Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-03-29 at 11:02

HEADLINES
- Iranian strike hits Neot Hovav, chemical risk
- Iran targets radar, satellites eroding defenses
- High Court orders vote on Haredi funding

The time is now 11:02 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, an Iranian missile struck the industrial zone in Ne'ot Hovav on Sunday afternoon, starting a fire and raising concerns about a possible hazardous chemical leak. Israel's Environmental Protection Ministry said the possibility of chemicals leaking was being investigated, but at this stage there is no expected risk to nearby towns in the Ramat Negev Regional Council. Israeli media reported that one person was lightly wounded by the shockwave. Police blocked Highway 40, and the Regional Council advised citizens to seek alternative routes around the area. Home Front Command asked residents to stay within enclosed spaces, switch off air conditioning, and close windows. The Industrial Council of Ne'ot Hovav said it was coordinating with Home Front Command, police and firefighters, the Environmental Protection Ministry, and factory management, and noted that for safety reasons a hazardous chemical event has been declared with workers instructed to remain in safe spaces.

In Regional Impacts, a new analysis from the Jewish Institute for National Security of America warns of an eroding shield as Iran's attack strategy shifts to exploit gaps in air defenses. The study says that although interceptors have intercepted over 90% of missiles and drones thanks in part to US THAAD batteries, Patriot systems, carrier strike groups, and extensive prewar deployments, the available interceptors are now in short supply and Tehran has prioritized destroying the infrastructure that supports aerial defense. It notes that Iran has targeted major radar systems, satellite dishes, and communications links to interceptor batteries, eroding the defense network. Separately, authorities reported about ten debris sites in Be'er Sheva with no injuries known at this time.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, the High Court on Sunday ordered a new Knesset Finance Committee vote on the remaining NIS 98 million in funding to haredi school networks, saying petitioners must receive the full factual basis before a renewed discussion on Tuesday. Hiddush, one of the petitioners, sent an urgent letter demanding that the committee receive all material before the vote. The court noted that the original December 25, 2025 approval process had been unlawful and that lawmakers had not been given an adequate factual basis for an informed vote. The practical issue is the remaining 98 million rather than the larger amount already transferred. In a separate development, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, was prevented from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre by Israeli police as Palm Sunday approaches. The church said security plans are being developed to allow leaders to worship at the site in coming days, and described the incident as a grave precedent.

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/israel-news/defense-news/article-891524
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-891527
https://t.me/newssil/196999
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-891525
https://www.jpost.com/christianworld/article-891522