HEADLINES
Iron Dome debuts outside Israel in UAE
UN warns Iran medical stockouts threaten lives
Israel High Court orders draft evaders punished

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 Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, Israel sent an Iron Dome system and dozens of IDF troops to the United Arab Emirates during Operation Roaring Lion, its recent war with Iran, according to foreign sources. The decision followed a phone call between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed. Dozens of Iranian missiles fired at the UAE were intercepted by the system. This marks the first operational deployment of Iron Dome outside the United States or Israel, though Singapore has reportedly received Iron Dome batteries and Romania is expected to acquire them. Military, security, and intelligence cooperation between Israel and the UAE has grown since the Abraham Accords, reaching new heights during the Iran war. Iran launched around 560 ballistic and cruise missiles and more than 2,250 drones at the UAE; while the vast majority were shot down, some penetrated the defense and struck a mix of military and civilian targets.

In US Military Role, Trump says the Iran war will end very soon, and we will be winners big. The former president offered a blunt assessment that the conflict with Iran would conclude imminently and that the United States would emerge from it in a position of strength.

In Regional Impacts, medical supply shortages loom in Iran as civilians bear the cost of ongoing conflict, UN warns. The United Nations and aid groups caution that the war could leave Iran short of essential medical goods for months and years to come. A factory supplying 60% of the country’s dialysis filters has only enough raw materials to keep production for about three months, and some filters have already been damaged in strikes. The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has further hampered routes for medicines and medical equipment. Tehran’s Ebnesina Hospital reports shortages of hypertension and chemotherapy drugs due to halted air cargo, and Iran has begun importing aid, including a Red Cross shipment on April 10.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Bennett, Lapid, and the bromance that could decide Israel's next election - analysis. Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid have long described their partnership as a covenant of brothers, a bond that survived years of political realignment and a rotation government. Their alliance built trust as they coordinated votes inside Netanyahu's cabinet on religion-and-state and conscription reforms, underscoring how personal trust has shaped policy amid a shifting political landscape.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Israel High Court demands government enforce draft law, revoke benefits from evaders. The High Court has ordered steps within weeks to revoke key financial benefits from draft evaders and to move toward criminal enforcement for ultra-Orthodox men who fail to report for service. The court directed specific actions and timelines: the Housing Ministry must decide within 21 days how to condition eligibility for subsidized housing on draft status, the Labor Ministry must address daycare subsidies similarly within 21 days, and ministers must decide within 35 days on denying public transportation discounts and municipal tax discounts to those who have not served. The ruling signals a decisive turn in efforts to enforce the draft amid manpower shortages.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Adalah petitions High Court to return bodies of six Arab citizens withheld by Israel. The Palestinian legal aid group Adalah filed a petition seeking the immediate release of the remains, arguing that the longstanding justification for withholding bodies as leverage has dissolved after recent prisoner deals and changes in the broader framework. The petition asks the court to permit burial in accordance with the families’ religious beliefs and challenges the legality of continuing the policy.

In Uplifting News, Love isn’t enough: Faith in humanity through the lens of the Torah. The Torah offers guidance on dignity and compassion, highlighting that every person bears a divine image. Rabbi Akiva and other early voices elevate the command to love one’s neighbor as central to daily life, stressing mercy, empathy, and the responsibility to care for others as foundational to character and religious practice.

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/middle-east/article-894195
https://t.me/newssil/200132
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-894201
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-894209
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-894206
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-894204
https://www.jpost.com/judaism/article-893842

HEADLINES
Iron Dome deployed to UAE, intercepts missiles
Bennett Lapid Unite Under Together Party
Hungary Pushes Term Limits, Will Israel Follow

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, Israel sent an Iron Dome system and dozens of IDF troops to the United Arab Emirates during the recent war with Iran, according to foreign sources. The decision to deploy the battery and interceptors came after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke by phone with UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed. Dozens of Iranian missiles fired toward the UAE were intercepted by the system, according to foreign sources. This is the first instance of the Iron Dome being used operationally outside the United States or Israel, though Singapore has reportedly purchased and received Iron Dome, and Romania is expected to do so as well. Military, security, and intelligence cooperation between Israel and the UAE has been on the rise since the Abraham Accords in September 2020, but reached new heights during the recent Iran war. Iran fired around 560 ballistic and cruise missiles and more than 2,250 drones at the UAE during the war. Although the vast majority of missiles and drones were shot down, some penetrated the defense shield and struck a mix of military and civilian targets in the country.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, More from Lebanon. The entry in this block provides no additional details beyond the heading.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Hungary's incoming PM set to introduce term limits - will Israel follow suit? - opinion. Hungary’s incoming Prime Minister, Péter Magyar, declared his intention to amend the constitution to limit the prime minister’s tenure to two terms. That would cap a tenure at eight years, with retroactive application that would prevent Viktor Orbán, who has served 16 consecutive years, from running again. Term limits are described as an institutional mechanism to restrict the duration of public office. While common in presidential systems, they are highly unusual in parliamentary systems like Israel, where prime ministers are not directly elected by the public and power-sharing dynamics differ.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Former PMs Bennett, Lapid join forces under unified party ahead of next Israeli elections. Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid will announce a plan to form a united political party for the upcoming Israeli elections. Lapid's Yesh Atid Party and Bennett 2026 will form a joint list called "Together," led by Bennett. The agreement was signed on Saturday evening, with space left for Yeshar! leader Gadi Eisenkot to join the merger. Eisenkot had previously declined an offer to join Bennett's party because he did not want to serve as second-in-command. The pair emphasize unifying the opposition to pursue their electoral goals.

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/middle-east/article-894195
https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/75581
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-893800
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-894194

HEADLINES
UNRWA West Bank four-day week, 571 layoffs
Iron Dome intercepts missiles after Gulf deployment
Bennett-Lapid form joint election slate

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 Regional Impacts, UNRWA’s West Bank schools have moved to a four-day week due to funding gaps, with 571 staff laid off in January. UNRWA says services totaled about $880 million in 2025, but contributions were around $570 million, reflecting a decline in donations and ongoing public criticism from Israel and groups like UN Watch over alleged Hamas ties. The shift to a shorter school week is expected to continue through the end of the academic year, and staff working hours were cut by about 20%. The broader Gaza war context is cited, with the IDF uncovering terror hubs in UNRWA schools and headquarters, and some UNRWA staff identified as Hamas members or connected to the October 7 attacks. In southern Lebanon, residents are evacuating their homes after an evacuation announcement delivered in Arabic by an IDF spokesperson.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, moves and tensions continue on multiple fronts. In southern Lebanon, the IDF continues to attack Hezbollah targets in response to ceasefire violations. Separately, a report says Israel sent an Iron Dome system and troops to a Gulf state at the start of the war with Iran; an Israeli official said the system intercepted Iranian missiles, while a UAE official described Israel as a true ally.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Bennett and Lapid are set to announce a joint party for the upcoming elections. The plan unites Lapid’s Yesh Atid and Bennett’s 2026 with Bennett leading the new list, following a power-sharing arrangement in 2021-2022. The move aims to broaden support, build new alliances, and push for change, with reports suggesting former chief of staff Gadi Eisenkot could join. Polls have indicated Bennett would be the preferred prime minister if the joint list wins. In a separate development, after a week of killings, Police Commissioner Danny Levi said some murders are eruptive and impossible to prevent, noting a string of deadly incidents across Jewish and Arab communities, including the stabbing of 21-year-old Yemanu Binyamin Zalka in Petah Tikva; seven minors were arrested, and investigators faced scrutiny over initial handling of the case.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, outrage followed after a man dressed as Adolf Hitler stood on an Israeli flag and saluted Boston Marathon runners. Israeli Consul to New England Benjamin Sharoni called the incident an intimidation; the Boston Athletic Association and ADL New England condemned it as a hateful act with no place at the marathon. In the UK, most of a $100,000 donation intended for Ukrainian children was blocked, with funds approved for Ukraine but rejected for those in Israel; the donor Eugene Shvidler has been under UK sanctions since 2022. The Alumim Children Center, which supports Ukrainian children evacuated from Ukraine, including those in Israel, relocated part of its operations to Ashkelon and continues its educational and welfare work.

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/middle-east/article-894184
https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/75578
https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/75581
https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/75580
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/ry4uv5oa11x
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-894194
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-894182
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-894186
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-894183

HEADLINES
West Bank Schools Four-Day Week Amid Cuts
Hormuz Reopening Redefined End Tehran Coercion
White House Shooting Triggers IDF Strikes

The time is now 9:06 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Regional Impacts, UNRWA has cut West Bank schools to a four-day week amid funding shortfalls. The agency confirmed that working hours for staff were reduced by about 20 percent and that 571 employees were laid off in January as donations declined. UNRWA says services totaled about $880 million in 2025, but contributions came in at roughly $570 million, highlighting a significant funding gap. The measures are expected to continue through the end of the academic year. The funding squeeze comes amid ongoing public criticism from Israel and groups such as UN Watch over UNRWA’s handling of personnel and facilities with alleged Hamas links.

In Regional Impacts, Washington faces a decision on reopening the Strait of Hormuz that goes beyond simply resuming shipping. The analysis argues that success should be defined not by traffic returning but by stripping Tehran of the practical ability to use the strait as a recurring lever of coercion. A victorious reopening would require eliminating the regime’s coercive tools, potentially through decisive action that changes the balance of power, rather than a partial outcome that preserves leverage for the regime. The central concern is that Tehran does not relinquish coercive power through diplomacy alone, and a limited reopening could allow it to resume coercion under better conditions.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, a White House incident is reported alongside military action in the region as IDF forces conduct strikes against Hezbollah in Lebanon following shots fired at the White House and the evacuation of the president.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Police Commissioner Danny Levi said some murders are eruptive and difficult, and sometimes impossible, to prevent, as Israel endures one of its deadliest weeks of the year, including the stabbing death of Yemanu Binyamin Zalka, a 21-year-old IDF soldier and Pizza Hut employee, in Petah Tikva on Independence Day night. Seven minors were arrested in connection with the killing, and residents and opposition lawmakers criticized the pace of the police response. The Education Ministry told the High Court it could not provide a court-ordered update on funding for ultra-Orthodox school networks because the Finance Ministry had not supplied the necessary data, highlighting a coordination gap in state responses to the case. Former Israeli ambassador to the UK Tzipi Hotovely was unanimously approved to head the National Public Diplomacy Directorate in the Prime Minister’s Office, a role vacant since May 2024, with Hotovely expected to take the post next week. She previously served as ambassador to the United Kingdom from 2020 to 2025 and has held several other senior roles in public diplomacy and diaspora affairs. President Isaac Herzog said he does not plan to pardon Netanyahu in the near term and intends to pursue a plea deal through negotiations, preferring efforts outside the courtroom to foster national unity, according to discussions cited by the New York Times.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, outrage followed an incident in which a man dressed as Adolf Hitler stood on an Israeli flag and saluted Boston Marathon runners. Israeli Consul to New England Benjamin Sharoni said the act was an attempt to intimidate Jewish runners and should be condemned without reservation. The Boston Athletic Association and the ADL New England condemned the incident, with the ADL noting the individual appeared to target those perceived as Jewish or Israeli, and emphasizing that the Boston Marathon should be a moment of unity and 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/middle-east/article-894184
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-893804
https://www.jpost.com/podcast/jpost-headlines/article-894162
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-894182
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-894173
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-894172
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-894167
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-894186

HEADLINES
Iran nuclear rollback urged not ceasefire
Drones shot down as Israel hits Hezbollah
Hotovely named new head of public diplomacy

The time is now 8:28 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, an opinion piece argues that a ceasefire with Iran isn’t enough and lasting security requires Tehran to rollback its nuclear ambitions and missile development program. The author recalls a time when Israeli officials warned the United States during the 2015 negotiations with Tehran that allowing ongoing uranium enrichment would fuel a nuclear crisis posing an existential danger to Israel and the West. The piece contends that Washington and the other powers agreed to limits that were set to lapse by 2030, and since the United States left the deal in 2018, Iran has accelerated its military nuclear program, amassing highly enriched uranium capable of producing fissile material for at least ten bombs within months and speeding up production toward weaponization. The article notes that the International Atomic Energy Agency declared Iran in breach of its non-proliferation obligations, underscoring a widening gap between stated limits and Tehran’s capabilities.

In Regional Impacts, reopening the Strait of Hormuz should not be judged by traffic resuming alone but by whether Tehran loses the practical ability to use the strait as leverage. The piece argues that a true win requires deterrence that denies the regime its coercive tools, even if that means a military outcome that defeats or topples the regime rather than a quick diplomatic fix. It warns that Tehran has a history of using diplomacy to preserve coercive power under more favorable conditions, so a temporary reopening reached through talks while the regime remains intact would confirm a dangerous pattern rather than resolve the crisis. Separately, residents near the Israel-Egypt border were told Egyptian forces would hold live-fire drills near the fence with Israeli military approval, raising fears of smuggling, surveillance, and echoes of pre-October 7 conditions.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Lebanese authorities report that Hezbollah operatives were released on bail after being held under arms restrictions, with the suspects admitting to transporting 21 Grad missiles, 3,000 rounds of ammunition, and eight machine guns from the Bekaa Valley to southern Lebanon to confront the Israeli forces. Lebanon’s move comes after a March ban on Hezbollah military activities following cross-border fire, and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned the broader attack while debates over Hezbollah’s actions continued. In a separate development, three Hezbollah drones launched from Lebanon were shot down by the Israeli Air Force, with sirens sounding in the Western Galilee before the drones were brought down. After an evacuation warning was issued, residents in southern Lebanon began leaving their towns, and the Israeli Army conducted strikes on Hezbollah infrastructure in the areas that received warnings and in additional ones, including Burj Qallawiyeh, Nabatieh Al-Fawqa, Yaroun, Dayr Antar, Bint Jbeil, and Kounine. In another flare, the Israeli military carried out strikes in southern Lebanon in response to ceasefire violations attributed to Hezbollah, with reports of militants killed in the exchange. In parallel, reports described shots fired at the White House, prompting an evacuation, as Israeli forces conducted operations against Hezbollah targets in Lebanon.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, the Education Ministry told the High Court it could not provide a court-ordered update on funding for ultra-Orthodox school networks because the Finance Ministry had not supplied the necessary data. The filing said some information was incomplete, required additional processing, or remained accessible only through Finance Ministry systems, signaling a breakdown in coordination amid the case. Former Israeli ambassador to the United Kingdom Tzipi Hotovely was appointed head of the National Public Diplomacy Directorate in the Prime Minister’s Office, a role vacant for two years after Moshik Aviv’s resignation. Hotovely, who served as ambassador from 2020 to 2025 and previously held portfolios in settlement, diaspora, and foreign affairs, is expected to assume the position next week. President Isaac Herzog was reported by The New York Times to not plan a pardon for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the near term, preferring mediation to reach a plea deal; he has said negotiations toward an agreement are a necessary step before addressing any pardon.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, a Vaughan, Ontario, congregant was punched after a man attempted to force his way into the synagogue. Police and the Sephardic Kehila Centre said the intruder, described as a man of Middle Eastern background known to no one at the synagogue, was stopped by security and left the building, discarding papers bearing verses from the Psalms. The victim did not suffer serious injuries, and Rabbi David Kadoch described the incident as a troubling breach of security, underscoring the ongoing concerns about anti-Jewish hate and the need for vigilance around places of worship.

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/opinion/article-893807
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-893804
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/bkqr5do6zl
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-894163
https://www.jpost.com/podcast/jpost-headlines/article-894162
https://t.me/newssil/200106
https://t.me/selena_updates/62667
https://t.me/selena_updates/62658
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-894173
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-894172
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-894167
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/article-894178

HEADLINES
Iran hanged alleged Israeli agent Erfan Kiani
Dozens breach Jenin camp checkpoints, clashes escalate
Lebanon breaks from Iran in talks

The time is now 8:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Iranian Retaliation, Iran executed alleged Israeli agent over sabotage in nationwide protests, state media claims
Tehran says it hanged Erfan Kiani, described as a “hired thug of Mossad,” for vandalism and violence during nationwide protests this year. Tasnim News Agency, a semi-official outlet, reported that Kiani participated in the destruction and arson of public and private property, spreading fear across the central city of Isfahan, and wielding a machete. The execution took place early Saturday after the sentence was confirmed by the Supreme Court, according to Tasnim. The move comes as Iran and the United States pursue a diplomatic solution to the conflict, with one main US demand being that Tehran halt executions of protesters. President Donald Trump urged via Truth Social that eight women who are expected to be executed be released. In a separate incident on Saturday, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps targeted K...

In Regional Impacts, Dozens of Palestinians breach IDF checkpoints to enter Jenin refugee camp
Some 20 Palestinians successfully breached military checkpoints to enter the Jenin refugee camp in the West Bank, the IDF said on Saturday afternoon. Dozens broke through barricades surrounding the camp, which the army has designated a closed military zone. At least 10 Palestinians were detained in the area, with most suspects reportedly apprehended; forces are using drones to monitor and locate additional suspects inside the refugee camp. The incident is described as developing. Across Gaza, there has been a sharp rise in fire incidents over the past ten days, with the army identifying a Hamas effort to rebuild militarily and govern the area. In two incidents, the IDF eliminated armed militants near Jabalia in the north and in the southern Gaza Strip. The military says it will continue to act to remove immediate threats. A separate report notes an airstrike on a van in southern Gaza carrying armed militants; the militants were killed, as forces targeted the vehicle to remove an immediate danger, with operations continuing in the area.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Voices from the Arab press: Lebanon succeeds in separating its path from Iran
An-Nahar, Lebanon, notes that Hezbollah’s attempt to link Lebanon’s negotiating track to Iran’s has failed. The report describes a coordinated push by the party and allied groups to mobilize the street, fold Lebanon’s file into the US-Iran negotiations, and press Tehran’s demand for a ceasefire in Lebanon as part of a broader deal. The effort faltered when Lebanon’s leadership resisted, signaling that the country will pursue an independent course in its national decisions.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, Iran relays demands through Pakistan as it warns US over blockade
Iran’s foreign minister conveyed Tehran’s negotiating position and reservations to Pakistani officials during a visit to Islamabad, as Islamabad mediates between Washington and Tehran. Iranian military leadership has warned US forces against continuing what Iran calls a blockade and piracy in the region. The reports portray a coordinated effort to influence talks through Pakistan, while Tehran presses its warnings to the United States about regional actions.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, מו"מ איראן-ארה"ב: שר החוץ האיראני העביר את הדרישות וההסתייגויות לפקיסטן
The Iranian foreign minister delivered Tehran’s negotiation demands and reservations to Pakistani officials during his visit to Islamabad, highlighting Pakistan’s role as intermediary in the talks with the United States. The broader context includes warnings from Iranian military leadership about continuing blockade and piracy in the region, reinforcing Tehran’s stance as the discussions proceed.

In Uplifting News, Laughing through it: Israeli comedy films to celebrate Independence Day
Israeli cinema has long echoed the country’s humor, especially around Independence Day. The list of notable comedies includes a 1964 Ephraim Kishon classic that skewers the Mizrahi-Ashkenazi divide, government corruption, and donor dependence, with Chaim Topol starring alongside Geula Nuni and other stars. The film remains accessible through the Israel Film Archive, as well as Hot, Yes, and Netflix.

In Independence is a dance between freedom and responsibility, Renana Raz tells 'Post'
Renana Raz, one of Israel’s leading multidisciplinary artists, says independence brings freedom but also responsibility. She describes how independence requires art to shoulder the full weight of production and technical concerns, even as it enables creative exploration. Raz works across theatre, dance, film, and television, moving between roles to realize her artistic vision.

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/middle-east/iran-news/article-894102
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-894101
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1313690
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1313686
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-893822
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/s1wdbqqpbg
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1313681
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/culture/article-893973
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/culture/article-893966

HEADLINES
Iran hanged alleged Israeli agent during protests
Independence means freedom and responsibility Raz says
Music shaped Israel's identity over 78 years

The time is now 7:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Iranian Retaliation, Iran executed alleged Israeli agent over sabotage in nationwide protests, state media claims. Iran said it hanged an Iranian accused of acting as an agent for Israeli intelligence on Saturday for vandalism and violence during nationwide protests this year, the semi-official Tasnim news agency reported. It said Erfan Kiani, a “hired thug of Mossad,” had engaged in the destruction and arson of public and private property, spreading fear and terror across the central city of Isfahan, and wielding a machete. He was hanged early in the morning after his sentence was confirmed by the Supreme Court and following legal procedures, Tasnim reported. The execution happened amid negotiations between Iran and the US over a diplomatic solution to the current conflict between the two countries, with one of the main demands of US President Donald Trump being that the regime stop executing protesters. Trump requested on Tuesday that the Iranian leaders release eight women who are expected to soon be executed by the regime. “I would greatly appreciate the release of these women,” Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social. In a separate incident on Saturday, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps targeted K...

In Uplifting News, Laughing through it: Israeli comedy films to celebrate Independence Day. Israelis love comedies, no matter what is going on in the world, and Independence Day is a great time to sit down and enjoy them. The piece highlights some of the best Israeli comedies, both classics and more recent releases, available through the Israel Film Archive, on the Hot and Yes movie channels, and on Netflix. The 1964 Kishon classic, which received Israel’s first Oscar nomination in the Best Foreign Film category, is highlighted as still funny today. Chaim Topol stars as Sallah, with Arik Einstein as a kibbutznik who falls for Sallah’s daughter and Gila Almagor as a social worker who dates Sallah’s son, using humor to explore social and political nuances of the era.

In Uplifting News, Independence is a dance between freedom and responsibility, Renana Raz tells 'Post'. Raz, one of Israel’s most prominent multidisciplinary artists, says independence offers freedom, but it also demands that the artist carry the full weight of what unfolds. “When I think of the classification of an independent artist, two words come to mind: freedom and responsibility.” Raz, 47, is a leading figure in theater, dance, film, and television, and she moves between roles as she develops her work, reflecting on how independence shapes creative life and responsibility in production and presentation.

In Uplifting News, Music to our ears, and hearts: How music shaped Israel’s identity over 78 years. The country marks 78 years of independence, a period defined by a transformation from a war-torn early state to a nation opening to the Western world. The Six Day War of 1967 helped catalyze that shift, and music has been a central thread in the story of Israel’s identity. Yoav Kutner, in Shi’ur Moledet, a Hebrew-language book published in 2008 on the country’s 60th birthday, charts the evolution of Israeli music and how it has reflected and shaped national life as it grew into a vibrant cultural landscape.

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/middle-east/iran-news/article-894102
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/culture/article-893973
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/culture/article-893966
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/culture/article-893964

HEADLINES
- Iran Regime Change Backed by International Pressure
- Turkey Eyes Demining Role in Hormuz Strait
- Israel Faces War Fatigue and Leadership Strain

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

In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, with large-scale US military action against Iran winding down, the piece argues that stage two of the campaign should be regime change in Iran, targeting the Ayatollahs and the Revolutionary Guards. It contends that with international backing this could be possible, and that millions of Iranians want change. It notes that while neither President Trump nor Prime Minister Netanyahu defined regime change as an official goal of their current assault, both have encouraged Iranian protesters to take back their country. The piece argues that only regime change can neutralize Iran’s nuclear threat in the long term and contends that the Iranian people themselves must overturn the regime. It calls for steps to support an opposition movement, including a dedicated anti-regime media outlet and training of opposition factions inside Iran, among other measures.

In Regional Impacts, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Turkey could consider taking part in demining operations in the Strait of Hormuz following a possible peace agreement between Iran and the United States. He described mine-clearing work as a humanitarian duty and said a technical team from various countries would conduct the operation, with Turkey viewing such efforts positively in principle under those conditions. He cautioned that Turkey would reassess its position if any future technical coalition became a party to renewed conflict. He also said issues related to Iran’s nuclear program could be resolved at the next round of talks in Pakistan.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, an opinion piece in Hebrew portrays three years of a war of attrition as wearing down Israel. It argues the country is exhausted, the IDF is not in good shape, and signs of strain appear in discipline and morale amid political pressure on the government. The article suggests the army has felt compelled to bluff about “dismantling Hezbollah” with no clear military objective, paying a price in casualties and public trust. It notes growing public fatigue and skepticism toward leadership, including references to high-level pressure within Iran and a meeting with Pakistan’s leader amid questions about real policy shifts versus tactical moves. The piece ends by describing Iran’s posture as challenging to international expectations and highlighting ongoing regional dynamics and diplomacy rhetoric.

In Uplifting News, Israel marks 78 years of independence with a thriving musical landscape that has evolved since 1948. The piece highlights the country’s cultural vitality, noting a long tradition of music and high-quality output across decades. It references Yoav Kutner’s 2008 Hebrew-language work Shi’ur Moledet, which traces the evolution of Israeli music and its ties to homeland identity, illustrating how music has shaped the country’s identity over time.

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/opinion/article-893987
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-894098
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1313665
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/culture/article-893964

HEADLINES
Iran regime change drive gains foreign backing
Turkey to join Hormuz demining after peace
Moroccan flag burning sparks antisemitism complaint

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

In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, an opinion piece argues that as large-scale US military action against Iran winds down, it is time for a second phase aimed at regime change in the Islamic Republic: removing the Ayatollahs and the Revolutionary Guards from power. The author contends that with backing from abroad this could be feasible, and that millions of Iranians want change. It notes that while neither President Trump nor Prime Minister Netanyahu has defined regime change as an official goal of the current military campaign, both leaders have encouraged Iranian protestors to take back their country. The piece argues that only regime change can truly neutralize the nuclear threat in the long term, and that the Iranian people themselves must overturn the regime. It also suggests that outside support could include an aggressive propaganda effort and training of opposition factions inside Iran to help an opposition movement emerge.

In Regional Impacts, Turkey could consider joining a Strait of Hormuz demining operation, with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan saying demining could follow a potential Iran-US peace agreement. A technical team from various countries would carry out mine-clearing work in the strait, and Turkey views such efforts positively in principle as a humanitarian duty. Turkey would have no problem participating under those conditions, but would reassess its position if any future technical coalition of countries became a party to renewed conflict. Fidan also said issues related to Iran's nuclear program could be resolved at the next round of talks in Pakistan.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, Moroccan lawyer Faical Oumerzoug filed a complaint over an Israel flag burning in Rabat, saying protest videos showed hate speech, antisemitic slogans and incitement against Jews, and urging authorities to investigate alleged foreign links to Iran, Hezbollah and other groups.

In Israeli Economy and Business, Jerusalem’s business community describes a difficult climate, with tax-paying businesses facing ongoing pressures and calls for timely financial assistance to keep operations running. The city’s history of hardship, including resilience through the Second Intifada, is cited, along with ongoing concerns about periodic security threats and the need for relief to sustain activity.

In Uplifting News, a city back on its feet after a month of war: the 2026 Jerusalem Marathon experience unfolds with runners pushing through fatigue toward a final stretch near Sacher Park. The event, postponed earlier due to the Second Iran War, is marked by encouragement from volunteers and spectators as finish-line reunions with loved ones underscore a sense of perseverance and a look toward next year.

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-894098
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-893987
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-893985
https://www.jpost.com/business-and-innovation/all-news/article-893981
https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/04/turkey-may-consider-role-hormuz-demining-after-iran-us-deal-minister-says
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/sjvqak96zg

HEADLINES
Hezbollah Attacks Israel Sixteen Since Ceasefire
American Journalist Abducted in Baghdad Beaten
Jerusalem Marathon Finishes Through Sirens and Hope

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

In Regional Impacts, the city of Jerusalem is shown as a community moving forward after a month of war. The Jerusalem Marathon finished along Sderot Ben Zvi near Sacher Park in a moment that felt almost abrupt, with the road flattening and runners pushing through heavy legs as volunteers and spectators offered encouragement in Hebrew and English: you can do it, just a little more. Finishing lines drew reunions with loved ones, even as officials had postponed the race to the latest possible date amid a conflict that many described as a Second Iran War. Rocket sirens had turned routine runs into shelter calculations, sleep schedules collapsed, and reserve duty orders arrived in waves. Race morning outside the Jerusalem Gate Hotel began in darkness at 5:30 a.m., and runners moved toward Sacher Park with quiet, revealing conversations, including a 21-year-old participant who spoke to the gravity of a city still learning how to test endurance in times of sirens and uncertainty. Separately, an American journalist, Shelly Kittleson, described being abducted in broad daylight in Baghdad by a pro-Iran militia, subjected to beatings, with broken ribs, blindfolded and shackled, moved between vehicles and cells, and kept from medical care until her release.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Hezbollah yesterday claimed responsibility for five attacks against Israel, the latest a drone strike on an Israeli armored vehicle. Since the start of the ceasefire, Hezbollah has asserted responsibility for sixteen attacks against Israel, a tally noted as authorities consider responses and regional ramifications of the ongoing conflict.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, Moroccan lawyer Faical Oumerzoug filed a complaint over an Israel flag burning in Rabat, saying protest videos showed hate speech, antisemitic slogans and incitement against Jews, and urging authorities to investigate alleged foreign links to Iran, Hezbollah and other groups.

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-893985
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/skfopcy6ze
https://t.me/abualiexpress/121065
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/sjvqak96zg
https://www.jpost.com/food-recipes/article-893821
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/culture/article-894009