Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-03-16 at 09:02

HEADLINES
Israel claims Iran's satellite-killer base destroyed
Trump eyes Kharg seizure to reopen Hormuz
IDF launches ground ops in Southern Lebanon

The time is now 9:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Operation Lion's Roar, an IDF Unit 9900 intelligence official made an exceptionally rare public statement alleging Israel destroyed an Iranian base dedicated to developing technologies to shoot down Israeli satellites and other satellites. He said the objective of that attack was to preserve Israel’s freedom to operate in space and to blunt Iran’s ability to act and to build such capabilities. The official credited the Defense Ministry and the broader defense establishment, with Israel Aerospace Industries cited as the lead satellite developer, for enabling ongoing surveillance, early warnings of missile launches, and targeted operations across the Middle East as part of the war effort. He said the site had been used to develop Chamran 1, which Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps had launched into space in September 2024, and noted Iran’s own satellite launch that September. A separate Hebrew report in the same topic frames Iran as having built weapons to destroy satellites and suggests Israel acted in time, referencing a stretch of security developments and counterterrorism efforts in the region as the war intensified.

In US Military Role, reports show President Trump weighing a bold step that would put American troops on Iranian soil to seize Kharg Island, Iran’s large oil export depot, if tankers cannot move through the Persian Gulf. Axios cited four sources familiar with the discussions, describing the move as a first in the ongoing Epic Fury campaign and noting that previous American action against Iran has been limited to air strikes and operations from outside Iranian territory. The island’s seizure would mark a dramatic shift from prior tactics, and officials said Trump is seeking to build a coalition to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, with a formal announcement expected this week. Separately, CENTCOM commander Admiral Brad Cooper stated in a video update that in the wake of Friday’s attack on Kharg, more than 90 military targets were destroyed, including ammunition depots, missiles, and other infrastructure, and that the United States and its partners have destroyed more than 100 Iranian ships. He said operations would continue until Iran cannot threaten global shipping, noting roughly 50,000 American troops are currently deployed in the region and that since the conflict began Iran has fired more than 300 missiles and boats at regional targets.

In Regional Impacts, air travel to and from Israel remains heavily constrained as foreign carriers extend suspensions. FlyDubai announced the cancellation of all Israel flights through April 30, while Lufthansa Group canceled Tel Aviv services through April 2. Wizz Air indicated no return to Israel before April, and easyJet extended cancellations through the summer, with some April services already scrubbed. A NOTAM from the Israel Civil Aviation Authority severely restricting activity in Israeli airspace persists, and warnings from the EU Aviation Safety Agency and the US FAA advise against flying in the region. The disruption is part of a broader pattern of regional security concerns, including references to threats facing Dubai’s airport. In a separate regional note, a navy commander was quoted saying that if tanker routes move through a certain area, it would represent a major victory in the conflict, underscoring the maritime dimension of the current tensions.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced that the IDF has begun ground operations in Southern Lebanon with the aim of destroying Hezbollah’s terrorist infrastructure, signaling an expansion of the conflict into Lebanon as part of continuing regional efforts.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, a poll indicates strong backing for a military approach to Iran among Israeli Jews, with 85 percent expressing support for war planning or action against Iran.

In Uplifting News, a piece from an Israeli in Florida describes distress at being stranded abroad as war disrupts travel, while Israeli carriers El Al, Arkia, and Israir arrange repatriation flights from hubs such as Rome or Athens. These one-way rescue flights can cost hundreds of dollars, well above prewar norms, and passengers face rescheduled itineraries as carriers strive to bring citizens home.

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-890119
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1297075
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-890115
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1297072
https://www.jpost.com/business-and-innovation/article-890117
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1297069
https://t.me/ILtoday/17853
https://worldisraelnews.com/85-of-israeli-jews-back-iran-war-poll/
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-890093