Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-03-20 at 17:02

0:00Access to affordable credit helps me pay my employees, but I don't really need it. Inflation is killing me! Who cares? Big retailers are making record profits! That's why we support the Durban Marshall Credit Card Bill! See? Things in credit unions help small businesses make payroll. This bill would cut the vital resources they need. While increasing Megastore profits. They deserve it. Don't they? No Congress, stop the Durban Marshall money grab for corporate megastores. Paid for it by the Electronic Payments Coalition. The time is now 5.01 pm in New York. I'm Noah Levi and this is the latest Israel today. Ongoing war report. In direct Israel-eraan clashes, Palestinians celebrate Iran's latest launch and call for nuclear fragmentation, prompting discussion online. Sirens sounded in central Israel as Iran launched a missile described as using a cluster warhead, with no injuries reported.

1:03In US military role, Britain approved US use of its bases to strike Iranian missile sites targeting ships in the Strait of Hormuz. A move condemned by Iran's foreign minister, who said most Britons do not want involvement in the Israel-US war. While Iran's leadership warned of responses and UK officials, indicated the arrangement, includes US defensive actions to degrade missile sites. Separately, the Pentagon has drawn up plans for potential US ground forces deployment into Iran as Operation Epic Fury progresses. With White House saying ongoing preparations maximize options, but do not reflect a decision and reports that thousands more Marines and sailors will be sent to the Middle East. US Central Command has released imagery of the Esfahand drone production plant, before and after it was destroyed by strikes between March 3 and 12. In regional impacts, US President Donald J. Trump said the United States does not use or need the Strait of Hormuz. Signalling a stance on regional access and security dynamics amid the broader conflict.

2:06In the conflict with Iran and its regional proxies, analyses contend that southern Lebanon may require a permanent Israeli presence to prevent Hezbollah's return. Arguing that buffer zones have not yielded lasting security, a related piece frames the North as a high stakes frontier, where Hezbollah's capabilities must be contained beyond the Latani to secure the region. Reports from the region note airstrikes against pro-Iran militias in Baghdad and related activity in Basra. Alongside continued rocket fire from Lebanon and Red Alerts in Misgav AM, reflecting ongoing regional spillover. In US policy concerning Israel, the United States announced new sanctions aimed at disrupting a global financial network, supporting Hezbollah. Targeting individuals and companies involved in money laundering and financing across the Middle East, Europe and North America. Meanwhile, President Trump said he does not seek a ceasefire and suggested Israel could end fighting once the US finishes its campaign. As the Pentagon broadens options, and more US forces move toward the Middle East.

3:10In Israeli domestic politics, Benny Peretz, former manager for Isle Gollan, was poised to join Ophiara Assayag's program as a commentator. But withdrew at the last moment after discussions with advisors and his wife. Thank you for tuning into 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, so consult multiple sources for a comprehensive view. Find the code and more details in the podcast description.