Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-04-16 at 21:02

HEADLINES
Israel launches Gaza offensive after Hamas death
Europe weapon deliveries delayed amid Iran war
70% see ceasefire as Iran concession

The time is now 9:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Regional Impacts, The Israeli Defense Forces said the most recent alarm raised on the northern border was a false alarm. Israel wants to become a maritime power, and the navy is preparing to take in three more submarines. The army said it is pursuing operations in Gaza with full force after the death of a senior Hamas commander. The body of a Kol Israel producer who disappeared in 2008 was found, though the case remains unsolved. Ahead of Memorial Day 2026, authorities are noting the tally of Israeli war casualties dating back to 1860.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, a post by former United States President Donald Trump on Truth Social urged Hezbollah to act peacefully during this period. The Israel Defense Forces said in the past 24 hours it struck more than 380 Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon, including launchers and headquarters, to support the operations of ground forces. An Israel Defense Forces spokesperson in Arabic issued an urgent message to residents of southern Lebanon, saying that with the ceasefire entering the implementation phase, the forces will remain in their positions and residents should not move south of the Litani River.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, United States officials said some European countries will see delays in previously contracted weapon deliveries as the Iran war continues to stretch stocks, affecting nations in the Baltic region and in Scandinavia. Some of the weapons are procured under the Foreign Military Sales program. The White House and the State Department referred inquiries to the Pentagon.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, a Hebrew University poll found despair and fatigue among Israelis after the United States–Iran ceasefire announcement, with 70% believing the ceasefire reflects a concession to Iran and two-thirds opposing it. The survey tracked 1,312 Israelis, including 1,084 Jews and 228 Arabs, and compared views with an earlier survey, highlighting a sense that the conflict is far from over. Also, Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee chair Boaz Bismuth, of the Likud party, was attacked by a haredi mob in Bnei Brak; police intervened and removed him without injury as he pressed to advance the ultra-Orthodox draft law amid ongoing manpower shortages in the army.

In Uplifting News, the March of the Living closing ceremony in Krakow brought together Holocaust survivors, Jewish youth and participants from around the world. Survivor Agam Berger, who survived the Hamas attack on October 7, played a violin donated to Yad Vashem by Israeli relatives of a Holocaust survivor, symbolizing continuity in the face of atrocity. Education Minister Yoav Kisch stressed that the horrors of the past must be remembered while noting that the shock of the October 7 attack does not erase the memory of past tragedies. Abu Dhabi Abraham Accords activist Loay Alshareef attended and underscored the importance of engaging Muslim leaders and Arab world voices in dialogue.

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
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https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/75124
https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/75123
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-893325
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-893324
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-893322
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/article-893323