Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-03-31 at 18:02

HEADLINES
Israel Iran Chess Clash in Budapest
UAE Bans Iranians From Entering
Passover Seder Interrupted by Antisemitic Heckler

The time is now 6:02 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, Israeli chess player Yarden Bloch of Kiryat Haim faced an Iranian opponent in an official international tournament in Budapest earlier this month, a rare matchup amid ongoing tensions between Israel and Iran. Bloch said she had assumed the game would not take place because Iranian athletes have often been prevented from competing against Israelis, and she expected a technical win. When she arrived at the playing hall, the Iranian player sat down and the match proceeded after he told her he had initially not planned to play but decided to participate because of the day’s developments. Separately, a Hebrew-language report quotes Donald Trump saying the United States would withdraw from Iran within two to three weeks and that his goal is the destruction of the Iranian nuclear program. In another note, Al-Hadath network, citing Iranian sources, reported that the head of Iran’s judiciary, Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Eje'i, has been eliminated.

In Regional Impacts, the IDF completed its review of the incident reported yesterday in which UNIFIL troops were killed and injured by an explosion in the Bani Haiyyan area in southern Lebanon. The examination concluded that no explosive device was placed in the area by IDF troops and that no IDF troops were present there. Separately, the United Arab Emirates has announced a ban on all Iranians entering or transiting the country.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, the Israeli Air Force is reported to have struck a site near the Al-Zahraa hospital in the Dahieh district and to have conducted strikes in Beirut, reflecting ongoing cross-border activity in the region.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear said he would not label Israel’s actions in Gaza as genocide and criticized the idea as a political litmus test within the Democratic Party. A Reuters/Ipsos poll finds that about two-thirds of Americans believe the United States should work to end its involvement in the Iran war quickly, even if that means not fully achieving the goals set out by the administration, with 66% in favor of a rapid disengagement and 27% preferring a longer, goal-driven effort. The survey also notes that 60% disapprove of US military strikes on Iran, and explains that gasoline prices have risen to above $4 a gallon in recent days as the conflict continues.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Naftali Bennett has said the next government will be based on a “covenant of those who serve,” indicating he would only form a coalition with those who have served, and would not partner with groups that oppose universal service or quality education without meeting his core principles. He also stressed the need to restore Israel’s public diplomacy and international standing.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, tensions flared at a Passover seder in Manhattan as New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani was interrupted by a heckler who charged that “Every Jewish organization is a target.” Mamdani responded by underscoring the rise of antisemitism and the importance of standing with the city’s Jewish community, as attendees reacted with a mix of shushing and vocal support.

In Uplifting News, Maccabi Tel Aviv kept its Play-In hopes alive with a 104-100 overtime victory over Dubai. With five games left, the team sits at 17-16, featuring a reduced lineup due to injuries to Iffe Lundberg and TJ Leaf, while Gur Lavy is also sidelined for a period.

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/article-891852
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1303801
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https://t.me/JewishNews24/52249
https://t.me/newssil/197426
https://t.me/newssil/197425
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-891850
https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/03/two-thirds-americans-want-quick-end-iran-war-even-if-goals-unachieved
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-891845
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-891847
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/sports/article-891853
https://t.me/newssil/197423