Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-04-18 at 02:01

HEADLINES
Tankers vanish near Iran as blockade begins
Ben-Gvir High Court clash favors Netanyahu
Oil hits five-week low as Hormuz reopens

The time is now 2:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Regional Impacts, Five oil tankers that had been loitering outside Iran’s easternmost port in the Gulf of Oman were no longer visible in satellite imagery late this week, having left the gulf in the hours before President Trump’s blockade took effect around Iran. One vessel has since returned to an Iranian port, two others have turned around, and the remaining two are being shadowed by US Navy Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers in the Arabian Sea, according to a US official.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, the analysis piece argues that the clash between Itamar Ben-Gvir and the High Court is playing straight into Netanyahu’s hands. Separately, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has appointed Israel Malachi as the new Director General of the Finance Ministry, succeeding Ilan Rom. Malachi, who has served as the ministry’s Deputy Director General for the past three and a half years, will take over the post. He is described as having extensive familiarity with the Ministry of Finance and its departments, with broad experience in government and parliamentary processes, and in coordinating between multiple levels of government and third parties. During his tenure as Deputy Director General, he led post-war rehabilitation efforts for communities in the Gaza envelope and in the north. He previously served as treasurer of the Mateh Binyamin Regional Council and as a board member of KKL-JNF, including membership on the organization’s finance committee.

In Israeli Economy and Business, oil prices dropped to a five-week low, with Brent crude down about 9.1% to $90.38 per barrel, and European gas prices down roughly 7%. The shift came as Iran indicated that the Hormuz Strait would reopen to shipping, alongside market signals indicating movement toward a potential deal with Tehran.

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://t.me/DefenderDome/20361
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1311227
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-893391
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1311216