Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-04-18 at 14:01

HEADLINES
US to board Iran-linked ships in waters
US sanctions seven Iran-backed Iraqi militia leaders
Israel fully reopens historic schools nationwide

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

In US Military Role, the United States is planning to board and seize Iran-linked oil tankers and other ships in the coming days in international waters, potentially outside the Middle East. The campaign would target any Iranian-flagged vessel or any vessel providing material support to Iran, including dark fleet ships that evade sanctions. The operation, described as part of a broader Economic Fury effort, would be led in part by the US Indo-Pacific Command and comes as Washington says the new measures aim to pressure Iran while talks around the Strait of Hormuz continue amid attacks on several ships on Saturday. White House officials say President Trump is optimistic the moves could help secure a peace deal.

In Regional Impacts, Washington’s economic pressure campaign continues as the US Treasury designated seven Iran-backed Iraqi militia leaders for planning, directing, and carrying out attacks on US personnel, facilities, and interests in Iraq. The targets include groups such as Kata’ib Hizballah, Kata’ib Sayyid Al-Shuhada, Harakat Al-Nujaba, and Asa’ib Ahl Al-Haqq, part of what officials describe as the economic side of the operation begun earlier this year. The Treasury notes these militias siphon wealth to fund terrorist activities and undermine Iraq’s sovereignty. The initiative is paired with Rewards for Justice offerings, including a $10 million reward for information on Ahmad al-Hamidawi, the leader of Kataib Hezbollah. A Hebrew-language report adds that Iran will not concede on its missile program, and that two merchant ships were struck in the Strait of Hormuz as President Trump warned of renewed fighting if no agreement is reached by Wednesday. Separately, Iran’s IRGC appeared to criticize Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi for saying the Strait is open, signaling internal tensions as the Hormuz situation remains unsettled. In Lebanon, displaced residents near Beirut remain cautious about returning home as a fragile ceasefire holds into a second day, with families checking damaged apartments and fearing the stability of the truce.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Israel will fully reopen schools nationwide, including northern border communities. The education ministry says the policy is comprehensive and mandatory, with no option for local changes, marking a shift from previous policies that allowed local authorities flexibility in implementation.

In Uplifting News, This Israel Prize winner turned tragedy into a national lifeline. Chantal Belzberg is the 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, and she emphasizes that the award belongs to the families, not to her alone.

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/international/article-893413
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-893412
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1311405
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-893410
https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/04/displaced-lebanese-hesitant-return-home-lasting-truce-uncertain
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/rjpwls11a11x
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/hjezhuh311x