TEL AVIV DAILY - 18 MARCH 2026
Couple Killed in Ramat Gan by Iranian Cluster Strike, IDF Targets Intelligence Minister and Internal Security Forces, Increased Hezbollah-IDF Friction Along Lebanon Border
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Two Killed in Ramat Gan as Iranian Cluster Missile Strike Hits Central Israel
Iranian missile barrage overnight killed couple in their 70s in Ramat Gan, marking first fatalities from cluster munitions impacting residential areas. Iran fired four barrages claiming revenge for Larijani killing, Times of Israel and Jerusalem Post report.
IDF Attempts to Assassinate Iranian Intelligence Minister Esmaeil Khatib, Fate Unknown
Israel attempted to assassinate Iranian Intelligence Minister Esmaeil Khatib in overnight strikes, Jerusalem Post reports citing sources. Iran International also reported strike attempt but provided no information on his fate.
Russia Sharing Satellite Imagery and Drone Technology With Iran, Report States
Moscow is providing domestically produced components to improve strike capabilities of Iranian Shahed drones and sharing satellite imagery, Times of Israel reports. White House states Russian support not making any difference to war.
IDF Mistakenly Strikes UNIFIL Base in Lebanon, Issues Apology
Israel acknowledged tank fire mistakenly hit UNIFIL base in Lebanon after two IDF soldiers were struck by Hezbollah anti-tank missile and troops misidentified UN peacekeepers while responding, Times of Israel reports.
DRIVING THE DAY
SUMMARY: A married couple in their 70s were killed 18 March when Iranian cluster munitions struck their Ramat Gan apartment, marking the first Israeli civilian fatalities from cluster warheads impacting residential areas after Iran fired four barrages overnight claiming revenge for Ali Larijani's killing. The Israel Defense Forces confirmed 18 March it attempted to assassinate Iranian Intelligence Minister Esmaeil Khatib in overnight strikes targeting Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps headquarters, internal security logistics facilities, and air defense systems, though Khatib's fate remains unknown. IDF acknowledged 18 March that tank fire mistakenly struck a United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon base after troops responding to Hezbollah anti-tank missile attack misidentified UN peacekeepers, highlighting operational friction as Israeli forces expand ground operations. Russia is providing domestically produced components to improve Iranian Shahed drone strike capabilities and sharing satellite imagery, Times of Israel reported, though White House stated support is not affecting war outcomes. END SUMMARY.
