Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-03-17 at 07:03

0:00President Barack Obama. Virginia, we are counting on you. Republicans want to steal enough seats in Congress to raid the next election and wield unchecked power for two more years. But you can stop them by voting yes by April 21st. Help put our elections back on a level playing field and let voters decide not politicians. Vote yes by April 21st. Paid for by Virginians for fair elections. The time is now 7.03 a.m. in New York. I'm Noah Levi and this is the latest Israel today, ongoing war report. In direct Israel Iran clashes, Ali Larajani, a longtime Iranian official who headed Iran's Supreme National Security Council was killed in an IDF strike ordered by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday. As head of the council, he oversaw the Islamic Republic's

1:01defence, intelligence and foreign policy. And he was appointed to the post in August 2025 after previously holding the role from 2005 to 2007. Across his career, he held senior positions including Parliament Speaker from 2008 to 2020. Culture and Islamic guidance minister and head of the state broadcast at IRIB from 1994 to 2004. With reports he also served as deputy head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. He was involved in talks with European countries about the nuclear program. After the strikes that killed senior Iranian figures on February 28, Larajani rose to prominence as one of the most senior voices in Iran's government. With some observers saying he carried a large share of decision making, particularly if the new Supreme Leader Majtaba Khamenei is incapacitated. Analysts say the killing sends a hard message to surviving Iranian leaders, compromise or die. At the same time, reports describe ongoing regional

2:02tensions, including sirens in Central Israel as a missile attack from Iran, was intercepted with several cluster munition impacts and no injuries. And Iranian opposition sources report additional airstrikes on basaged checkpoints in Tehran. In U.S. military role, the U.S. Central Command says the war has entered its third week. And the number of American troops wounded has risen to about 200. The majority of injuries are minor, with 180 troops already back on duty and 10 listed as serious. Wounds have been reported across Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Bahrain, Iraq and Israel. 13 U.S personnel have been killed since Iran launched strikes on American bases on February 28. Iran has also attacked diplomatic missions, hotels, airports and energy infrastructure in Arab Gulf states. The United States has conducted strikes against more than 7,000 targets in Iran. And U.S. officials say roughly, a dozen MQ-9 drones have been

3:02destroyed in the conflict. In regional impacts, Iran is in talks with FIFA about moving World Cup matches from the United States to Mexico. Due to safety concerns for Iranian players, after the United States launched airstrikes, alongside Israel that killed Iran's supreme leader. Iran's sports minister and sports officials said they are negotiating with FIFA to host Iran's World Cup games in Mexico. Given security concerns in the United States, Iran has qualified for the 48-team tournament to be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico. With group stage matches slated for Lowes Angels and Seattle, separately former Iranian Air Force commanders have commented on a dramatic shift in the region's military balance, describing changes in airpower that affect how warfare is planned, including access to the region via Syrian airspace and the implications for long-range operations. U.S. President Donald Trump has floated the possibility that Iran's leadership could be replaced or significantly moderated. But U.S. assessments remain uncertain

4:06about the new supreme leader Majtaba Khamenei's status. Additional commentary from regional observers includes a Qatar position opposing an end to the war with Iran, warning that Iran could seek retaliation if hostilities cease. And a description of how the wider conflict is reshaping alliances and regional calculations. In Israeli domestic politics, the Western wall rabbi S.H. Mule Rabinovets condemned Iranian missile fire toward Jerusalem after debris fell near sacred sites in the old city. Including near the Temple Mount, the Western Wall and nearby Christian sites, he described Jerusalem as a global symbol of holiness and called any attack near sacred sites a grave violation. In internal discussions, a former Israeli Air Force commander suggested it is possible he could enter politics in the future, saying he might run under the radar. Another former Air Force commander spoke of personal shame and embarrassment, lowering his gaze in reaction to recent events. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyah

5:06who greeted the brave people of Iran on their ruse, wishing them a happy person new year and offering a message of hope for a year of freedom. In Israeli economy and business, Bezek International CEO Ron Gallab announced he will step down after about three and a half years in the role. Gallab who joined Bezek International in 2013 as head of business development and later served as executive vice president for business solutions has led strategic initiatives and expanded services in cloud and managed solutions for corporate and consumer clients. Toma Rab, chairman of the Bezek Group thanked Gallab for his contributions and expressed confidence that the company's leadership would carry the organization forward. Gallab said he is concluding a long professional chapter and looks forward to his next challenge, leaving behind a strong management team to guide the company ahead. Thank you for tuning in to this Israel today. ongoing war report update. I'm Noah Levi. Stay safe and informed. Keep in mind that this AI-generated report may contain occasional inaccuracies,

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