HEADLINES
US blocks Iranian oil tankers at sea
Gaza strike kills five in Beit Laha
Europe deploys emergency energy measures, prices soar

The time is now 6:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In US Military Role, the US military says it has intercepted at least three Iranian-flagged oil tankers in Asian waters and is redirecting them away from positions near India, Malaysia and Sri Lanka as part of a broader maritime pressure on Iran’s trade. Washington has imposed a blockade on Iran’s sea routes as Tehran has fired on ships attempting to sail through the Strait of Hormuz, contributing to a disruption of roughly a fifth of the world’s oil and gas supplies and a global energy crunch. In recent days, US and allied sources also report seizures of Iranian ships and the diversion of more Iranian-flagged tankers. Separately, American fighter jets reportedly shot down Iranian drones over Erbil, Iraq, with explosions described following the intercept.

In Regional Impacts, Europe unveils emergency energy measures as prices surge, fuel theft rises EU states plan joint fuel monitoring, reserve coordination and gas storage refills, as airlines cut flights, industry raises prices, and shortages of jet fuel and diesel loom amid disruptions tied to the Strait of Hormuz. In Lebanon, Italian UNIFIL forces replaced a vandalized statue in the village of Debel in southern Lebanon. In Gaza, Palestinian media report five people killed in an Israeli strike on Beit Laha in the northern Gaza Strip.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, President Donald Trump appears to be seeking a way out of the costly war by extending the ceasefire with Iran indefinitely, while Tehran may be unwilling to concede a definitive win; Washington maintains a naval blockade, which Iran says must end before any agreement to end the conflict launched on February 28. Talks have faced questions, with Iran not confirming attendance at a Pakistan-hosted round, and Vice President JD Vance designated to travel. As the two-week ceasefire nears its end, Gulf Arab allies brace for potential new Iranian strikes. Trump also said Iran agreed not to execute eight women protesters, suggesting four would be released immediately and four would be jailed for a month, but Tehran denied the plan and called the claim a fabrication; the broader dispute centers on Iran’s position on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and the ceasefire framework.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, messages of peace feature prominently in Herzog, Sa’ar Independence Day speeches as President Isaac Herzog and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar co-host the Independence Day reception at the President’s Residence, emphasizing peace with Lebanon. The event, held in the morning rather than the usual late afternoon, was attended by foreign diplomats and leaders of non-Jewish religious communities, with Herzog noting that decisions by leaders can shape the region’s future for generations and highlighting the absence of Arab ambassadors or Muslim diplomats from the hall.

In Uplifting News, A lost film by Israeli B-movie director Sam Firstenberg gets a new life as Riverbend, his 1989 action drama, will screen for one night at Alamo Drafthouse theaters in five cities on April 29, offering a renewed look at a film about Black Vietnam veterans who help liberate a Southern town from a racist sheriff and spotlightting Firstenberg’s broader cult-action catalog. Former Gaza hostages visit wounded soldiers before Independence Day, meeting members of the Yahalom unit and the 890th Brigade at Rabin Medical Center-Beilinson Campus; the reunion, two days before Independence Day, is described by the veterans as a meaningful moment and a symbol of victory after their years in captivity.

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.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/04/exclusive-us-intercepts-three-iranian-oil-tankers-asian-waters-sources-say
https://t.me/newssil/199864
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/hkesb3u611g
https://t.me/newssil/199866
https://t.me/newssil/199865
https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/04/trump-looks-way-out-war-iran-may-not-oblige
https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/04/trump-says-eight-iranian-women-wont-be-executed-iran-disputes-entire-account
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-893866
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/article-893868
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-893867

HEADLINES
US Jets Shoot Iranian Drones Over Erbil
Five Killed in Gaza Beit Lahia Strike
US Calls Iranian Seizures Piracy Not Breach

The time is now 5:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In מטוסי קרב אמריקאים יירטו כטב"מים איראניים מעל ארביל, עיראק. דווח על פיצוצים כתוצאה מהיירוט, US fighter jets shot down Iranian drones over Erbil, Iraq, with reports of explosions tied to the intercept.

In לאחר שצה"ל תלו פסל חדש - כוחות הצבא האיטלקי יוניפי"ל בלבנון החליפו היום את הפסל שהושחת בכפר דבל בדרום לבנון https://t.me/newssil, Italian-led UNIFIL troops in Lebanon replaced the vandalized statue in the village of Debel in southern Lebanon. Palestinian media reported that five people were killed in an Israeli strike on Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip.

In White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has said that US President Donald J. Trump does not view the Iranian seizure of the MSC Francesca and Epaminodes as a violation of the ceasefire framework, saying that the vessels were not US or Israeli vessels. She also added that such actions only amount to piracy by the Islamic Republic of Iran.

In Messages of peace feature prominently in Herzog, Sa'ar Independence Day speeches, President Isaac Herzog and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar co-hosted the Independence Day reception at the President’s Residence, focusing on peace with Lebanon. The event, normally held later in the day, took place in the morning because the military ceremony was pre-recorded. Herzog called this a period of historic times and said that decisions by leaders and nations can affect the region’s future for generations to come, including in relation to the war with Iran and Hezbollah, stating, “This is a battle for the future of our children.” He noted that no Arab ambassadors or diplomats from Muslim countries were present and welcomed them on Israel’s 78th Independence Day.

In A lost film by Israeli B-movie director Sam Firstenberg gets a new life, Israeli-raised director Sam Firstenberg, known for action staples like American Ninja and Breakin’ 2: Electric Boogaloo, is seeing a career revival as his overlooked 1989 film Riverbend screens for one night at Alamo Drafthouse theaters in five cities on April 29. Riverbend centers on a group of Black Vietnam veterans who arrive in a Southern town to liberate it from a racist sheriff, and the screening could spark renewed interest in Firstenberg’s body of work, which includes titles such as American Samurai, Cyborg Cop, Delta Force 3: The Killing Game, and Breakin’ 2: Electric Boogaloo.

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://t.me/newssil/199864
https://t.me/newssil/199866
https://t.me/newssil/199865
https://t.me/DefenderDome/20447
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-893866
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/article-893868
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-893867
https://worldisraelnews.com/trump-awarded-israel-prize-for-special-contribution-to-the-jewish-people/

HEADLINES
Iranian Drones Hit Erbil Oil Refinery
Lebanon Peace Centerpiece on Independence Day
Former Gaza Hostages Visit Wounded Soldiers

The time is now 4:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Regional Impacts, Iranian drones struck an oil refinery in Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, President Isaac Herzog and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar co-hosted the annual Independence Day reception at the President’s Residence. In their addresses to the foreign diplomatic corps and heads of non-Jewish religious communities, peace with Lebanon figured prominently. The event was held in the morning rather than the late afternoon, and the military ceremony honoring 120 outstanding soldiers had been pre-recorded on video. Herzog described the moment as a period of historic times and said that decisions by leaders and nations can affect the region's future for generations. He tied the war with Iran and Hezbollah to a battle for the future of our children, and noted that no Arab ambassadors or diplomats from Muslim countries were present at the reception as Israel marked its 78th anniversary.

In Uplifting News, Sam Firstenberg, the Israeli-raised director behind cult B-movie staples such as American Ninja and Breakin’ 2: Electric Boogaloo, is experiencing a revival of interest as his 1989 Riverbend screens for one night at Alamo Drafthouse theaters in five cities on April 29, offering a fresh look at a film about a group of Black Vietnam veterans who arrive in a Southern town and liberate it from a racist sheriff. The screening could rekindle interest in Firstenberg's roughly two dozen films made between 1981 and 2002, which fans celebrate for their over-the-top action and entertainment value. In another development, three former Gaza hostages Avinatan Or, Alon Ohel, and Guy Gilboa-Dalal visited wounded soldiers at Rabin Medical Center-Beilinson Campus two days before Independence Day, their first visit since release from Hamas captivity. They met soldiers from the Yahalom unit and the 890th Brigade, with one trooper telling them, "Sitting here with you now is the real victory." Earlier, the Ziv Medical Center in Safed announced the birth of a baby in Kidmat Tzvi in the Golan Heights during Independence Day—the first born in its maternity ward since the war began more than a month ago. Tal and Kirish Akrish welcomed their third son and thanked the medical team; midwife Hanan Abu Assi called the moment "a moment of light." The center added it expects a baby boom as services resume after a ceasefire with Hezbollah a week ago.

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://t.me/selena_updates/62402
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-893866
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/article-893868
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-893867
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-893858

HEADLINES
Intercepted missile fragment found near Ramat Hasharon
Hezbollah claims drone strike on Kafr Kana
Hormuz mine clearance could take six months

The time is now 3:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, Israeli civilians found a large missile fragment in an open area near Ramat Hasharon in central Israel on Wednesday. Police believe the fragment is from an interception during Operation Roaring Lion. Officers, including sappers and bomb disposal experts, were dispatched to assess the scene for any unexploded ordnance. Police confirmed there were no casualties and that the fragment posed no danger, while urging the public to avoid touching missile fragments and to contact authorities if they see any suspicious items. The police noted that several large fragments fell during the operation after being intercepted by Israel's air defense systems, including Arrow and Iron Dome.

In US Military Role, according to The Jerusalem Post, while President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have made the ultimate war and ceasefire decisions regarding Iran, IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant-General Eyal Zamir, US Joint Chiefs Chairman General Dan Caine, and CENTCOM Chief Admiral Brad Cooper were the next most influential figures. Zamir helped convince Caine and Cooper that the war was feasible; Caine helped persuade Trump that the war was viable, though he reportedly had doubts about several aspects. Caine also weighed in on the decision-making around unilateral ceasefires due to concerns about American lives and political costs. The report portrays the three commanders as largely shaping the war's architecture, even as some elements may not have aligned with their preferences.

In Regional Impacts, a Pentagon briefing to Congress says clearing Iranian mines from the Strait of Hormuz could take at least six months. Cleanup may not begin until the war ends, as Iran’s mines disrupt a key oil route, raising fears of prolonged high energy prices and economic fallout. Officials also question earlier claims that the mines had already been removed.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Hezbollah has claimed responsibility for another attack against Israel: a drone strike on the Israeli village of Kafr Kana at 18:00, in retaliation for an earlier IDF drone strike on al-Tiri, during which two Lebanese were killed, a journalist was wounded, and another journalist is missing.

In Uplifting News, Israel's furthest north communities welcomed a baby born during Independence Day: Tal and Kirish Akrish welcomed their third son at the Ziv Medical Center in Safed, the first baby born in the center’s maternity ward since the war began more than a month ago. They thanked the medical team and said the moment they held their baby offered a moment of great light. Midwife Hanan Abu Assi described the delivery as a meaningful moment and said the hospital expects a baby boom as services resumed after a ceasefire with Hezbollah. Gibraltar's monkeys find a clever way to avoid junk food bellyache: researchers observed macaques eating soil more frequently, especially in groups that consumed more tourist-supplied snacks such as chocolate, crisps, and ice cream. Scientists propose soil acts as an antacid buffering against stomach upset and potential microbiome disruption from human food, though more research is needed.

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/article-893859
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-893860
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/s1z00p5iabe
https://t.me/abualiexpress/120917
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-893858
https://www.jpost.com/omg/article-893862

HEADLINES
- Missile Fragment Intercepted Near Ramat Hasharon
- Zamir Caine Cooper Orchestrate Iran War
- IDF Strikes 70 Targets in Lebanon

The time is now 2:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, Israeli civilians discovered a large missile fragment in an open area near Ramat Hasharon in central Israel. The fragment is believed to be from an interception during Operation Roaring Lion. Police said there were no casualties and the fragment posed no danger. They dispatched officers, including bomb disposal specialists, to assess the scene and handle any unexploded ordnance. Authorities urged the public to remain vigilant, avoid touching suspected fragments, and call the police if they find anything suspicious. Several large fragments fell during the operation after being intercepted by Israel’s air defense systems, including Arrow and Iron Dome.

In US Military Role, a new report details the roles of three senior military figures as influential voices in the Iran war: Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Lieutenant-General Eyal Zamir, United States Joint Chiefs Chairman General Dan Caine, and United States Central Command Chief Admiral Brad Cooper. Zamir is described as having helped persuade Caine and Cooper that the conflict could be feasible, leading them to support it or not oppose it. Caine is portrayed as having been crucial in convincing President Trump that the war was viable, even as the US chairman reportedly held doubts about certain aspects. Caine also weighed in on the issue of unilateral ceasefires, concerned that costly outcomes in American lives and politics could follow any escalation. All three high-ranking commanders are presented as major influences on the war’s architecture, even when their preferences did not always align, a broader narrative that also touches on an emergency White House meeting in Washington.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, the Israeli Defense Forces conducted an operation in southern Lebanon before the current ceasefire came into effect, around Dibbin about 12 kilometers inside Lebanese territory, with the 91st Division coordinating with the Israeli Air Force. Troops engaged a Hezbollah compound identified as a threat to soldiers and civilians, and intelligence indicated attempts to carry out attacks. More than 70 targets were struck and over 20 terrorists were killed in close-quarters combat and airstrikes. Earlier, Hezbollah violated the ceasefire by firing rockets toward Israeli troops in southern Lebanon, and the IDF said it struck the launcher. Hezbollah later claimed the rockets were launched in response to what it called more than 200 violations by the Israeli side since the ceasefire began.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, the United States informed Israel that the Iran ceasefire had been extended to Sunday, officials said. President Trump also said Iran halted the executions of eight women protesters after his appeal, claiming four would be released and four given one-month sentences, framing the move as a possible opening step toward renewed negotiations.

In Uplifting News, Israel’s furthest north communities welcomed a baby born during Independence Day in Kidmat Tzvi in the Golan Heights. Tal and Kirish Akrish welcomed their third son, the first to be born at the Ziv Medical Center’s maternity ward since the war began, and thanked the medical team at Ziv in Safed. “The moment we held our baby for the first time was a moment of great light,” they said, while midwife Hanan Abu Assi noted that the moment carried real meaning and that a baby boom is expected as the center resumes operations after the ceasefire with Hezbollah. In Gibraltar, researchers reported that macaques are increasingly eating soil, particularly in groups that consume more tourist snacks such as chocolate and crisps, as a potential buffer against stomach upset from junk food. Lead author Sylvain Lemoine suggested soil may act as an antacid, with more research needed to understand possible microbiome effects. Former Gaza hostage Eli Sharabi spoke of Independence Day with renewed sorrow and resolve, recalling his wife and daughters murdered in the October 7 attacks and his brother kidnapped and later killed; he said Independence Day now carries deeper meaning as he continues to honor his family and pursue a sense of national resilience.

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/article-893859
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-893860
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-893857
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/hkzweyi611l
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-893858
https://www.jpost.com/omg/article-893862
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-893854

HEADLINES
Nuclear-powered Bush Carrier Heads to Middle East
IDF Strikes Lebanon Amid Hezbollah Fire
US-Iran Talks Possible Within 72 Hours

The time is now 1:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In US Military Role, a carrier heads toward the Middle East as a show of presence. The USS George H.W. Bush, a nuclear-powered warship carrying 90 aircraft and over 6,000 personnel, is nearing the region after a long route around Africa, with its arrival expected within days.

In Regional Impacts, border crossings along the Golan Heights and other fronts drew attention and action. Approximately 40 Habashan Pioneers attempted to cross into Syria from the Golan Heights; they were arrested by the IDF and handed to Israel Police for questioning, with officials noting that crossing the border fence is prohibited and dangerous, carrying potential prison time. A separate group, linked to the Uri Zion movement, sought to push the border into southern Lebanon, calling for expansion of Israel’s northern boundary. There have been waves of border crossings in recent years, most intercepted by the IDF, and there were prior attempts by Israeli Druze to cross the border amid wider regional tensions.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Israeli forces described a pre-ceasefire operation inside Lebanese territory. The IDF said troops from the 91st Division, with coordination from the Israeli Air Force, conducted activity around Dibbin about 12 kilometers inside Lebanon, targeting a Hezbollah compound after intelligence indicated planned attacks. More than 70 targets were struck and over 20 terrorists were killed in close-quarters combat and airstrikes. Earlier, Hezbollah fired rockets toward Israeli troops in southern Lebanon, which the IDF said were launched in violation of the ceasefire; Hezbollah later claimed the rockets were fired in response to what it described as numerous violations since the ceasefire began. Separately, Israel’s Foreign Minister said Lebanon is a failed state under de facto Iranian occupation through Hezbollah, arguing that Hezbollah is a common enemy of Israel and Lebanon and that ending its influence is essential to peace, while noting that only a few border disputes remain as obstacles to normalization.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, talks with Iran could begin as ceasefire conditions shift. US President Donald Trump said negotiations with Iran could start as soon as Friday, according to Pakistani sources who described talks as possible within 36 to 72 hours; the New York Post reported on the possibilities, noting Trump’s own text message reply, “It’s possible!.” Trump also announced via Truth Social that he extended the temporary US-Iran ceasefire to give Tehran time to submit a unified proposal for discussion, a move framed by perceived fractures within Iran and at the request of Pakistani officials. The United States said the ceasefire extension would stand, and the blockade on the Strait of Hormuz would continue. Market trackers offered a cautious read, indicating a low probability of a formal extension by the end of the current window.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, aliyah readiness faces tax-related hurdles. As antisemitism rises globally, a new wave of aliyah is anticipated, yet Israel’s readiness to absorb newcomers remains in question. A central obstacle cited is the tax system: foreign residents who have not yet officially immigrated face an 8% purchase tax from the first shekel, the same rate as Israeli investors buying a second home, while recognized new immigrants pay only 0.5% on the portion they purchase.

In Uplifting News, personal stories highlight resilience and achievement. Former Gaza hostage Eli Sharabi spoke of Independence Day taking on deeper meaning after the October 7 tragedy, noting that his family’s loss renews his resolve to honor their memory and continue striving for security and freedom. Hodaya Cohen was announced as the winner of Israel’s 78th Independence Day Tanach World Quiz for Youth, an event held at the Jerusalem Theater and conducted with participants from seven countries; the ceremony was recorded in advance due to security concerns, with Akiva (Jack) Schreier earning second place among competitors. The Olympic Committee of Israel honored fallen soldier and swimmer Eden Nimri by incorporating her handwriting into its official logo as part of the Ot Zikaron memorial project, a tribute to Nimri’s valor and memory after she died saving fellow soldiers at the Nahal Oz outpost.

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.ynetnews.com/article/ryfqt00lpwg
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/crime-in-israel/article-893841
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-893857
https://t.me/JewishNews24/53142
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-893853
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-893697
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-893854
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/culture/article-893849
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/sports/article-893848

HEADLINES
Lebanon Strike Targets Hezbollah Dozens Killed
US Iran Talks Possible Ceasefire Extended
Not Ready For New Aliyah Tax Hurdles

The time is now 12:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Israeli forces reported strikes and a high state of readiness amid fragile truces with Iran and its proxies. The IDF said it carried out an operation in southern Lebanon near Dibbin, roughly 12 kilometers inside Lebanese territory, conducted by the 91st Division with coordination from the Israeli Air Force. Troops targeted a Hezbollah compound identified as a threat, with intelligence indicating attempts to attack IDF soldiers and Israeli civilians. More than 70 targets were struck and over 20 terrorists killed in close-quarters combat and airstrikes. Separately, about 40 Israeli civilians from the Habashan Pioneers were stopped after attempting to cross into Syria from the Golan Heights; they were returned to Israel and handed to police for questioning, with police warning that crossing the border fence is illegal and dangerous and can carry prison time. A second group, linked to the Uri Zion movement, sought to cross into Lebanon in a protest, calling for expansion of Israel’s northern border. IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir said the military remains on high alert and ready to return to fighting on all fronts, addressing 120 outstanding soldiers honored at an Independence Day ceremony.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, reports indicate talks between the United States and Iran could begin as early as Friday, according to Pakistani sources cited by the New York Post, with President Donald Trump replying “It’s possible” when asked about the prospect. Trump also announced an extension of the temporary US-Iran ceasefire until Iranian officials submit a unified proposal for discussion, citing fractures within Iran and a request from Pakistani officials, and he said the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz would continue. Separately, Fox News reported that Trump extended the ceasefire by 3-5 days, a window that aligns with the period a US aircraft carrier would remain in the Middle East region.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, a major analysis argues that Israel is not ready for a new wave of aliyah even as antisemitism rises globally. Immigration from France has tripled in a year, nearly doubled from the UK, and more than 13,000 new aliyah files opened in North America in the last year, signaling a growing movement of people seeking to settle in Israel. A key obstacle cited is distortions in the Israeli tax system, where foreign residents who have not yet officially immigrated face an 8% purchase tax on the first shekel—the same rate as Israeli investors buying a second home—while recognized new immigrants pay only 0.5% on the portion they acquire.

In Uplifting News, former Gaza hostage Eli Sharabi spoke with Maariv about Independence Day taking on deeper meaning after October 7, recalling that his wife Lian and daughters Noya and Yahel were murdered in their home and his brother Yossi was kidnapped and later killed; he says they will still gather with family and honor life while acknowledging the enduring sense of loss. Hodaya Cohen, an 11th-grade student from Haran School, won Israel’s 78th Independence Day Tanach World Quiz for Youth 2026, an event held at the Jerusalem Theater and recorded in advance due to security concerns, with 16 top youths from seven countries participating and Akiva (Jack) Schreier of the United States placing second. The Olympic Committee of Israel is honoring fallen soldier and swimmer Eden Nimri by incorporating her handwritten script into its Ot Zikaron logo as part of a memorial project that brings together dozens of organizations; Nimri, a captain in the IDF, died at the Nahal Oz outpost on October 7 while saving 17 fellow soldiers, and her mother Sharon Nimri spoke of the emotional impact of seeing her daughter’s handwriting used in the logo.

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-893857
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/crime-in-israel/article-893841
https://t.me/JewishNews24/53139
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-893853
https://t.me/abualiexpress/120907
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-893697
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-893854
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/culture/article-893849
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/sports/article-893848

HEADLINES
- Lebanon housing destroyed as displacement soars
- US seizes Iranian ship amid Hormuz talks
- Remembrance Day honors fallen soldier Shachar Fridman

The time is now 11:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Regional Impacts, the latest government estimate shows Israeli attacks in the ongoing Lebanon war damaged or destroyed more than 62,000 housing units across the country. Within about 45 days of the fighting, 21,700 housing units were destroyed and 40,500 were damaged, according to Chadi Abdallah, head of the National Council for Scientific Research. The conflict has left more than 2,400 people dead and displaced more than a million since Iran-backed Hezbollah dragged Lebanon into the war on March 2. Despite a 10-day truce that began Friday, Lebanese authorities, eyewitnesses, and photographs from AFP indicate that Israeli forces have continued to demolish and blow up homes in southern Lebanese towns they currently occupy. Abdallah said the first three days of the ceasefire saw 428 housing units destroyed and 50 damaged. Lebanon plans to seek an extension of the truce at talks set for Thursday. The clash between Hezbollah and Israel last flared in 2023, escalating into two months of fighting.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, tensions across the region could rise even if US-Iran talks proceed, as a fragile ceasefire between Washington and Tehran threatens to unravel. The implications of renewed escalation could include a multi-front war and a sharp rise in global oil and shipping prices, along with international pushback against the United States and Israel and political effects ahead of the US midterm elections. The United States on Monday attacked and seized an Iranian cargo ship it said was trying to break the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz; Iran condemned the move as a ceasefire violation and warned it would retaliate if the pressure continued. Talks are expected to take place in Pakistan, and Washington said negotiations remained positive while Tehran said it was considering participation. Reports also noted a senior US official said talks would proceed, though specifics were not disclosed.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, Trump says talks with the Iranians on Friday could be possible. The former president suggested that discussions with Iran might occur on Friday, signaling a potential shift in approach, though no further details were provided about format or participants.

In Uplifting News, the sister of fallen soldier Shachar Fridman spoke of his life and character on Israel’s Remembrance Day. Fridman, who was 21, served in the 101st Battalion of the Paratroopers Brigade and returned to service after the October 7 outbreak despite previously being released from the army. She recalled that he answered his commander’s call without hesitation and went to fight in southern Israel before entering Gaza. He was killed on November 18, 2023, during hand-to-hand combat with Hamas fighters in the northern Gaza Strip while trying to protect fellow soldiers. Born September 13, 2002, in Jerusalem, he was the fourth child of Liat and Doron and grew up with his sisters Inbar, Sahar, and Noya. He studied at a religious high school with a focus on art, and his sister described him as a beacon of light, joy, and love for others, living with an open heart and constant concern for those around him.

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.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/04/more-62000-lebanon-housing-units-damaged-destroyed-israel-war-govt-estimate
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-893847
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-893840
https://t.me/newssil/199820
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-893838

HEADLINES
- Ukraine Sky Map Joins Saudi Counterdrone Frontline
- Israel Weighs Lasting Changes on Northern Border
- Jerusalem Civil Cemetery Case Reaches High Court

The time is now 10:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In US Military Role, the US military has deployed Ukrainian counter-drone technology at a key air base in Saudi Arabia to counter attacks and protect aircraft and facilities from increasing drone threats. The deployment of a Ukrainian command-and-control platform called Sky Map at Prince Sultan Air Base, which had not previously been reported, signals how Ukraine’s drone and counter-drone tech have advanced through battle experience in its four-year war with Russia. Ukrainian military officials arrived in recent weeks to train US warfighters with Sky Map, which detects incoming drones, including Iranian-developed Shahed drones, and coordinates counter-attacks with interceptor drones. The Pentagon has stepped up investments in counter-drone technology as cheap, mass-produced drones play a large role in modern conflicts. Prince Sultan is about 400 miles from Iran and has endured waves of drones and missiles since the war began, illustrating the intensity of drone threats and the collaboration with Ukraine in defense technology.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Israeli security researcher Zehavi argues that the core question is whether the current debate will produce lasting changes on Israel's northern border, beyond a temporary pause. Zehavi, founder and president of the Alma Research and Education Center, says the issue hinges on whether the discussions lead to durable security improvements rather than a short-term halt. She notes that from May 2000 through the end of the last major confrontation, there was no Israeli presence in Lebanon and no formal buffer zone, a situation she says persisted without effective enforcement. Following Israel’s maneuver in 2024, the army maintained a limited posture on five hills overlooking Israeli communities, a stance she views as inadequate. Hezbollah’s Radwan forces could maneuver near the border, and rockets remained a threat. Separately, the IDF reports weapons found south of the Forward Defense Line in southern Lebanon: in Al-Khiyam, weapons, surveillance equipment, an RPG launcher, ammunition and a Hezbollah flag were located; in Beit Lif, within structures used by Hezbollah, an RPG launcher, sniper weapons and additional military equipment were found; in Adshit al-Qusayr, drones and warheads, military equipment, ammunition crates, magazines and Kalashnikov rifles were located; in A-Taybeh, RPGs, an explosives activation kit, grenades and ammunition were located.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, the High Court of Justice ordered the state to explain why, three decades after Israel enacted its civil burial law, Jerusalem-area residents still do not have a state-funded civil cemetery. In a decision issued a day after a hearing, Justices directed the Religious Services Ministry, Finance Ministry and Jerusalem Jewish Burial Council to show why they have not acted to establish a civil cemetery for Jerusalem and its surroundings, allocate the required budget, grant a burial license to the lead petitioner Menucha Nechona Jerusalem after its establishment, and remove barriers that petitioners say have made it effectively impossible for non-Orthodox groups to operate such a site. The state must respond by July 1. The case was brought by Nechona Jerusalem, together with the Reform movement, Hiddush, the Masorti movement, and several private petitioners seeking access to civil burial. The dispute centers on recognizing the right to civil burial in law, but the practical implementation has lagged for decades.

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/international/article-893832
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-893840
https://t.me/JewishNews24/53135
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-893835

HEADLINES
Ukraine Drone Tech Boosts Saudi Base Security
Gaza Elections Spark Unity Against US Plan
Jerusalem High Court Demands Civil Burial Justice

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 US Military Role, the US military has deployed Ukrainian counter-drone technology at a key air base in Saudi Arabia to counter the growing drone threat that has damaged aircraft and facilities and killed at least one service member. The Ukrainian Sky Map command-and-control platform has been deployed at Prince Sultan Air Base, and Ukrainian officials have arrived in recent weeks to train US warfighters on its use to detect incoming drones and coordinate interceptor responses. The move illustrates Kyiv’s advanced drone and counter-drone capabilities honed in its four-year war with Russia as the Pentagon increases investments in this technology. Prince Sultan Air Base sits about 400 miles from Iran and has faced waves of drones and missiles since the conflict began.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Zehavi, founder and president of the Alma Research and Education Center, says the current debate over southern Lebanon cannot be understood without asking whether it yields lasting changes to Israel’s security reality on the northern border. She notes that between May 2000 and the end of the previous war in 2023 there was effectively no Israeli presence or buffer zone in Lebanon, and the area south of the Litani River was supposed to be free of illicit weapons but enforcement never followed through. She adds that after Israel’s 2024 maneuver, the army remained on five hills overlooking communities, a posture she says proved inadequate, while Hezbollah’s Radwan forces were still able to maneuver near the border. In Gaza, residents will vote in Deir al-Balah this weekend in municipal elections that form part of Palestinian Authority elections and are seen as a show of national unity against a US plan for Gaza that Palestinians believe aims to entrench separation from the West Bank, with some pro-Hamas candidates on the ballot offering a rare gauge of Hamas popularity. An item in this bloc titled סוריה 🇮🇱 is included with no further detail provided in the available material.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, the High Court of Justice has ordered the state to explain why, decades after Israel enacted a civil burial law, Jerusalem-area residents still do not have a state-funded civil cemetery. Justices gave the Religious Services Ministry, the Finance Ministry and the Jerusalem Jewish Burial Council a July 1 deadline to show why they have not acted to establish such a cemetery, to allocate the required budget, to grant a burial license to lead petitioner Menucha Nechona Jerusalem once established, and to remove barriers that petitioners say have made it effectively impossible for non-Orthodox groups to operate such a site. The case, brought by Nechona Jerusalem with partners including the Reform movement, Hiddush, the Masorti movement and other petitioners, centers on the right to civil burial and its implementation in practice.

In Uplifting News, sister of fallen soldier Shachar Fridman described her brother as “a beacon of light, joy, and love” who lived with an open heart and constant concern for others. Fridman, who served in the 101st Battalion of the Paratroopers Brigade, returned to service after the October 7 outbreak and was killed on November 18, 2023, during hand-to-hand combat with Hamas fighters in the northern Gaza Strip at age 21. Born in Jerusalem in 2002, he grew up there, studied at a religious high school with a focus on art, and answered his commander's call to fight in southern Israel before entering Gaza.

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/international/article-893832
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-893840
https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/04/gaza-first-local-vote-years-offers-gauge-hamas-popularity
https://t.me/newssil/199810
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-893835
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-893838