Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-04-08 at 07:02

HEADLINES
- Iranian retaliation fuels Gulf drone strikes
- Two week ceasefire begins talks in Islamabad
- Israel weighs Ben Gurion flights expansion

The time is now 7:02 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Iranian Retaliation, Iranian state television says the ongoing attacks against Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates are retaliation for strikes on Iran’s oil facilities on Sirri and Lavan Islands earlier in the morning.

In US Military Role, American sources are pressuring President Trump to renew the strikes, saying the situation could be different in two weeks if no agreement is reached, as North Korea, China, and Russia have begun funneling money and weapons to Iran, and the ceasefire is only 12 hours old.

In Regional Impacts, Gulf states welcomed the ceasefire deal between the United States, Israel, and Iran, calling for an end to all attacks. Oman and Saudi Arabia welcomed the two-week halt and the start of negotiations in Islamabad, while Saudi Arabia demanded that attacks on Gulf States facilities stop, with Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates reporting ongoing missile and drone strikes. Qatar welcomed the agreement and urged secure transit through the Strait of Hormuz to protect global supply chains. Iranian proxy groups such as Iraq's Islamic Resistance and Lebanon's Hezbollah said they halted attacks, but Iran continued firing rockets and drones at Gulf targets, with injuries reported in the United Arab Emirates and a fire in Abu Dhabi's Haa district. Kuwaiti forces have faced a wave of attacks since 8 a.m., with 28 Iranian drones intercepted targeting oil infrastructure, power stations, and desalination plants; Bahrain, UAE, and Jordan reported defense systems engaging missiles and drones. The Iranian Lavan Refinery on Siri Island was attacked around 10 a.m., and Tehran says the Sirri Island refinery was attacked by hostile forces, fueling speculation about responsibility by Kuwait or the UAE. The United Arab Emirates reported missile attacks less than an hour ago, and Jordan reported explosions from Iranian missiles.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Hezbollah official: The resistance is giving a chance to the countries that finalized the agreement to ensure Israel abides by it. The resistance will not accept the continuation of Israeli attacks as they were before this confrontation. They are monitoring the results of ongoing communications and will act accordingly.

In Israeli Economy and Business, Israel weighs expanding Ben-Gurion flights after Iran ceasefire announcement. Arkia Airlines says it aims to resume its full flight schedule by May 3, but cautions that the current framework remains influenced by the security situation. The Israel Airports Authority and the Transport Ministry are examining plans to expand flight activity at Ben-Gurion Airport following the ceasefire announcement, conducting ongoing situational assessments with relevant partners and considering a gradual expansion of operations in line with security directives. Despite the announcement, aviation officials have cautioned that resuming full activity could take time. Officials cited by the Kan public broadcaster said the continued presence of US Air Force personnel and aircraft at the airport, alongside efforts to assess the stability of the ceasefire with Iran, is expected to slow the pace of a complete return to standard operations. In the meantime, authorities are focusing on increasing passenger capacity per flight as a first step toward lifting restrictions. Narrow-body aircraft are expected to allow up to 120 passengers, while wide-body aircraft could accommodate up to 150 passengers. The changes could come into effect as soon as next week.

In Uplifting News, Between miracle and memory: The evolution of Miriam in art over the years traces Miriam as she emerges, tambourine in hand, to lead the aftermath of the Exodus. For centuries, Miriam’s presence in art has been quietly insistent, often a discreet figure on the sidelines rather than the central focus, her leadership expressed through gesture and motion rather than a single heroic pose. The body of work from medieval to Renaissance and later periods shows Miriam as a guiding presence, with Byzantine mosaics and later European treatments reflecting a leadership that is collaborative and embodied. The body continues: In war, dance becomes a way to survive. In new works for the Batsheva Ensemble, choreographers Bosmat Nossan and Roni Chadash echo the rhythm of Miriam as a practice driven by necessity, turning movement, drum, and shared rhythm into a means of connection and resilience in uncertain times.

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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