Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-04-03 at 16:03

HEADLINES
US F-15E downed in Iran crew rescued
Tehran struck as regional strikes escalate
IDF over 40 Hezbollah killed in Lebanon

The time is now 4:02 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In US Military Role, the American pilot of an F-15E Strike Eagle downed over Southern Iran earlier today was recovered by two US military helicopters; during the operation the helicopter carrying the recovered pilot was hit by small arms fire, wounding crewmembers, but the helicopter landed safely and all service members are receiving initial medical treatment and will be transported for further medical care. Separately, CENTCOM notified the House Armed Services Committee earlier Friday of the downing of a US Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle over Southern Iran, with one servicemember recovered and the second crewmember's status still unknown.

In Regional Impacts, a significant wave of strikes is currently underway against military and infrastructure sites across the Iranian capital of Tehran.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, the IDF said its Multidimensional Unit has killed over 40 Hezbollah terrorists since the start of its ground operations in southern Lebanon and has struck over 75 Hezbollah targets as part of Operation Roaring Lion; on Thursday, the IDF destroyed a Hezbollah rocket launcher prepared to fire at Israel, with three terrorists killed in that strike, and six additional Hezbollah terrorists were killed in a separate Thursday incident. This is a developing story. A separate report from the north notes alarms following rocket fire from Lebanon, with reports of a 79-year-old man lightly wounded in cross-border fire to the Krayot and dozens of projectiles fired at the north from Lebanon; the piece also cites comments by a former foreign minister claiming Iran won the war and urging the United States to pay for reconstruction, while noting that the IDF is trying to minimize damage.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, the piece reports that Likud voters have heard the message: they know he is a liar, but for them he is our liar.

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://t.me/DefenderDome/20005
https://t.me/DefenderDome/20004
https://t.me/DefenderDome/20003
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-892009
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1304756
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1304755