Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - September 3, 2026, 12 PM Eastern

0:00You're listening to Israel today, ongoing war report I'm Noah Levi. We begin with developments in the ongoing conflict involving Iran and its proxies. US strikes earlier this week in Iran were extensive, with Iranian media reporting at least 13 military personnel killed, including members of the regular military, pilots, and the IRGC Aerospace Force, according to Tasnim News Agency. The same outlet noted earlier reports of three members of the paramilitary base killed on Lavon Island, and four from the IRGC Aerospace Force in Western Iran. These figures add to periodically reported Iranian military casualties, since late February. Civilian toll also remains a concern, with an Iranian health ministry official stating that between August 30 and September 2nd, 18 people were killed, and 142 wounded. Amidst this, Iranian hardline media and figures are increasing pressure on the regime to

1:03consider disrupting international undersea fiber optic cables in the Strait of Hormuz and Arab Gulf, as a response to perceived crimes of America. Hossin Shariat-Madari, managing editor of Khen newspaper, called it a necessary measure. This comes as an unnamed American source told Al-Arabia that sent Koms recent strikes were preemptive responses to Iranian attacks on these cables, potentially indicating an expansion of Iran's coercive activity, according to the Institute for the Study of War, a new book in the War Room. The inside story of Israel's fight against Hamas and the Iranian Axis, by Yonna Jeremy Bob and Elliot Kaufman, also offers insights into the strategic decisions made during the early stages of the conflict against the Iranian Axis, turning to Gaza and the disputed territories, a striking report from a Gaza resident describes an operation by Israeli special forces, known as Mistavim, who reportedly disguised themselves as vegetable sellers in the heart of Gaza City,

2:03to abduct the head of Hamas's internal security, the resident compared the boldness of the operation to scenes from the series Faudre. Meanwhile, in Khan Unis, displaced Garsans organized a protest against the World Food Programs decision to reduce bread rations, highlighting the severe humanitarian conditions in the area, and in Jerusalem, a cafe that had been the focus of protests by observant Jews, citing its operation on the Sabbath, has now agreed to close on Saturdays. The business run by a group identified as Jews for Jesus, had become a point of friction, drawing counter-protests from secular Israelis. On the policy front, a US campaign to throttle Iran's economy is reportedly proving increasingly difficult for Tehran to withstand. According to three senior Iranian sources, Washington's efforts to blockade oil exports and stop sanctions evasion have left Iran in a sensitive position with few channels for foreign currency. Iran has warned it could respond with military escalation.

3:03The war is in a costly stalemate, but the US blockade has significantly impacted Tehran's main revenue source. In Washington, dozens of civil rights and advocacy groups are urging Congress to remove a provision from the 2027 National Defense Authorization Act that would accelerate joint US-Israeli military technology development. The groups argue this deeper integration could be exceptionally dangerous, at a time when American interests are seen as diverging from Israel's. The US public support for Israel has been declining, particularly among Democrats. Domestically, the High Court of Justice has ordered 189 former Shin better officials, including past directors, to reveal their identities to David Zinney as part of their challenge against his appointment as the agency's head. The former officials had argued that Zinney lacked the necessary intelligence experience. In other news, police detained 16 miners and adults in Yavnell over suspected involvement in illegal child marriages, marking the second major operation in the lower Galilee town

4:06in three months. And on the political campaign trail, the Lecude Party has released a new election anthem that targets figures like Gantz and Libberman. Finally, in uplifting news from the IDF, the military is set to implement changes to its food procedures, allowing for stricter cash-root standards. This initiative, led by the IDF Chief of Staff's advisor on Har A.D. affairs, aims to improve service conditions for religious and Har A.D. soldiers and support efforts to expand Har A.D. enlistment. I'm Noah Levi, thank you for listening to Israel Today, ongoing war report. Stay safe and informed. Keep in mind that this AI-generated report may contain occasional inaccuracies, so consult multiple sources for a comprehensive view.