Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-04-18 at 01:01

HEADLINES
Israel Alone Against Iranian Missile Power
Iran Reopens Hormuz, Warns Closure Possible
Smotrich Names Israel Malachi Finance Chief

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, a report circulating this hour suggests a plan that would leave Israel alone against a formidable Iranian missile power. The military chief approved a secret operation moments before a ceasefire, described as the end of the campaign against Iran and Hizbollah, with officials saying the adversaries are beginning to understand the magnitude of the damage.

In Regional Impacts, Mohammad-Bakr Kalibaf, the Iranian parliamentary speaker and lead negotiator, warned that if the United States maintains its naval blockade, the Strait of Hormuz will not remain open and ships would pass only with Iranian approval. Kalibaf added that President Trump posted seven false claims within an hour, without detailing which statements were meant. Iranian officials publicly rejected those claims. Kalibaf stressed that the Iranian public will not be swayed by a “publicity battle,” as regional tensions persist amid discussions that a ceasefire could be in flux.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, a second round appears likely as American and Iranian delegations are expected to meet on Monday, with sources noting renewed talks. President Trump indicated he may not extend the ceasefire beyond its expiration if no deal is reached, while stating a path toward a deal remains possible. Separate remarks cite that the United States would maintain a blockade of Iranian ports if no peace agreement is reached, and Tehran has reopened the Strait of Hormuz but warned it could close the waterway again if the blockade continues, with the ceasefire between Tehran and Washington due to expire on Wednesday.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Bezalel Smotrich announced Israel Malachi as the new Director General of the Finance Ministry, replacing Ilan Rom. Malachi, the ministry’s Deputy Director General for the past three and a half years, brings extensive familiarity with the ministry, government processes, and interagency coordination, including leadership in post-war rehabilitation efforts for communities near Gaza and in the north. He previously served as treasurer of the Mateh Binyamin Regional Council and as a board member of KKL-JNF. Separately, commentary from Anna Berski notes that Netanyahu faces a public mood of rising fatigue with the government, a trend observed in urban centers as political dynamics continue to unfold.

In Uplifting News, KAN is celebrating its 90th anniversary with a slate of Israeli dramas and comedies available to stream on kan.org.il, including Tehran (with English subtitles on Apple TV+), Ambivalence, All Moms Lie, Checkout, Dismissed, The Stronghold, and more, offering audiences a broad view of Israeli television. In New York, Modi Rosenberg is bringing his Moshiach energy to two dates at Radio City Music Hall, April 23 and April 30, with brisk ticket sales as he travels through his 30-year career, aiming to lift spirits across audiences from different backgrounds.

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.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1311209
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1311211
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1311214
https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/04/trump-says-us-blockade-iranian-ports-will-remain-if-no-deal-reached
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-893391
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1311210
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/culture/article-893312
https://www.jpost.com/j-spot/article-893261