Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-04-04 at 23:02

HEADLINES
- Israel claims 70% steel capacity destroyed
- Masnaa crossing shut as Hezbollah threat grows
- US proposes 1.5 trillion defense budget

The time is now 11:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, Prime Minister Netanyahu said, "After we destroyed 70% of their steel production capacity, today we attacked their petrochemical plants. We will continue to crush them." Separately, a rocket struck Kiryat Shmona yesterday without a warning siren; the IDF says a localized malfunction prevented detection, so no alert was activated in the city.

In Iranian Retaliation, following Iranian launches to the north, the Home Front Command issued guidance that people may exit the protected area. Medicstreated a woman injured on her way to a shelter. Beyond that, there were no reports of further impacts or casualties.

In US Military Role, the White House on Friday proposed a 1.5 trillion dollar budget for the Department of War, a roughly 40% increase as the conflict with Iran continues. The package includes 1.15 trillion in discretionary spending and at least 350 billion through reconciliation to expand the defense industrial base, along with a 19 billion dollar increase in federal law enforcement funding. A Pentagon AI program known as Project Maven, launched in 2017 to help analysts manage drone footage, has evolved into an AI-assisted targeting and battlefield management system that speeds the kill chain by fusing sensor data, satellite imagery, and troop deployment. Reports also indicate that more than 50 senior Iranian officials were killed in a US airstrike in Iran.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Syria temporarily closed the Masnaa crossing on the Syria-Lebanon border after an evacuation warning was issued for the area, with Hezbollah said to be using the crossing for military purposes and for smuggling. The Masnaa crossing is described by Syrian authorities as civilian only. Separately, the IDF released footage showing demolition of buildings in Khiam, southern Lebanon, said to contain terror infrastructure, as forces continue operations in the region. The army also issued an urgent evacuation warning for the area around the Al-Masna crossing and for travelers on route M30, saying the crossing may be struck due to Hezbollah activity.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, satellite imaging firm Planet Labs has reportedly suspended visual data coverage of Iran and parts of the Middle East indefinitely following a US government request to prevent adversaries from using imagery to target the US and its allies.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Home Front Command defensive guidelines remain unchanged and in effect until Monday, April 6, 2026, at 20:00.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, two young men and a 17-year-old from east London were charged with arson and being reckless as to whether life would be endangered in the torching of four ambulances owned by a Jewish charity; the younger suspect cannot be named due to age. Dutch police are investigating a small explosion outside a Christian center that promotes Israel; no injuries were reported and damage was limited, with no arrests reported. Police have made one further arrest in connection with last month’s arson attack on Hatzolah ambulances in London. In New York City, the NYPD reports that 55% of all confirmed hate crimes in the first quarter of 2026 were antisemitic, while Jews make up about 10% of the city’s population.

In Uplifting News, Happy Resurrection Sunday from Amir and the Behold Israel Team. May the Lord bless you as you celebrate the assurance of eternal life because He is risen, as the angel told the women at the tomb.

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/JewishNews24/52323
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https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1305154
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https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/04/ai-war-five-things-know-about-project-maven
https://t.me/JewishNews24/52315
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-892046
https://t.me/JewishNews24/52320
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https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/74463