HEADLINES
Houthis join war; Israel braces for longer
UAE pushes to open Hormuz by force
IDF kills Hezbollah Southern Front commander Hashem

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 Operation Lion's Roar, more than four weeks into the conflict after Israel and the United States struck Iran, leaders spoke of swift victory and even regime change, but the reality on the ground is taking a toll on everyday life. With Passover approaching, ballistic missile attacks persist, perhaps at a slower pace, while night sirens and restrictions remain routine. Ceasefire talks appear in the Israeli press, yet a rapid end seems unlikely as Yemen’s Houthis joined the conflict last weekend and the Strait of Hormuz remains a flashpoint. Public support for confronting Iran remains strong, but civilians report a growing burden from the war. Conversations with residents and online groups describe Passover through two lenses: the strain and the uncertainty, tempered by cautious optimism for a favorable outcome.

In Regional Impacts, the United Arab Emirates is preparing to help the United States and other allies open the Strait of Hormuz by force, according to officials cited by the Wall Street Journal. The UAE has reportedly conducted an internal assessment of its capabilities, including mine clearance, and is lobbying for a UN Security Council resolution to form a united front against Iran and press to open the strait. Gulf states, including the UAE and Saudi Arabia, have signaled they want to increase pressure on Tehran, arguing Iran has not been weakened enough a month after the bombing. Separately, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese warned that the war's economic shocks will be felt for months, urging citizens to use public transport. Australia imports about 90 percent of its fuel and has seen petrol prices surge and localized shortages tied to the conflict and Hormuz-related disruptions. Albanese said the disruptions will linger and urged careful travel and prudent fuel use to ease burdens on communities and essential industries.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, the IDF says its strike in Beirut killed Hezbollah Southern Front commander Hajj Yusuf Ismail Hashem, who oversaw Hezbollah operations in southern Lebanon, including rocket fire toward Israel and aerial attacks, as well as plans targeting civilians and soldiers.

In Uplifting News, Cultivate a Zionist I-Thou at Seder with JPPI’s Zionist texts - opinion. The piece cites Martin Buber’s call for deep, I-Thou relationships and argues Passover can be a Zionist identity-building moment rather than a routine, exhausting task. It contends that many plan for “difficult conversations” about Israel at the Seder but fail to act proactively, and it warns that anti-Zionist sentiment can create disengaged youth. The author urges every home to conduct a Zionist environmental scan, noting that younger generations should be guided toward a proud, literate Zionism. The Seder, the piece suggests, should be a vehicle for learning, connection, and reaffirming Zionist identity, drawing on personal memories of growing up immersed in Zionist books and imagery.

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-891768
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-891892
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-891883
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/hjkf0v9obx
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-891798