Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-04-03 at 13:02

HEADLINES
- Israel hits Iran with over 70 strikes
- Iranian 400kg missile strikes Petach Tikva
- FAO: March world food prices spike

The time is now 1:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Operation Lion's Roar, over the past 24 hours the Israeli Air Force has conducted more than 70 strikes across western and central Iran, targeting ballistic missile launch sites of the IRGC and storage for drones, as well as weapons storage sites and air defense facilities. The strikes were carried out by the Air Force as part of wide-scale operations aimed at Tehran's terror infrastructure, and the campaign remains active.

In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, after a situation assessment the Home Front Command has directed the public that it is now permissible to leave protected spaces while continuing to follow official guidance. A 79-year-old man was lightly wounded by rocket fire from Iran toward the Krayot region, and dozens of launches were directed at the north from Lebanon. An Iranian-launched projectile was reportedly intercepted, and sirens have sounded repeatedly in northern Israel in the past hour.

In Iranian Retaliation, AeroSentinel's production facility in Petach Tikva suffered severe damage late Thursday night when hit by a 400-kilogram Iranian missile, though the company says it will press to restore capabilities quickly and preserve core assets and knowledge. In reaction to the downing of an American F-15E Strike Eagle over southern Iran, Iran's parliament speaker posted on X. Iranian authorities are reportedly offering a substantial reward for information leading to capture of the downed US crew, dead or alive. US officials say one American aircrew member has been rescued alive, with search efforts continuing for the second.

In US Military Role, footage shows a US Air Force HC-130J Combat King II CSAR aircraft, accompanied by two MH-60G Pave Hawk CSAR helicopters, operating over populated areas in southern Iran as they search for the crewmembers of the downed F-15E Strike Eagle.

In Regional Impacts, the FAO says world food prices rose in March to their highest level since September of last year and could climb further if the Middle East conflict persists and the Strait of Hormuz remains shut. The FAO price index rose 2.4 percent in March, and is about 1 percent higher than a year ago, though roughly 20 percent below the March 2022 peak. The agency warns that if the conflict lasts beyond 40 days and input costs stay high, farmers may reduce inputs, plant less, or switch crops, affecting yields and future prices.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, the Supreme Court has ruled that tax breaks for dividends paid by a tech company do not apply to employees who already enjoy ESOP tax breaks, eliminating double tax benefits. The decision centers on Section 102 of the Income Tax Ordinance governing ESOPs for Israeli resident employees. The court notes two main tracks: the capital track, where the realized benefit is taxed at 25 percent (rising to 30 percent with surtax), and the salary track, where taxes can be up to 50 percent on the realized benefit. The ruling could affect many tech workers, including olim.

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-892008
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1304722
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1304719
https://t.me/ILtoday/18362
https://www.jpost.com/defense-and-tech/article-892002
https://t.me/DefenderDome/19990
https://t.me/ILtoday/18363
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-892001
https://t.me/StandWithUsBreakingNews/7988
https://t.me/DefenderDome/19989
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-892005
https://www.jpost.com/business-and-innovation/banking-and-finance/article-891991