Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-04-06 at 12:02

HEADLINES
Israel strikes Tehran airports, cripples South Pars
Pakistan-brokered two-tier ceasefire framework
Houthis strike Israel independent of Iran

The time is now 12:02 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Operation Lion's Roar, the Israeli Air Force mounted a large overnight wave of strikes across Tehran, targeting Bahram Airport, Mehrabad Airport, and Azmayesh Airport as part of a campaign to wear down Iran's air capabilities and the IRGC Air Force. Dozens of fighters jets struck these sites, with Mehrabad described as a hub used by the IRGC Quds Force for arming and financing proxies in the region. The IDF confirmed the deaths of two senior IRGC-QF figures in separate strikes over the past day: Kamil Melhem, the Imam Hussein Division's artillery chief who directed artillery launches against Israel and oversaw weapons procurement, and Asghar Bagheri, head of Unit 840, the IRGC-QF's Special Operations Unit. Netanyahu and Defense Minister Katz said the campaign would continue against Iranian infrastructure.

The IDF also said it struck Iran's South Pars petrochemical facility near Asaluyeh, the largest facility of its kind, and that the two central petrochemical facilities responsible for about 85 percent of Iran's exports have been taken out of use. Katz indicated the strikes aim to disrupt Iran's ability to fund and equip its military networks, and Netanyahu and Katz have directed ongoing attacks on key infrastructure tied to the regime.

In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, a senior Israeli official told The Jerusalem Post that Israel does not expect a ceasefire to take shape in the coming days, even as the United States and Israel align on strategy. The official noted that while Washington and Jerusalem are coordinated, each side pursues its own goals. A framework to end hostilities has been exchanged with Iran and the United States through a process led by Pakistan, described as a two-tier plan with an immediate ceasefire followed by a comprehensive agreement, though Tehran rejected any immediate move to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. In a related update, the IDF confirmed the deaths of two senior IRGC-QF leaders in weekend strikes: Kamil Melhem, Imam Hussein Division artillery chief, and Asghar Bagheri, head of Unit 840, who led the unit since 2019 and directed operations against Israelis and others.

Regional Impacts, in turn, describe frontline tensions with four launches within ten minutes as Iran escalates its fire along the front. The update also notes broader regional developments tied to Iran’s activity, including references to Iran’s major petrochemical facility and concerns about a building in Ramat Gan collapsing after a direct strike in Haifa. It mentions discussion about why Erdogan was not shot down under pressure and references a security deal between Israel and Greece that has inflamed Turkey.

The Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies reports that Houthis decided to attack Israel independently of Iran, not at Iran’s request, and that the group will uphold its ceasefire with the United States as long as Washington adheres to its commitment to halt its aggression. The Houthis say they have no intention to target Muslim countries but will respond to aggression against Yemen, and would protect Red Sea shipping if Saudi Arabia maintains de-escalation. Separately, Amal, the Lebanese Shi’a party, is competing with Hezbollah and coordinating with the group, with experts noting Amal has built up military infrastructure and may join attacks on Israel, while remaining largely a political actor.

Israeli Domestic Politics reports that Border Police arrested a Hamas-linked West Bank resident near al-Mughayir on Sunday night. The 21-year-old from Jericho was found with a stolen vehicle and material indicating affiliation with Hamas and other terrorist groups, including a will written in Arabic naming the suspect. He was transferred to Shin Bet for further questioning as security discussions continue amid broader plans to heighten security steps.

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/defense-news/article-892238
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-892232
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-892236
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-892222
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1305896
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1305895
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-892234
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-892233
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-892193