Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-04-28 at 05:02

HEADLINES
Mossad unveils bold Rising Lion operations
Google DoD AI deal powers classified missions
Netanyahu trial resumes amid war distractions

The time is now 5:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Operation Lion's Roar, Mossad Director David Barnea highlighted groundbreaking operational capabilities in target countries and the strategic successes against Iran and Hezbollah during 2025. Speaking at an awards ceremony to decorate notable Mossad operatives, Barnea said the organization had “acquired strategic and tactical intelligence from the heart of the enemy's secrets,” with particular reference to Iran operations, notably during June's Operation Rising Lion. He added that Mossad demonstrated new and powerful methods for striking enemies and noted a clandestine diplomatic campaign that is critical to creating regional alliances and expanding Israel's strategic depth. Those honored included operatives involved in exceptional operations to obtain strategic and tactical intelligence that helped Israel maintain its intelligence edge in Iran and Lebanon, including operatives inside Iran during Rising Lion, where Mossad implemented a new working method.

In US Military Role, Google signs Pentagon deal to provide AI models for classified government work. Alphabet's Google joined a growing list of technology firms signing deals with the DoD to use its artificial intelligence models for classified work, with the arrangement permitting use for any lawful government purpose. The contracts, part of 2025 deals worth up to $200 million each with major AI labs, including Anthropic, OpenAI, and Google, aim to preserve defense flexibility and not be constrained by warnings about powering weapons with unreliable AI. Google's involvement requires assisting in adjusting safety settings and filters at the government's request, and the agreement notes that the AI system is not intended for domestic mass surveillance or autonomous weapons. Classified networks cover tasks such as mission planning and weapons targeting. Separately, the USS Rafael Peralta has seized the Iranian oil tanker M/T Stream in enforcement of the naval blockade on Iranian ports.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, IDF races to counter Hezbollah's growing drone threat. The IDF has identified Hezbollah's drone force buildup and says that technological solutions have not yet matured into an operational capability, while it is pursuing defensive and offensive measures in parallel to close gaps and improve field capabilities. IDF to present findings of investigation into Israelis entering Bint Jbail's active warzone. The IDF is set to present findings on the entry of four Israelis into the active combat zone of Bint Jbail in southern Lebanon to Northern Command Chief Major-General Rafi Milo. Preliminary findings indicate that one entrant is an active-duty IDF soldier and the other three are on reserve duty; none were serving in southern Lebanon at the time, and the incident is under investigation. Israeli forces continue to strike Hezbollah terrorists in Southern Lebanon this morning.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Netanyahu criminal trial returns after two months, testimony hearing begins. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s testimony in his criminal trial resumed in the Tel Aviv District Court on Tuesday morning after a two-month pause prompted by war developments in the region. Prosecutor Yehudit Tirosh continued questioning in Case 4000, the Bezeq-Walla affair, in which Netanyahu is accused of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust; Netanyahu denies all charges. Present in the courtroom were Likud MKs Tally Gotliv and Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana.

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/israel-news/article-894410
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-894395
https://t.me/ILtoday/18892
https://www.israelhayom.com/2026/04/28/idf-races-to-counter-hezbollahs-growing-drone-threat/
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-894383
https://t.me/ILtoday/18893
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-894423
https://t.me/newssil/200312
https://t.me/newssil/200311