Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-04-28 at 09:02

HEADLINES
Iranian Embassies Urge Life Sacrifice Recruitment
Israeli Drone Strike Kills Two in Gaza
Zelensky Condemns Israel Grain From Occupied Ukraine

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 Iranian Retaliation, Iranian embassies in the United Kingdom, Germany, Australia and Sri Lanka have openly sought recruits for a campaign described as sacrificing life as Tehran resists terms for an end to the war with the United States and Israel. London’s embassy page on April 15 called for proud compatriots residing in the United Kingdom to join the effort, inviting Iranians to participate consciously and register, saying they should give their lives in battle rather than surrender their country to the enemy. A spokesman for the Iranian Embassy in London told The Daily Mail that Iranians around the world care about their homeland and its territorial integrity, and that the Jan Fada platform is intended for all Iranians who wish to support and defend their country and does not promote hostility.

In Regional Impacts, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio praised President Trump’s leadership during the shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, calling it an unfortunate incident that an individual could disrupt the event, and said that the President’s decision to return to the White House, release the video, and address the American people demonstrated leadership that calmed the nation and allowed us to move on with the investigation. He noted the dinner was postponed for security considerations. Rubio also addressed the ceasefire with Iran, saying it remains in place but that concerns over threats and regional instability persist. In the Gaza Strip, reports describe an Israeli drone strike on a vehicle near Haddar Abed Al-Shafi Square in western Gaza City, with at least two people killed and five wounded.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, economist Shaul Meridor, a former director-general at Israel’s Energy Ministry and head of the Budget Division, joined Gadi Eisenkot’s Yashar! Party, the group announced. Meridor brings more than two decades of experience in the decision-making centers of the State of Israel while having served as CFO for the hi-tech company Lighttricks since leaving public service. He said he felt the time had come to step off the sidelines and contribute to a deep reform in Israel, praising Eisenkot as a leader with a moral backbone and a calm, analytical approach. He stressed that the task is to restore the country, inspire hope, and build leadership equal to the moment.

In Israeli Economy and Business, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned Israel’s purchase of grain from Russian-occupied Ukrainian territory as not legitimate business and said Kyiv would pursue sanctions against those seeking to profit from it. He noted another vessel carrying such grain had arrived at an Israeli port and was preparing to unload, and that Russia is systematically seizing grain on temporarily occupied Ukrainian land and routing it through individuals linked to the occupiers, actions that violate Israeli law. Zelensky said Ukraine has taken all necessary steps through diplomatic channels and will coordinate with European partners to ensure the relevant sanctions are imposed.

In Uplifting News, the Misgav unit of the Shin Bet is highlighted as restoring independence and security to victims of domestic violence. If you are in that situation, there is a path forward; there are people who listen and take action. For details, search for the Misgav Unit.

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-894453
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-894442
https://t.me/abualiexpress/121298
https://t.me/abualiexpress/121297
https://t.me/newssil/200325
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-894451
https://www.jpost.com/international/internationalrussia-ukraine-war/article-894446
https://t.me/abualiexpress/121300