Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-04-24 at 21:01

HEADLINES
US airlift into Middle East maintains momentum
Hezbollah uses ambulances to smuggle weapons
Metula protests over ceasefire extension

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

In US Military Role, the USAF airbridge to the Middle East continued at full steam this evening, with a number of C-17s hopping over through Europe.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Hezbollah has been caught using ambulances and medical teams as cover to transport weapons and terrorists.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, The United States will not renew Iranian and Russian oil waivers, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told The Associated Press. The waivers were originally issued to ease the strain on global energy markets caused by the Russia-Ukraine war and the US-Iran war. The report noted that the Russia waiver was issued in March 2026 and extended on April 18, and the Iranian waiver was issued soon after the US blockade of Iran took effect. Bessent said there would likely be no further extension, and noted concerns that not renewing the waivers could affect vulnerable and poor countries, which he said had asked for help.

Iran says no meeting planned with US in Pakistan as Witkoff, Kushner head to Islamabad talks. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said Tehran’s views would be conveyed to Pakistan, not US officials, after the White House announced talks with Iranian representatives.

The US Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced a new round of sanctions Friday targeting the Iranian Oil Trade and Shadow Fleet, levying sanctions against the China-based Hengli Petrochemical (Dalian) Refinery Co., Ltd., along with 19 tankers and several crypto wallets used by the Central Bank of Iran.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Many residents of Metula raised American flags as a protest symbol amid anger over the extension of Israel’s ceasefire with Lebanon. On Thursday night, US President Donald Trump announced a three-week extension to the ceasefire, catching border communities by surprise. Metula’s council head David Azulai said the government has surrendered too much autonomy and military leverage to the United States, describing the policy as a return to restraint that existed before October 7. Shlomi Regional Council head Yossi Ne’eman said residents understand the ceasefire is temporary and hope it can bring stability, but they do not see it as a lasting solution.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, 'Fighting the Hate': Melanie Phillips’s guide to confronting anti-Israel narratives - review. The review portrays Phillips as defending Israel and the Jewish people against a wide range of accusations in the Western world, noting her media appearances and writings and describing how her guide offers arguments to counter anti-Israel and antisemitic charges such as claims of apartheid, genocide, or colonialism.

In Uplifting News, A message from Israel’s ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter: This week's Torah portion commands us to love our neighbors — and that is exactly what the talks with the State of Lebanon are about. Peace is within reach, but we have to make sure that our security is not compromised. Shabbat Shalom.

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/beholdisraelchannel/75504
https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/75505
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-894090
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/ry2ys00ypwx
https://t.me/DefenderDome/20477
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-894088
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-893833
https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/75503