Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-04-06 at 10:02

HEADLINES
Israel kills IRGC-QF leaders Melhem and Bagheri
IAEA confirms near Bushehr strike plant undamaged
Iran retaliation with missiles on central Israel

The time is now 10:02 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Operation Lion's Roar, the Israeli military confirmed the killing of two senior IRGC-Quds Force officials in separate strikes over the past day. Kamil Melhem, the Imam Hussein Division artillery chief, was killed in the first strike. The Imam Hussein Division operates under the IRGC-QF to bolster the Axis of Resistance and execute attacks against Israel and Israeli civilians, according to the IDF. Melhem directed artillery launches targeting Israel and the IDF and helped procure weapons for the regime; he also served as Hussein's chief of staff. Several other members of the division, including senior aides to Division Commander Yahya Hussein, were killed in the strike. In a second Sunday strike, the IDF killed the head of Unit 840, the IRGC-QF's Special Operations Unit, Asghar Bagheri, who led the unit since 2019.

In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, the International Atomic Energy Agency said it can confirm recent impacts near Iran's Bushehr nuclear power plant but that the plant itself was not damaged. The agency's assessment was based on independent satellite imagery and site knowledge, with one strike reported to have hit about 75 meters from the site perimeter. Iran had previously informed the agency of a projectile near Bushehr. No casualties, material damage, or technical disruptions were reported. Separately, Israel has carried out strikes on facilities tied to Iran's nuclear program, including the Khandab heavy water reactor in Arak and an enrichment facility in Ardakan. The IAEA notes heavy water is used in certain reactor designs and can be linked to neutron production for weapons; these strikes reflect ongoing tensions over Iran's nuclear capabilities.

In Iranian Retaliation, fresh Iranian missile fire prompted sirens and sheltering across central Israel, following an earlier cluster missile that dispersed submunitions over the Tel Aviv metropolitan area. Iranian embassies abroad publicly mocked a recent US president’s threat, with one posting calling for the president to be declared unfit to serve and another urging Americans to “get a grip on yourself.” Iran fired two missiles at central Israel a short time ago, according to authorities, as part of ongoing exchanges.

In US Military Role, analysts warn that US forces operating on Iranian soil could trigger a broader regional confrontation, affecting global shipping lanes and energy markets. No official plan for a full-scale invasion has been announced, but the military playbook is described as expanding to include covert raids, special operations, and targeted seizures of strategic sites, reflecting heightened options as tensions persist.

In Regional Impacts, Chinese President Xi Jinping urged faster development of a new energy system to safeguard energy security amid the Middle East conflict, highlighting hydropower and a safe, orderly expansion of nuclear power. Separately, Turkey said a third ship has cleared Hormuz as Ankara presses Tehran on safe passage, with several vessels still waiting to move.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, air raid sirens were heard in Katzrin following rocket fire from Lebanon, underscoring the widening reach of regional hostilities.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, following the Haifa disaster that killed four Israelis, including an elderly couple, the Jerusalem Center for Justice called on the state to urgently provide protection for tens of thousands of people with disabilities, the elderly, and others who cannot shelter in time during rocket fire.

In Israeli Economy and Business, Greece has agreed to purchase Israeli artillery systems worth 2.3 billion shekels. Elbit Systems will supply the Greek Army with PULS multiple rocket launcher systems and a comprehensive ammunition package, with the deal to be implemented over four years and followed by a 10-year maintenance period.

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-892222
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1305862
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1305851
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-892225
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/bkjt9zbhzg
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/skniyzz311e
https://t.me/ILtoday/18421
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-892226
https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/04/chinas-xi-urges-faster-development-new-energy-system-middle-east-war-continues
https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/04/third-turkish-ship-clears-hormuz-ankara-presses-tehran-safe-passage
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1305855
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1305849
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/hjijfqz3we