Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-04-01 at 09:02

HEADLINES- Israel strikes Tehran amid escalating air war- US weighs Iran ceasefire linked to Hormuz- San Francisco college finds Jewish professor harassedThe time is now 11:02 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Operation Lion's Roar, hundreds of Israeli Air Force combat aircraft have been operating in Iranian airspace, striking targets of the Iranian terror regime. Aerial refueling is a critical component of the Air Force’s operations over Iran, enabling sustained air superiority in the area, with tanker aircraft having conducted approximately 2,000 aerial refuelings. The IDF has begun a wave of strikes in Iran, with eight zones reporting debris from interceptor fragments and no casualties; residents are told they may leave shelters.In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, the Iranian foreign ministry spokesman denied to Al Jazeera that Trump’s claim of a ceasefire request was correct. The ministry also said the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is in good health and that his absence from public view reflects wartime conditions. The Israel Defense Forces said it has launched a broad series of strikes in central Tehran, targeting dozens of infrastructures of the Iranian regime, while the air force is intercepting threats from across sectors. Reports indicate significant strikes underway in Tehran.In US Military Role, a US B-52 bomber loaded with bombs took off from the RAF Lakenheath base in Britain en route to Iran.In Regional Impacts, across central and southern Israel authorities report major activity and damage: imagery from Petah Tikva; a large blast in the south with no sirens; destruction at a central site with a building collapse and a missile fragment landing in Ramat Gan; cars in Petah Tikva set alight; the Home Front Command has advised that people may leave protected spaces; so far no injuries have been confirmed and searches continue; additional notes reference Tel Aviv and red alerts ongoing.In US Policy Concerning Israel, President Trump says Iran’s new regime president has asked for a ceasefire and that the United States will only consider it when the Strait of Hormuz is opened, although there has not been a new Iranian president in about two and a half years and Masoud Pezeshkian is listed as president. Separately, according to Axios’ Barak Ravid, three US officials say discussions are under way about a possible ceasefire with Iran in return for reopening the Strait of Hormuz.In Israeli Domestic Politics, minister Itamar Ben-Gvir revealed on Channel 7 that the Shin Bet has begun building a facility for those sentenced to death.In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, StandWithUs and the Brandeis Center announced a significant victory for Jewish faculty and students after the City College of San Francisco concluded that a Jewish professor faced unlawful harassment and discrimination during a Board of Trustees meeting based on Jewish identity; the ruling establishes a critical precedent for how universities evaluate conduct often framed as political speech but targeting Jewish identity. Deedee Bitran, senior counsel and director of pro bono at StandWithUs Saidoff Law, said that discriminatory treatment of minorities in the workplace may constitute unlawful harassment when it targets protected identity and urged prompt intervention and enforcement of policies to deter future violations.In Uplifting News, former Gaza hostages say Passover takes on a different meaning this year as they return home and reflect on freedom; David Cunio and Keith Siegel describe the holiday’s deeper significance after their release, with Cunio having launched a crowdfunding effort to support his family’s recovery. The ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to Israel also offered Passover greetings, wishing Jews in Israel and around the world a meaningful Seder and a safe holiday.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.SOURCEShttps://t.me/selena_updates/60425https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1304094https://t.me/newssil/197568https://t.me/abualiexpress/119344https://t.me/newssil/197566https://t.me/newssil/197563https://t.me/abualiexpress/119345https://t.me/newssil/197574https://t.me/newssil/197573https://t.me/newssil/197572https://t.me/newssil/197571https://t.me/newssil/197570https://t.me/newssil/197567https://t.me/newssil/197565https://t.me/newssil/197564https://t.me/newssil/197560https://t.me/StandWithUsBreakingNews/7966https://t.me/selena_updates/60427https://t.me/DefenderDome/19883https://t.me/newssil/197569https://t.me/StandWithUsBreakingNews/7967https://www.jpost.com/judaism/jewish-holidays/article-891597https://t.me/selena_updates/60428

HEADLINESReverse Exodus to Taba amid Iran warIDF warns Hezbollah money exchangers in ArabicNetanyahu pardon request advances amid ongoing trialThe 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, thousands of Israelis and tourists are leaving Israel through the Egyptian resort town of Taba in what is described as a reverse Exodus amid war with Iran. The article opens with Exodus 10:1-2: “The Lord said to Moses: ‘Go to Pharaoh, for I have hardened his heart and the heart of his servants in order that I might place these signs of Mine in his midst. And in order that you tell into the ears of your son and your son’s son how I made a mockery of the Egyptians, and [that you tell of] My signs that I placed in them, and you will know that I am the Lord.’” Just after 8:15 a.m. on Saturday, February 28, 2026, the Home Front Command’s alert sounded on phones across Israel, signaling a country at war. Its airspace had been closed since 2:20 a.m., and there were no flights in or out of Ben-Gurion Airport. At 9:30 a.m., US President Donald Trump spoke about the joint US-Israeli attacks on the Iranian regime, saying that America had “sought repeatedly to make a deal” and that the United States would destroy missiles and annihilate the Iranian navy, stressing that the regime would not obtain a nuclear weapon.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, the IDF is delivering a direct message in Arabic aimed at money exchangers serving Hezbollah. An IDF spokesperson in Arabic published a direct threat against money exchangers serving Hezbollah.In US Policy Concerning Israel, President Trump says Iran’s new leader has asked for a ceasefire, delivered in a Truth Social post on Wednesday, and he says the United States would consider a pause only if the Hormuz Strait is open, free, and clear, while Iran’s foreign minister says no negotiations are underway. Trump has also told Reuters that the United States could be out of Iran quickly and could return for spot hits if needed.In Israeli Domestic Politics, the Justice Ministry’s Pardons Department said on Wednesday that it had transferred additional materials concerning Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s pardon request, after further questions and supplementary requests were raised in the course of the review. The department’s move confirms that Netanyahu’s request remains active and continues through the formal clemency process, a step noted against the backdrop of his ongoing criminal trial. Netanyahu submitted the pardon request in late November 2025, an extraordinary step in a system where clemency is usually tied to convictions or defined humanitarian or public-interest circumstances; he faces three corruption cases and one bribery charge.In Israeli Economy and Business, the sector faces a “perfect storm” as war, macro volatility, and the rapid advance of AI collide with a shrinking pool of young people pursuing high-tech careers. A report from the Committee for Increasing Human Capital in High-Tech warns that the country must rethink how skills are taught for an AI-dominated future. Only 10.8% of students pursue high-tech matriculations, with 7.8% of female students and 7.3% of Arab students, a gap the report says must be addressed to preserve Israel’s competitive edge. The findings urge expanding participation by women, Arabs, Haredim, and residents of periphery regions in high-tech fields.In Uplifting News, on Passover, former Gaza hostages say freedom takes on a different meaning as they return home. David Cunio, 35, kidnapped on October 7, 2023 from Kibbutz Nir Oz along with his wife and their then-three-year-old twins, Emma and Yuli, along with others, were held for years before release, with Sharon Aloni-Cunio and the children returning earlier and David, Ariel Cunio, and Arbel Yehoud being released in October 2025. Cunio has spoken openly about the torture he endured and has started a crowdfunding campaign to support his family’s recovery, hosted on reachhands. And in a lighter note, the word “Enjoy!” closes this hour’s package.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.SOURCEShttps://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-891601https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/74317https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-891907https://www.ynetnews.com/article/symfhc5owlhttps://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-891904https://www.jpost.com/business-and-innovation/tech-and-start-ups/article-891898https://www.jpost.com/judaism/jewish-holidays/article-891597https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/74316

HEADLINESReverse Exodus At Taba As War IntensifiesNetanyahu Pardon Review Advances With New MaterialsIsrael Tech Talent Shortage Endangers AI EdgeThe time is now 9:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Regional Impacts, thousands of Israelis and international visitors are leaving Israel through the border crossing at Taba, described as a reverse Exodus amid the war with Iran. Early Saturday, alarms sounded countrywide as the Home Front Command issued alerts; Israel’s airspace has been closed since 2:20 a.m., and Ben-Gurion Airport is not operating. By about 9:30 a.m., President Donald Trump spoke of joint US-Israeli action against the Iranian regime, saying the United States is mounting a major operation to prevent threats to national security and pledging to destroy missiles and neutralize the regime’s navy. Observers note crowds converging on the Taba crossing as the main exit route for Israelis and tourists amid the crisis.In Israeli Domestic Politics, Netanyahu pardon request advances as Justice Ministry reviews new materials. The Justice Ministry’s Pardons Department said it has transferred additional materials concerning Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s pardon request after further questions and supplementary requests arose in the review, with no indication of a near decision. Netanyahu’s application has been unusual from the start, filed in late November 2025 while his criminal trial is ongoing in three corruption cases and one bribery charge, and the clemency process continues to move forward.In Israeli Economy and Business, ‘Perfect storm’: Israel's high-tech faces a human capital crisis, lack of new students in age of AI. The report from the Committee for Increasing Human Capital in High-Tech describes a pressure-filled moment for Israel’s tech sector, with war, macro volatility, and rapid AI adoption coinciding with a shrinking pool of students pursuing high-tech paths. David Perlmutter, the committee’s chairman, says new approaches to teaching are needed to prepare the next generation for an AI-driven landscape. The study notes only 10.8% of students pursue high-tech matriculations, with 7.8% of female students and 7.3% of Arab students. It warns that without broader participation from women, Arabs, Haredim, and residents of the periphery, Israel’s competitive edge could be at risk.In Uplifting News, On Passover, former Gaza hostages say freedom takes on a different meaning — interview. Former Gaza hostages David Cunio and Keith Siegel say Passover carries a deeper personal meaning now that they are home. Cunio, 35, was kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7, 2023, along with his wife and their then-three-year-old twins; Sharon Aloni-Cunio and the children were released in late November 2023, while Cunio, his brother Ariel Cunio, and partner Arbel Yehoud remained in captivity until October 13, 2025. Cunio has launched a crowdfunding campaign on Reach Hands to support his family’s recovery. The conversation reflects how the holiday’s symbolism feels different for those who endured captivity and are rebuilding their lives.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.SOURCEShttps://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-891601https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-891904https://www.jpost.com/business-and-innovation/tech-and-start-ups/article-891898https://www.jpost.com/judaism/jewish-holidays/article-891597

HEADLINESIsrael braced as Iran volley sparks alarmsGulf states push to reopen HormuzAntisemitism surge: Penn ruling, London arrestsThe time is now 8:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, alarms were reported in the northern towns of Kiryat Shmona, Tel Hai, Metula, and Kfar Giladi and surrounding areas after a volley from Iran before the holiday, with accounts that infants were evacuated wearing helmets. Updates from security officials note ongoing concern over Iran’s capability to threaten the region. A nuclear expert cited in the briefing warned about the potential paths Israel and the United States could take to remove Iran’s nuclear threat. Separately, headlines in this block highlighted developments surrounding Netanyahu’s pardon request, discussions of a holiday that may have misled Iran due to a base commander's hours-before-attack drill, and details about the use of older F-16s that analysts say could factor into Iran’s defense calculations.In Iranian Retaliation, a report from the same briefing cycle describes a message attributed to Mujtaba Khamenei offering reinforcement and asserting that Iran will crush Israel’s plans, a stance taken as part of a broader warning amid the escalating tensions in the region.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 Wall Street Journal reporting. Arab officials cited in the piece say the UAE is lobbying for a UN Security Council resolution to authorize such a force and have pressed for a unified international front to pressure Iran and reopen the strait. Officials noted that the UAE has already conducted an internal assessment of its capabilities, including the ability to clear mines. The reporting also describes Gulf states pushing for continued pressure on Tehran, with discussions suggesting a near-unanimous view among Gulf partners that Iran has not yet been sufficiently weakened almost a month after recent attacks, with the UAE and Saudi Arabia leading the effort.In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, a Pennsylvania judge ruled that the University of Pennsylvania must comply with a request for information on Jewish groups, rejecting constitutional challenges as “unfortunate and inappropriate.” Separately in London, three more men were arrested in connection with an arson attack on Jewish community ambulances in north London, described by authorities as an anti-Semitic incident. Investigators said the men—ages 20, 19, and 17—were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson with endangerment of life. The investigation is being led by counter-terrorism officers, and authorities cautioned that the incident is not yet treated as terrorism, even as concern within the Jewish community remains high.In Uplifting News, Passover under fire is framed by a sense of cautious hope as Israelis contend with fatigue from a month of war, with the public backing a hard-line approach to Iran while daily life remains strained by missile alerts, security measures, and ongoing regional tensions. Candle lighting times for Passover and related holidays in Israel and the United States are listed for several dates, showing evening lighting windows that roughly span from the mid- to late-evening hours depending on locale. A lighthearted note from the week’s headlines centers on a viral Kit Kat heist: a truck carrying 413,793 special edition Formula 1 car-shaped KitKat bars disappeared en route from Italy to Poland after being intercepted near Turin. The driver was restrained, the cargo vanished, and investigators say the incident may involve undisclosed shipment details; the case has drawn responses from brands, cities, and public figures, who offered condolences and commentary as the story circulated.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.SOURCEShttps://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1304041https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1304042https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-891892https://worldisraelnews.com/u-of-penn-must-comply-with-trumps-request-for-information-on-jewish-groups-judge-rules/https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/04/uk-police-arrest-three-more-men-over-arson-attack-jewish-community-ambulanceshttps://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-891768https://www.jpost.com/judaism/article-891867https://www.jpost.com/omg/article-891886

HEADLINESHouthis join war; Israel braces for longerUAE pushes to open Hormuz by forceIDF kills Hezbollah Southern Front commander HashemThe 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.SOURCEShttps://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-891768https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-891892https://www.jpost.com/international/article-891883https://www.ynetnews.com/article/hjkf0v9obxhttps://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-891798

HEADLINESHouthis Enter Conflict, Hormuz Blockade TightensBath Mayor Resigns Over Antisemitic False FlagFuel Prices Surge, Australia Braces for MonthsThe time is now 6:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Operation Lion's Roar, four weeks into the conflict between Israel and Iran, the war shows signs of strain even as Passover approaches. After a month of fighting billed as a quick campaign, leaders on both sides have faced a tougher road, with Yemen’s Houthis entering the conflict last weekend and the Strait of Hormuz blockade continuing. Ballistic missile attacks have slowed but remain a daily reality, and restrictions and night sirens continue to disrupt daily life. Ceasefire discussions are common in the Israeli press, but a swift victory appears unlikely. Public sentiment remains supportive of confronting Iran, even as uncertainty and fatigue grow, and many describe Passover as a moment that blends strain with cautious optimism for a favorable outcome.In Iranian Retaliation, US President Donald J. Trump will deliver an Address to the Nation on Wednesday night at 9:00 PM EST to provide an important update on Iran, according to the White House.In US Military Role, the Nevada National Guard announced it has deployed a contingent of Airmen with the 152nd Airlift Wing from Reno to the US Central Command Area of Responsibility in support of Operation Epic Fury.In Regional Impacts, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese warned that the war's economic shocks will be felt for months and urged Australians to use public transport. Australia imports about 90% of its fuel and has seen petrol prices surge and localized shortages due to the US-Israeli war on Iran and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Albanese said the shocks will be with us for months and urged people to fill up only as needed and to consider others in the community, as public transit is encouraged to ease demand. He noted that Australia is not an active participant in the conflict.In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, the Mayor of Bath, England, resigned after amplifying the idea that Jewish ambulance arson was a false-flag attack; law enforcement has deemed the fires an antisemitic act.In Uplifting News, Chabad donors have sent 2.5 million dollars to Israel and global Jewish communities ahead of Passover. Donors led by Igor Tulchinsky, CEO of WorldQuant, and coordinated through the Chabad Network Fund, are funding Chabad emissaries across Israel and around the world to support Israeli communities, soldiers, evacuees, and grieving families as the holiday approaches.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.SOURCEShttps://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-891768https://t.me/DefenderDome/19878https://t.me/selena_updates/60392https://www.jpost.com/international/article-891883https://worldisraelnews.com/mayor-of-bath-england-resigns-after-amplifying-idea-that-jewish-ambulance-arson-was-a-false-flag-attack/https://www.jpost.com/international/article-891719

HEADLINES- Israel Iran war persists, Passover disrupted life- Kuwait drone strike sparks major fire- Journalist abducted in Baghdad by Iran-backed militiaThe time is now 5:01 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 after Israel and America struck Iran, Passover arrives as the conflict enters its fourth week with missile attacks continuing to shape daily life. While attacks have slowed, they remain a constant part of everyday life, and restrictions along with night-time sirens disrupt routine. Ceasefire discussions appear in the Israeli press, and the involvement of Yemen’s Houthis and the ongoing siege of the Strait of Hormuz have dimmed prospects for a quick, decisive victory. Public support for taking on Iran remains high, but the war is taking a toll on ordinary citizens. Observations from the street describe two lenses on the conflict — strain and uncertainty, tempered by cautious optimism for a favorable outcome.In Regional Impacts, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese warned that the economic shocks from the Middle East war would be felt for months, noting Australia imports about 90 percent of its fuel and has seen petrol prices surge along with localized shortages. He urged Australians to use public transport and to conserve fuel, stressing that the country is not an active participant in the conflict but that all Australians are bearing higher prices. Officials described the spike in petrol and diesel costs as the biggest in history and emphasized that the effects will persist in coming weeks. Separately, Iran’s latest strikes targeted Gulf states, including a drone attack on Kuwait’s international airport that sparked a large fire but caused no casualties and damaged facilities at the Kuwait Aviation Fueling Company. A tanker off Qatar was hit by two projectiles, one of which caused a fire that has been extinguished and another that remains unexploded; the crew is safe and no environmental impact has been reported. Investigations into the sources of the attacks are ongoing, and aviation operators Emirates and Flydubai have announced travel restrictions affecting Iranian nationals in the UAE.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, authorities say an American journalist in Baghdad has been abducted by a militia tied to Iran. The United States attributes the kidnapping to Kataib Hezbollah, an Iranian-aligned group operating in Iraq, which is believed to be responsible for the abduction.In US Policy Concerning Israel, a former American official, John Bolton, says in a sharp interview that Donald Trump managed the confrontation with Iran for political rather than strategic reasons. He warns that stopping the campaign early would allow the regime to recover and could lead to defeat, underscoring a contention that political calculations influenced wartime decisions.In Uplifting News, Passover candle lighting times for Israel and the United States are listed for multiple days and locations, with times generally falling in the 6:20 p.m. to 8:21 p.m. range depending on locale and date. A separate opinion piece argues that the Seder should function as a Zionist identity-building moment, describing it as a Zionist “I-Thou” occasion and urging proactive engagement with Zionist themes at the table to strengthen Jewish and Zionist identity within families. Separately, Chabad donors have contributed 2.5 million dollars to support Israeli communities, Sydney, and other global Jewish communities ahead of Passover. Led by Igor Tulchinsky, the effort through the Chabad Network Fund aims to empower Chabad emissaries who assist soldiers, evacuees, and grieving families during the holiday period, signaling continued diaspora solidarity with the Jewish communities touched by the war.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.SOURCEShttps://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-891768https://www.jpost.com/international/article-891883https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-891866https://worldisraelnews.com/iran-linked-militia-kidnaps-american-journalist-in-baghdad/https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1303966https://www.jpost.com/judaism/article-891867https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-891798https://www.jpost.com/international/article-891719

HEADLINES- Israel strikes Iranian chemical weapons facility- Iran-launched cluster munitions injure 11-year-old in Israel- Houthis strike southern Israel in third attackThe time is now 4:02 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Operation Lion's Roar, the IDF says it struck an Iranian chemical weapons factory and a fentanyl supplier, describing the target as secretly supporting Iran's chemical weapons program.In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, sixteen people were wounded in central Israel after Iran launched cluster munitions, including an 11-year-old girl from Bnei Brak who was hospitalized in serious condition with shrapnel injuries and whose condition reportedly worsened after admission; a total of eight wounded were hospitalized, six of them children. Separately, 16 people were injured as Iran launched multiple missile attacks on central Israel on Passover Eve, including an 11-year-old girl who was critically wounded. From this morning, about 25 people were wounded across 20 locations, with one person in critical condition, one in severe condition, three in moderate condition, and the rest lightly injured. Following a drone intrusion, air raid alerts were heard in Kiryat Shmona and Tel Hai. Air raid alarms along the front line were also reported in Ma’ayan Baruch, Ajr, Dafna and surrounding areas. Sirens sounded three times in central Israel this morning as missiles arrived; the first carried a cluster bomb warhead, dispersing bomblets over a wide area, with casualties including an 11-year-old girl in critical condition, a 36-year-old woman in serious condition, a 13-year-old boy in moderate condition, and 11 others treated for minor injuries. Ali Kouhkhil, a commander in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, was killed in airstrikes on a facility affiliated with Barkat Industries in the Kordan area of Alborz Province. Central Israel again under attack.In Regional Impacts, drone attack sparks a fire at Kuwait’s international airport fueling facility, and a tanker off Qatar was hit by projectiles, one causing a fire and another remaining unexploded in the vessel’s engine room; crews were safe and no environmental impact was reported, with investigations ongoing. Qatar also reports that the tanker AQUA 1, leased to Qatar Energy, was attacked by missiles from Iran in Qatar’s territorial waters.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, a commentator asks if peace with Lebanon is possible now, describing a surprising move that could decisively affect Iran and Hezbollah. The Houthis, via their military spokesperson Yahya Saree, say they carried out their third attack against Israel in the current campaign, striking sensitive targets in southern Palestine (southern Israel) in cooperation with the Iranians and Hezbollah; authorities note that in Israel the attacks have yet to be felt and describe the Houthis' capabilities as limited. Four people were reported dead, apparently Syrians per Lebanese sources, in a van attack in the village of Ma’rub in southern Lebanon this morning.In Uplifting News, Chabad donors have contributed $2.5 million to Israel and global Jewish communities to support authentic Passover access, part of a broader campaign organized through the Chabad Network Fund and led by WorldQuant’s Igor Tulchinsky, aiding Chabad emissaries in Israel, Sydney, and beyond. Behind the air campaign, technicians and instructors—hundreds of trainees—worked around the clock to keep aircraft prepared for missions against Iran, reflecting months of hidden preparation and collective effort that enabled the operation. Happy Passover!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.SOURCEShttps://worldisraelnews.com/idf-strikes-iranian-chemical-weapons-factory-fentanyl-supplier/https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-891868https://worldisraelnews.com/11-year-old-girl-critically-wounded-in-iranian-missile-attack/https://t.me/newssil/197500https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1303935https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1303933https://t.me/selena_updates/60363https://t.me/selena_updates/60362https://t.me/ILtoday/18304https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-891866https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/74294https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1303941https://t.me/selena_updates/60373https://t.me/newssil/197499https://www.jpost.com/international/article-891719https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1303930https://t.me/StandWithUsBreakingNews/7959

HEADLINESIranian cluster munitions injure civilians in IsraelIDF strikes Hezbollah sites in LebanonTrump predicts end of fighting by AprilThe time is now 3:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, fourteen people were wounded in central Israel after Iran launched cluster munitions on Wednesday morning. A 12-year-old girl from Bnei Brak was taken to the hospital in serious condition due to shrapnel injuries, and her condition reportedly worsened after hospitalization, according to Sheba Medical Center which said it received eight wounded that morning, six of them children. An MDA paramedic described treating the girl’s injuries and evacuating her in serious condition, noting that her father, an MDA volunteer, had already begun providing initial treatment. Her two brothers were also wounded by shrapnel in their legs. A boy in his early teens and a woman in her 30s from Bnei Brak were brought in in moderate condition. The father’s condition was later listed as moderate by Sheba Medical Center. Reports also described multiple interceptor debris sites across central Israel with no confirmed casualties, and widespread alarms in Gush Dan, the Sharon region and the West Bank, with officials noting that the missiles from Iran may have split in flight. Separately, another Iranian launch was identified targeting areas including Gush Dan, the Shomron, the Sharon and the Shfela.In US Military Role, US officials say the conflict is nearing its end, with President Trump projecting the fighting could be wrapped up by the end of April.In Regional Impacts, fuel tanks at Kuwait’s international airport were targeted by a drone, sparking a large fire and causing material damage to the facility run by the Kuwait Aviation Fueling Company; no casualties were reported. A tanker off Qatar was struck by two projectiles, one causing a fire that has since been extinguished and another remaining unexploded in the engine room; the crew was safe and no environmental impact was reported. UKMTO said it could not confirm the source of the projectiles and investigations were ongoing. The Israeli Home Front Command also reported that rescue and relief teams, including regular and reserve units, operated at fall zones in the center of the country, with the public urged to continue following guidance.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Lebanese sources reported at least one person killed in an Israeli drone strike on a car traveling on the Khalde-Beirut highway south of Beirut. The Houthis’ military spokesman, Yihya Sari’ah, announced that the group conducted its third attack against Israel in the current campaign, targeting sensitive sites in the southern part of Palestine and carried out in cooperation with Iran and Hezbollah. The Houthis also released a statement saying their third operation had been launched to strike a sensitive site in Israel. The IDF said that ground forces, including a reserve unit, began a targeted operation in southern Lebanon, destroying dozens of Hezbollah militants and crippling multiple terrorist facilities, including military structures, observation posts, and weapon depots used to advance attacks against Israeli forces and the state.In US Policy Concerning Israel, Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that NATO could become a one-way street if the United States cannot use bases it needs, and said Washington may reassess NATO’s value for the US in light of such constraints.In Israeli Domestic Politics, a nighttime confrontation between Lucy Aharish and Mordechai Dav and his supporters drew attention, highlighted by reporting on the dispute and its broader implications.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.SOURCEShttps://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-891868https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1303906https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1303904https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1303900https://worldisraelnews.com/trump-iran-war-will-be-finished-in-two-to-three-weeks/https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-891866https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1303902https://t.me/abualiexpress/119297https://t.me/abualiexpress/119296https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1303898https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1303896https://t.me/abualiexpress/119301https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1303895

HEADLINESHostages Freed, Passover Gains Real MeaningIranian Missiles Strike Central Israel, Casualties MountIsrael Targets Iran Across Multiple FrontsThe time is now 2:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Operation Lion's Roar, Passover in the shadow of war is described as a big hug—an embrace that includes family, familiar food eaten only once a year, and the rituals and songs that connect us to the past and to each other. A year ago, as we sat down for our Seders to retell the exodus from Egypt, there were 24 living hostages held in captivity by Hamas in Gaza, along with another 35 slain hostages whose bodies had not been returned for burial. Thankfully, they are all back now. One of the former hostages, David Cunio, in our special Passover magazine included in Wednesday’s paper, recounted to Hannah Brown the significance of what the holiday now means for him after two years in Hamas captivity. “In the past, Passover was for me something that we celebrate because of something that happened thousands of years ago, our tradition as a people. Suddenly, freedom now takes on a different meaning – for two years, freedom was taken from me. Day by day, minute by minute, I feared for my life. I did not know whether in another five minutes I would still be alive. I could not eat when I wanted, sleep, drink, go to the bathroom, or do anything else that people take for granted... This time, I am going to celebrate the Holiday of Freedom with real meaning and from the soul,” he said. We should remember Cunio’s words as we sit down to our own Seders. Because, if anything, the last month has shown us that...On the military front, Operation Roaring Lion has become a multi-front campaign to systematically target the Iranian terrorist regime, the IDF says. More than 5,000 new targets were identified by Military Intelligence after the 12-day war in June, and the IAF has carried out more than 800 airstrikes using approximately 16,000 munitions. Alongside the strikes in Iran, the IDF—led by the Operations Directorate—has been conducting a wide campaign, with roughly 7,000 targets attacked across all combat zones. The IDF announced that by Wednesday, all the force’s critical and essential pre-war Iran targets would be destroyed, with critical targets defined as those that immediately threaten Israel and essential targets representing a broader layer of the Iranian military effort.In Iranian Retaliation, fourteen people were wounded in central Israel after Iran launched cluster munitions on Wednesday morning, including an 11-year-old girl from Bnei Brak in serious condition with shrapnel injuries to her limbs, a boy in his early teens and a woman in her 30s in moderate condition, and a 50-year-old man in minor condition; the other 11 injured were reported to be in mild condition. One of the fall sites was close to the US Embassy branch in Tel Aviv. A short time later, Iran launched three more missiles, with no injuries reported from the second wave. Sirens sounded throughout central Israel as more missiles were reported, and the authorities issued a red alert as missiles continued to fire. The latest alerts also included reports of five launches in the air and warnings of additional deployments toward the north. Break ing: red alert sirens sound in central and northern Israel as the Iranian regime continues to fire missiles at Israel. The reports also include further mentions in Hebrew of ongoing launches toward central Israel and northern areas, with officials noting separate waves of shrapnel and missile activity.Regional Impacts describe the evolving public and emergency response across the country. Across the nation, people were advised they could exit from protected spaces. In the center, authorities said people could leave protected areas now, and in the south they could go out, with updates for the north and center due in about five minutes. Magen David Adom said EMTs and paramedics were treating and evacuating to hospitals a total of 14 casualties, including an 11-year-old girl in serious condition with shrapnel injuries to her limbs; a 36-year-old woman and a 13-year-old boy in moderate condition with shrapnel injuries; and 11 casualties in mild condition. And now sirens again in the north, center, and across the country. MDA later reported about 20 people evacuated from the blasts in Bnei Brak, including a 10-year-old girl in a severe condition, three in moderate condition, and 16 in mild condition. At this stage, the center reported 14 injuries in Bnei Brak from the previous launch. A series of additional alerts followed: sirens in multiple regions, including the north, central areas such as Tel Aviv, and in the south, with authorities listing specific focus points in the north around Tiberias, in the center around Herzliya, and in the south around Beersheba.The Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies notes parallel developments along the northern border, where drones and rockets have continued to penetrate into the area. In parallel to the Iranian fire, a drone operation along the frontline is being tracked as part of the broader, ongoing line of confrontation.Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate covers the resignation of Bath, England, mayor Bharat Pankhania, who stepped down after amplifying the claim that the arson attack on four Hatzolah ambulances in London was a false flag operation. Pankhania said he reposted or replied to posts that did not align with his values, deleted them, and issued an apology, stating he regrets not living up to the standards he set for himself. Law enforcement has deemed the London fires an antisemitic attack, and Pankhania said he is sorry for his actions and their impact.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.SOURCEShttps://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-891841https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-891863https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-891868https://t.me/newssil/197470https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1303866https://t.me/ILtoday/18297https://t.me/StandWithUsBreakingNews/7955https://t.me/newssil/197459https://t.me/newssil/197455https://t.me/newssil/197466https://t.me/newssil/197465https://t.me/newssil/197464https://t.me/StandWithUsBreakingNews/7956https://t.me/ILtoday/18299https://t.me/newssil/197461https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1303865https://t.me/newssil/197458https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1303863https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1303862https://t.me/newssil/197460https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1303864https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/article-891864