HEADLINES
South Pars gas output down 28 percent
US deploys carrier group to Hormuz blockade
Hamas leverages Iran Lebanon talks for Gaza

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

In Operation Lion's Roar, an unusual admission from Tehran confirms significant damage to Iran's gas sector. A member of the Iranian parliament’s Energy Committee acknowledged that the Israeli strike on the South Pars field reduced Iran’s gas production capacity by about 200 million cubic meters per day. South Pars had previously produced roughly 711 million cubic meters per day, meaning a drop of about 28 percent. The field accounts for 70 to 75 percent of Iran’s total gas production. With gas valued at around 30 to 40 cents per cubic meter, the loss translates to roughly $60 to $80 million per day, or $1.8 to $2.4 billion per month if the damage persists. The story goes beyond the gas itself, since gas from South Pars fuels power stations, industry, and the petrochemical sector. About 85 percent of Iran’s electricity is generated from gas, so the disruption threatens electricity supply and one of the country’s main economic pillars.

In US Military Role, the United States is expanding its footprint in the Middle East as the Strait of Hormuz blockade moves into a third day. The planned deployment includes a carrier strike group with about 6,000 personnel aboard the USS George H.W. Bush, alongside roughly 4,200 Marines with an amphibious ready group expected to arrive later this month. CENTCOM said an Iranian-flagged cargo vessel was intercepted after departing Bandar Abbas and transiting the Strait of Hormuz while attempting to evade the blockade, with ten vessels turned back so far and none breaching since Monday. A tracking firm, TankerTrackers, issued a report that contradicted CENTCOM’s account, signaling lingering questions about the convoy movements. Separately, White House budget director Russell Vought told lawmakers he cannot estimate the cost of the war with Iran while defending a proposed massive military budget of about $1.5 trillion annually. He said the administration is still working on what is needed, with discussions centered on fiscal year 2027 and a plan for a roughly $500 billion rise in defense spending alongside a 10 percent reduction in non-defense programs, reflecting partisan priorities ahead of the elections.

In Regional Impacts, China calls on Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to global shipping. China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi told Iran’s counterpart that while Tehran’s sovereignty and security in the strait should be respected and safeguarded, freedom and safety of navigation must also be guaranteed.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Hamas plans to use Iran and Lebanon negotiations to avoid disarmament and gain control of Gaza’s balance of power. A security-establishment source warned Hamas is exploiting instability in southern Lebanon and the US focus on the Iranian front to buy time, with a strategy centered on collecting taxes, recruiting activists, and taking control of goods entering the Gaza Strip. The source suggested Hamas is creating the appearance of relinquishing power while aiming to influence new rulers of the Gaza Strip from the shadows, a pattern echoed by Hezbollah in Lebanon's past. Hamas rejected the US-led Peace Board’s disarmament plan and asked for modifications. In Tyre, southern Lebanon, an Israeli unmanned aerial vehicle attacked a terrorist on a motorcycle, underscoring the ongoing and regional nature of the security operations.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, the White House says it has not formally requested an extension of the ceasefire. In parallel, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said two Chinese banks received letters from the US Treasury, stating that if evidence shows Iranian money moving through their accounts, secondary sanctions would be employed. In Congress, US Senate Republicans backed Trump’s military sales to Israel, blocking two resolutions that would have halted about $450 million in bombs and bulldozers. Democrats expressed concern about civilian harm from strikes in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran, but the vote reflected long-standing bipartisan support for Israel that makes such resolutions unlikely to pass, with Senator Bernie Sanders forcing votes on the matter.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Ofer Golan steps down from his role as Netanyahu’s spokesman and adviser after a decade of service. Netanyahu thanked him, praising his professionalism, discretion, and contribution, while Golan said he leaves with appreciation for the Prime Minister and confidence in his mission, noting how the Prime Minister has managed competing desires and constraints to safeguard the country. Separately, Netanyahu is named to Time 100 as a comeback draws global attention. The profile highlights the post-October 7 political landscape, the Gaza war, and last June’s 12-day conflict with Iran, warning that these actions could shape and complicate his legacy abroad.

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.

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https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/04/us-senate-republicans-back-trump-military-sales-israel
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https://www.ynetnews.com/article/sjdv6na2zx