Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-04-05 at 01:02

HEADLINES
Iran fires Musudan missiles at Diego Garcia
US rescues downed airman after Iran shootdown
Gulf drone strikes spike aluminum prices

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

In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, experts say a significant portion of Iran's ballistic missile arsenal was purchased from North Korea, or built with North Korean designs, according to Bruce Bechtol, a professor of political science at Angelo State University, who spoke to Fox News Digital. Bechtol said the missile launched at Diego Garcia was a Musudan, and that Iran bought 19 of these from North Korea and took delivery in 2005, giving Tehran capability since that year. Iran fired two ballistic missiles at the joint US-UK base on Diego Garcia; one failed in flight, and a US warship fired an interception at the other. It is not clear whether an interception occurred, but neither hit the base. Diego Garcia sits about 4,000 kilometers from Iran, more than double the range Iran claimed last month. Bechtol noted that Iran has had this capability for years. Human Rights Watch said Iran's use of cluster munitions against Israel may be a war crime. HRW confirmed three separate uses of cluster munitions delivered by ballistic missiles toward central Israel, which killed several civilians including an elderly couple in Ramat Gan and a construction worker in Yehud, with additional damage noted near the Kirya base in Tel Aviv. HRW's Patrick Thompson said the use of cluster munitions in populated areas presents a foreseeable and long-lasting danger to civilians.

In US Military Role, the United States has rescued an airman whose F-15 was shot down over Iran, with President Trump confirming the operation. Trump wrote on Truth Social that “WE GOT HIM,” and officials said the airman was retrieved and is injured but expected to be fine. The rescue followed the earlier recovery of the other crew member from the two-person F-15 crew, and Reuters described the operation as one of the most daring search-and-rescue efforts in US history. Reports described a complex mission involving multiple aircraft, with accounts noting that two cargo planes bringing the commandos were stuck at a base in Iran and were destroyed to prevent capture, while other accounts said three planes were sent in their place.

In Regional Impacts, a Iranian drone struck Kuwait’s government complex, causing heavy damage. Drone strikes in the Gulf damaged two aluminum-smelting plants, fueling concerns about a global supply bottleneck and sending aluminum prices higher by as much as 6 percent. Iran also targeted the oil storage facilities in Sitra, Bahrain, triggering a large fire.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, a drone intrusion was reported along the frontline near Rosh HaNikra.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, an editorial argues that the United States should press the Islamic regime with a decisive stance and ensure any ultimatum on Iran counts, noting that past deadlines have been announced and then softened even as the region remains tense and American forces continue efforts related to a missing pilot.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, an opinion piece argues that democracy is beginning to show signs of strain, describing internal fatigue, confusion, and eroding citizen trust as indicators of democratic stress.

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-892054
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