Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-04-05 at 00:02

HEADLINES
Israel hits Iran: 70% steel capacity destroyed
HRW: Iran cluster munitions war crime risk
Planet Labs suspends imagery after US request

The time is now 12:02 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Operation Lion's Roar, PM NETANYAHU ON IRAN: “After we destroyed 70% of their steel production capacity, today we attacked their petrochemical plants. We will continue to crush them.” In his remarks, the prime minister framed the campaign as continuing against Iran, noting past strikes on industrial targets and signaling further action against important facilities as part of a sustained effort to degrade Iran’s war-making capacity.

In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, Iran's use of cluster munitions against Israel may be a war crime - Human Rights Watch. HRW says three confirmed instances of cluster munitions, delivered by ballistic missiles launched from Iran toward heavily populated areas in Israel, have killed Israeli civilians including an elderly couple in Ramat Gan and a construction worker in Yehud, with a missile fragment striking a parking lot near the Kirya military base in Tel Aviv. HRW researcher Patrick Thompson described cluster bomblets as dispersed over wide areas, making them unlawfully indiscriminate in violation of the laws of war.

In Regional Impacts, Syrian-Lebanese border closed after IDF issues evacuation notice. The Masnaa crossing on the Syrian-Lebanese border was temporarily closed after the IDF issued an evacuation warning for the area, citing Hezbollah’s use of the crossing for military purposes and for smuggling. The Syrian authority that runs the crossing says it is designated exclusively for civilian passage and not for military activity. Separately, Syria has reinforced its border with rocket units and thousands of troops to deter arms and drugs smuggling and to block Iran-backed Hezbollah or other militants from infiltrating, according to multiple sources.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, perspectives from Israeli editorials emphasize a hard line against Hezbollah and Lebanon. A series of pieces discuss the idea of intensified action in southern Lebanon, including references to targeting Hezbollah leadership and assets and to a tightening Israeli stance as operations unfold. A separate item notes a rocket strike on Kiryat Shmona with the IDF describing a “localized malfunction” that prevented detection, so no alert was activated in the city.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Planet Labs and related US policy items are noted. A satellite-imagery report indicates Planet Labs has suspended visual data coverage of Iran and parts of the Middle East following a US government request to prevent adversaries from using imagery to target the United States and its allies. In addition, a separate item reports the White House’s budget request, proposing a $1.5 trillion federal budget for the Department of War, a significant increase tied to ongoing conflict with Iran, including discretionary spending, reconciliation funding to expand the defense industrial base, and a rise in federal law enforcement funding.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, an editorial urges Donald Trump to “reign down hell” on the Islamic regime and to make his ultimatum count on Iran, warning that deadlines have previously been used as bluff and that urgency must be maintained. A companion piece questions whether the era of threats and deadlines will determine the war’s outcome in the coming days. Additional editorials argue that external powers influence Iran’s trajectory and that the choice of ally and posture will shape the next phase of confrontation. Also noted is Planet Labs’ suspension of certain imagery at the US government’s request to limit potential misuse of satellite data, along with the White House budget plan proposing a substantial increase for defense and related agencies.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, speculation rises over Lebanon’s future balance as discussions surface about a potential division of Lebanon, a topic linked to prominent commentary. Another piece considers governance and civic participation, examining how competition for younger voters is shaping policy and influence, and who remains outside the political process. A formal notice from the Home Front Command states that its defensive guidelines remain unchanged and in effect until Monday, April 6, 2026, at 20:00.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, authorities report that two young men and a 17-year-old boy were ordered to remain in custody after appearing in court on arson charges tied to the torching of four ambulances owned by a Jewish charity in London, with affidavits stating intent and risk to life. In the Dutch case, police are investigating a small explosion outside a Christian center that promotes Israel; there were no injuries and limited damage, with authorities seeking witnesses and no arrests reported.

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://t.me/JewishNews24/52324
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-892039
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