Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-04-18 at 09:01

HEADLINES
Iran Regains Hormuz Control Threatens Navigation
France UNIFIL Soldier Killed IDF Hits Hezbollah
Independence Day Embraces Uncertainty Amid War

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

In Regional Impacts, Iran claimed it has regained military control over the Strait of Hormuz and will uphold that control until the United States guarantees full freedom of movement for vessels traveling to and from Iran. The joint military command, Khatam al-Anbiya, said the strait is now under strict observation and control by Iranian forces, effectively reinstating its previously restricted status, with the warning that as long as the United States does not ensure full navigation freedom the situation will remain tightly controlled. Following the military statement, Iran's Supreme Leader posted on Telegram that Iran's navy is prepared to inflict new bitter defeats on its enemies. At least two merchant vessels were reported to have been hit by gunfire while attempting to cross the Strait on Saturday, according to three maritime security and shipping sources; the extent of damage was not immediately clear. Separately, Iranian forces attacked another tanker attempting to pass through the Strait.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, a French UNIFIL soldier was killed and three others were wounded during an attack in southern Lebanon, with French President Emmanuel Macron saying responsibility appears to lie with Hezbollah and demanding Lebanese authorities arrest the perpetrators and cooperate with UNIFIL. UNIFIL acknowledged the attack, saying it was carried out by non-state actors as a patrol clearing explosive ordnance near the village of Ghanduriyah sought to re-establish links with isolated UN positions. The IDF later said it conducted air and ground strikes against Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon near the yellow line, arguing the militants were in violation of the ceasefire and that the actions were in self-defense to protect civilians and soldiers; Hezbollah characterized the events as a breach of the ceasefire.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, an opinion piece argues that Independence Day should be embraced with an acceptance of uncertainty, noting that the long war has altered the emotional backdrop of celebration. After six weeks of conflict, the piece says the public feels relief alongside grief, pride alongside fatigue, and acknowledges that the question of whether Israel won or lost has become politicized. The piece reflects on how ordinary life has been affected and underscores the challenge of framing the holiday amid ongoing security strains and sacrifices made by families. Palestinian sources report that the Israeli army raided the home of Mohamad Suiti in the village of Khirbet Salama in the Dura area near Hebron, raising an Israeli flag on the home; Suiti is identified as the attacker who was eliminated earlier today inside the Negohot settlement after infiltrating it with a knife. No Israeli casualties were reported.

In Uplifting News, Barbara Sofer offers her annual list of 78 plus one reasons she loves living in Israel. The reflections include moments such as a returned hostage, Alon Ohel, playing a piano in Hostages Square, and celebrations on the day hostages were freed with people cycling in Jerusalem to a Breslov Hassidic tune. Other items note a woman at a Greek kosher restaurant in Jerusalem dancing Sirtaki with an M4 on her shoulder while on furlough from Iron Dome, the broader defense technologies including the Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Iron Beam lasers that destroy incoming threats, and innovations such as cameras sorting olives on each side of a sorting site. The piece also highlights Kvutzat Yavne as the pickle capital, a successful performance by Newbie Team Israel in the 2025 Pickleball World Cup in Florida, and the Bamba factory in Kiryat Gat as a notable tourist destination, among other reasons.

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/middle-east/iran-news/article-893404
https://t.me/ILtoday/18754
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-893406
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-893405
https://t.me/abualiexpress/120622
https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/75207
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-893218
https://t.me/abualiexpress/120620
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-893191