ability to produce many weapons. He added that together with American friends, Israel will continue to crush the terror regime in Iran, and that they are eliminating commanders, bombing bridges, and striking infrastructure. He said Israel is also continuing its operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon and will continue to strike Hezbollah decisively, and that Israel is expanding the security zone to protect northern communities. He commended Israeli citizens for resilience and for following the guidance.

In Iranian Retaliation, sources identified with the Iranian regime said two Sejjil missiles were launched from Shiraz toward Israel, with reports of launches from the Shiraz area in southern Iran within minutes. Alarms were sounded across broad areas in the north as missiles were fired. A report noted that a 79-year-old man sustained a minor injury in the Krayot area from the spillover of the regional exchange. Some coverage described a shift in the reported targets and described waning trust in the north in response to early statements from the conflict, reflecting the heightened tension along Israel’s northern front and its broader regional dynamics.

In US Military Role, officials said a United States fighter jet was shot down over central Iran, with one of the two pilots rescued and search-and-rescue operations underway for the second crew member. Iranian state media indicated a reward would be offered to civilians who locate or capture the pilots. The incident marks the first known downing of a US aircraft since the conflict began, and the Pentagon and US Central Command did not respond to requests for comment. The event raises the stakes for US involvement and the urgency of recovering any surviving crew.

In Regional Impacts, a CMA CGM container ship Kribi passed through the Strait of Hormuz on April 2, the first French-owned vessel to transit since the onset of the current US-Israeli strikes on Iran. The Malta-flagged vessel, owned by CMA CGM, sailed south along the coast of Oman, and it was not immediately clear how it secured passage. CMA CGM and France’s presidency did not respond to requests for comment. Macron had said reopening the Strait would require diplomatic efforts, not military action. The Strait remains a strategic artery for about a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas flows, fertilizers, and international trade, underscoring the significance of the vessel’s passage.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Iran and Lebanon fired at northern Israel as the IDF launched strikes in Tehran and Beirut. Damage was reported in Nahariya and Gesher HaZiv from barrages fired from Lebanon, while the MDA said there were no injuries. The IDF conducted simultaneous strikes in Beirut and Tehran, highlighting the widening spillover of the confrontation across the region.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Yair Lapid’s divisive rhetoric threatens Israel’s unity and national security, an opinion piece argues, saying wartime discourse must remain within reasonable bounds to support national cohesion. It contends that vigorous public debate is legitimate but should not undermine the country’s capacity to act decisively during a period of crisis. In a separate analysis, By claiming total failure, Israel's opposition hurts itself - and helps Netanyahu, the piece argues that the opposition’s critique of Netanyahu’s government may undermine its credibility. It notes the late-night budget vote and the bipartisan appearance of support for funding for ultra-Orthodox institutions, while warning the funds could be blocked by the High Court and the Attorney General, suggesting political maneuvering that may limit the opposition’s impact.

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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