Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-04-22 at 01:02

HEADLINES
US missile stockpiles near depletion CSIS warns
Dershowitz switches parties over Israel policy
IDF weapon theft arrests bribery charges

The time is now 1:02 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In US Military Role, The United States military may face a near-term risk of running out of key missiles after depleting a significant portion of ammunition during Operation Epic Fury against Iran, according to CNN reporting citing experts and people familiar with recent United States Defense Department stockpile assessments. A Center for Strategic and International Studies analysis suggests it may take three to five years to replenish stockpiles to pre-war levels, even as the Pentagon signs contracts to boost production. Since the war began on February 28, the United States has expended at least half of its Terminal High Altitude Area Defense missiles, almost half of its Patriot air defense missiles, and at least forty-five percent of its Precision Strike Missiles, according to CSIS. Approximately thirty percent of Tomahawk missiles, a large share of the stockpiled Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles, and around twenty percent of Standard Missile Three and Standard Missile Six missiles have also been used, CSIS assessed. CNN sources familiar with classified Pentagon stockpile data said CSIS numbers closely match the figures in the stockpile assessments.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, Alan Dershowitz, the prominent pro-Israel attorney whose clients have included the US President and others, announced on Monday that he was leaving the Democratic Party and registering as a Republican. Describing himself as a lifelong Democrat, Dershowitz wrote in a Wall Street Journal op-ed that he had decided to “bite the bullet and register as a Republican,” citing Democratic support for an arms embargo on Israel last week and anti-Israel rhetoric by Michigan Senate candidate Abdul el-Sayed. He said there is no denying that the hard left, anti-Israel wing of the Democratic Party has moved from the fringe to the mainstream, while noting that Republicans, too, have their own antisemitic fringe, but for now it remains a fringe. Dershowitz, who has defended President Donald Trump during his first impeachment, also highlighted his involvement in promoting the Abraham Accords, including nominations in 2021 of Jared Kushner and Avi Berkowitz for the Nobel Peace Prize.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, thousands of Israelis gathered in cemeteries across the country to mark Memorial Day, while public mourning collided with political anger and private grief. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a Memorial Day address, said Israel has “already removed an existential threat” as it faces war against Iran and its Lebanese proxy Hezbollah. In a separate moment, a heckler interrupted a speech by MK Ofir Sofer at the Kiryat Shaul military cemetery in Tel Aviv, prompting skirmishes as attendees tried to snatch signs held by protesters that read “Government of death.” Earlier, US President Donald Trump told CNBC that he expects to be bombing Iran again if talks collapse ahead of a ceasefire deadline. In a related development, police reported two arrests in connection with the theft of weapons from the Israel Defense Forces: a civilian and an active-duty soldier were taken into custody after investigators found an IDF Tavor rifle and drugs at the civilian’s home, and seven IDF officers faced charges including bribery, theft by a public servant, money laundering, obstruction of justice, and tax offenses in a separate indictment filed in Lod.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, in an interview on the SubwayTakes web series, The Strokes frontman Julian Casablancas asserted that “American Zionists get the benefits of white privileged people, but talk like they are Black people during slavery.” The exchange occurred in a 21-minute uncut edition of the program, in which host Kareem Rahma posed controversial opinions to Interviewees. Rahma responded that he agrees with the assessment. The full-length video was posted to YouTube, with an abridged version without the controversial remarks shared on other channels, reflecting the ongoing debate over these views.

In Uplifting News, weather outlook for Israel’s Independence Day week remains pleasant to warm. On Wednesday, 22.04.26, the forecast calls for pleasant conditions with a slight rise in temperatures, especially in the mountains and inland areas, and overall comfortable conditions. On Thursday, 23.04.26, conditions remain pleasant and warmer, with temperatures near the monthly average. Friday, 24.04.26, is expected to be sunny and warmer, with temperatures slightly above normal, particularly inland, and afternoon northerly winds along the coast. Saturday, 25.04.26, will bring a notable rise in temperatures, with hot conditions anticipated. Sunday, 26.04.26, is forecast to be hotter than normal across most areas. In related notes, Israel marks its 78th Independence Day, with coverage highlighting 40 young people from Israel and beyond whose talent and influence are shaping what comes next. Also, a black bear was safely removed from a tree in Albany, New York after wildlife crews tranquilized it and the animal was lowered to the ground. In New Jersey, a $5.9 million Pick Six lottery prize from the May 22, 2025 drawing remains unclaimed; the winning ticket was sold at an Exxon station in Roseland, and winners have one year to claim, with the deadline now a little over a month away; if unclaimed, the money goes back to the state for future jackpots.

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-893788
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-893794
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-893793
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/crime-in-israel/article-893790
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-893797
https://t.me/newssil/199773
https://www.ynetnews.com/magazine/article/rjujc87tzx
https://t.me/JewishNews24/53130
https://t.me/JewishNews24/53131