Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-03-26 at 00:02

HEADLINES
Bandar Abbas strike may target IRGC chiefs
Congress greenlights Iran ground operation
Russia to supply Iran with advanced drones

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

In Operation Lion's Roar, an eight-story building in Bandar Abbas was destroyed. There is no official confirmation of casualties, but some observers believe it may have been a meeting of top IRGC navy commanders.

In Iranian Retaliation, reports describe an Iranian plan to abduct American soldiers and to launch from Lebanon to the center. Overnight the north was described as nearly quiet, with updates signaling escalating tension along the front. The Pentagon is said to be preparing for a deep operation inside Iran. The report also notes the Revolutionary Guards' involvement behind a recent Iranian appointment and mentions Putin’s deadly weapon possibly on its way to help sustain the regime.

In US Military Role, Fox News citing a senior American official reports that Congress has approved the start of the ground operation against Iran.

In Regional Impacts, sirens were heard along the frontline in Gonen, Shamir, and Lahav HaBashan. A separate set of sirens was reported in Manaara and Margaliot. A Financial Times report states Russia is moving to supply Iran with advanced drones, food, and medicine, with talks about drones produced in Russia and based on Iranian designs beginning days after the start of the war and expected to be completed by the end of March. Iran has also reinforced defenses on Kharg Island, a key oil hub, in recent weeks in anticipation of a possible US ground assault aimed at seizing the island.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, the IDF said a soldier was severely injured yesterday by mortar fire aimed at IDF troops in Lebanon and was evacuated to a hospital; his family has been notified. President Trump said Iran is afraid to admit to talks as missiles fired from Lebanon toward central Israel were intercepted, and he indicated the United States is weighing next steps while the IDF completed a series of strikes in Isfahan.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, just in: the official White House account posted a mysterious video captioned “sound on,” showing a close-up of a woman’s shoes. Separately, a video posted earlier by the White House on X appears to feature a female figure, possibly Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, who can be heard saying, “It’s launching soon, right?”

In Israeli Domestic Politics, the piece asks why this war feels different from all others as Eretz Nehederet celebrates Passover amid the Iran conflict. The episode depicted a war-themed Dayenu, with Netanyahu referenced as part of a broader satire, while Israelis spent much of the week in shelters as missiles from Iran and Lebanon struck across the country, causing casualties and widespread damage.

In Israeli Economy and Business, ADNOC chief Sultan Al Jaber described any restriction on the Hormuz Strait as “economic terror,” arguing that when Iran wields Hormuz as a lever, global markets pay a heavy price. He said no nation can destabilize the world economy in this way, insisting that free passage through Hormuz is the enduring solution to stabilize global markets. The remarks came in a setting with a US official present, underscoring the linked interests of energy security and regional stability.

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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