Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-03-28 at 20:02

HEADLINES
IDF pounds Iran's military-industrial targets, 1,300 munitions
Pakistan brokered Iran-US talks; 20 ships Hormuz
Israel protests erupt; 18 arrested nationwide

The time is now 8:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In IDF attacking Iran's military and steel industries, which generate billions of dollars, the IDF says it has dropped more than 1,300 munitions on military-industrial targets, hundreds of factories have been destroyed, and hundreds of commanders within the industrial apparatus have been killed. Steel production is a vital sector of Iran's economy.

In לא דווח על נפגעים בירי לדרום, אזעקות נוספות באזור גבול הצפון, sirens were heard again along the northern border; no casualties were reported from Iran's fire on the south.

In Pakistan steps up mediation efforts between Iran, US to end conflict as war enters second month, Pakistan's foreign minister Ishaq Dar said there has been progress in talks with Iran. He said Iran has agreed to allow 20 more ships under the Pakistani flag to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, with two ships crossing daily. He called this a harbinger of peace and said it will help usher stability in the region. Pakistan is hosting regional powers such as Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt as it works to help end the war in Iran and position itself to play a larger role in the post-war era. Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed the latest regional developments during a phone call, underscoring the growing prominence of South Asian countries in the Middle East.

In Police arrest 18 as anti-war protests spread across Tel Aviv, Haifa, Jerusalem, police arrested at least 18 people during Saturday night's protests against the war with Iran, as they had to use force to break up demonstrations in several major cities. Thousands demonstrated at three main rallies across the country, in Tel Aviv at Habima Square, in Haifa near the Horev Center, and in Jerusalem at Paris Square. The protests, under the title “For the lives of all of us,” were organized by the Peace Partnership coalition, initiated by former leftist MKs and activists. The largest number of arrests occurred in Tel Aviv. Media reports said that police officers pushed Hadash MK Ayman Odeh at the Haifa protest, though this could not be confirmed. The police say they regard the right to protest as a cornerstone in a democratic country and that demonstrations were allowed.

In South African Jew killed after being kidnapped, police confirm, no proof of antisemitic intent, Steven Gruzd, a South African Jew and head of the African Governance and Diplomacy Programme, was kidnapped around 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 27, and found lifeless two days later by the police. Five suspects were arrested in connection with the kidnapping and murder; authorities describe the case as an express kidnapping and say there is no evidence of antisemitic motive. The CSO notes the incident is being treated as criminal rather than antisemitic, and Gruzd's family and the Jewish community mourn his loss.

In From Alpine adventures to deep history: Exploring Slovakia’s high tatras, the High Tatras offer alpine majesty in northern Slovakia. In Tatranská Lomnica, the morning air is crisp and the peaks rise dramatically as visitors ride a cable car into the high country, with views extending toward Poland. Back in town, the Ski Museum charts the history of winter sports from rudimentary wooden skis and leather boots to modern equipment, and reflects how mountain life helped shape local identity.

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.ynetnews.com/article/synplk8o11g
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1302426
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-891477
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-891473
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/article-891475
https://www.jpost.com/travel/article-891465