Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-04-03 at 15:02

HEADLINES
Israel Hits Iran With 70 Strikes
Iran Sets 10B Tomans Bounty on Pilots
Brooklyn Subway Antisemitic Assault Leaves Victim

The time is now 3:02 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Operation Lion's Roar, the IDF says it has conducted more than 70 strikes in western and central Iran over the past 24 hours, targeting ballistic missile launch sites and storage depots for IRGC unmanned aerial vehicles, as well as IRGC weapons storage and air defense system facilities. The strikes were carried out by the Air Force, and the campaign is described as part of ongoing wide-scale operations targeting terror infrastructure in Tehran.

In Iranian Retaliation, reports say Newsmax’s Carla Babb can confirm a US Air Force UH-60 Black Hawk was struck by Iran during ongoing search-and-rescue operations for the downed crew of an F-15E Strike Eagle. The helicopter’s crew is accounted for and safe, having since exited Iran via Iraq. Iranian state media outlets also report a bounty on American pilots, with Tasnim News Agency stating a prize of 10 billion tomans for capturing the pilots, while Fars News Agency notes Iranians in Khuzestan are searching for the American pilot.

In US Military Role, The New York Times, citing two unnamed US officials, reports that in addition to the F-15E Strike Eagle shot down earlier today over southern Iran, a US Air Force A-10C Thunderbolt II went down near the Strait of Hormuz, with the lone pilot rescued and receiving medical attention in a Gulf nation. A separate report describes another A-10C Thunderbolt II crashing on the territory of a friendly Middle East country after sustaining heavy fire over Iran.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, reports from Konitra in southern Syria near the border with Israel describe locals calling out slogans referencing Mohammad and Khaybar after the death of a Konitra resident from tank fire, according to Syrian sources.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, Iran refuses US ceasefire talks in Islamabad, calling the demands unacceptable and dealing a setback to Pakistan-led mediation efforts as Trump claims talks are progressing but no direct negotiations have been confirmed.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, a violent assault on a Jewish man on a Brooklyn subway is reported, with a kippah-wearing victim struck in the face, lifted, and beaten multiple times; the victim was hospitalized with facial injuries, head swelling, and cuts to the hands. The suspect was arrested and later released under court-imposed restrictions pending trial in June. Separately, on the anniversary of the 1933 Nazi boycott, antisemitism remains a concern, including boycotts of Jewish and Israeli institutions, according to Yad Vashem.

In Uplifting News, Passover 2026 offers film picks for the holiday, including The Prince of Egypt, a 1998 DreamWorks animated feature now available on Apple TV+. The film features songs such as When You Believe, performed by Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston, and includes vocal contributions by Ofra Haza.

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.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/04/israel-strikes-beirut-us-warns-iran-may-hit-lebanese-universities
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1304733
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/sk001xkaswg
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https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/culture/article-891994