Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-04-06 at 14:02

HEADLINES
Israel launches largest aerial assault against Iran
Oil climbs as Brent near 109 dollars
Alleged Malmö murder plot tied to Iran

The time is now 2:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Operation Lion's Roar, Israel's F-15s were among the aircraft described as central to an opening campaign that targeted Iranian air defenses and ballistic missile crews. The Hatzerim Air Force Base Chief Brigadier General 'R' said in an interview that the mission to track ballistic missile teams was part of the initial strike on February 28, described as the largest aerial assault in Israel's history, involving around 250 aircraft when support planes are counted. He noted that while he did not discuss the most sensitive assassination operations, the opening attack achieved substantial operational success and helped reduce the risk to citizens. The general also said the effort to track and degrade Iran’s missile teams has continued since the opening shots of the war. In the same topic, another account describes a direct strike in Haifa and the publication of the names of four people killed, with reports of four launches within ten minutes as Iran presses to escalate fire. The report notes Iran is increasing its rate of fire, raises concerns about the potential for a building to collapse in Ramat Gan, and mentions heavy damage at the country’s largest petrochemical facility. It frames the broader arc of the conflict as ongoing, highlighting Iran’s long record of air interceptions and the perception of a further escalation.

In Regional Impacts, oil markets have seen prices move higher even as they remain within a range seen before. Brent crude is near $109 a barrel and gasoline in the United States is around $4.10 a gallon, levels that are high but not historically extraordinary. How markets interpret these prices matters, because it shapes public reaction and policy responses. The current stress is framed around the war and Iran’s efforts to close the Strait of Hormuz, with some ships still allowed through and the pace of disruption varying by day. Analysts caution that for price levels to be lasting, the underlying disruption would need to persist for months, not days or weeks, and markets have shown some ability to adjust as supply finds its way, including through releases from strategic reserves.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, a dissident from Iran who is based in Sweden has told a foreign-language newspaper that Tehran appears to have been behind an alleged murder plot against him in Malmö. The incident occurred on the evening of September 2, when he and his wife were at home and not expecting visitors. The case is now before Uddevalla District Court, with hearings set for April 8 to 29 and a verdict expected within weeks of the final hearing. Swedish prosecutors have not publicly established in court that Iran directly ordered the plot. The dissident says that the method, timing, and broader context point to the regime using criminal proxies to target perceived opponents in Europe.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, the Home Front Command announced changes to siren warning times for rocket threats from Lebanon. Beginning at noon on Tuesday, siren-to-shelter times will be extended in 22 locations in the Golan Heights to 15-30 seconds, depending on the town. In another 14 areas, the time will extend from 15 seconds to 30 or 45 seconds; in eight locations, the window increases from 30 to 45 seconds, and in five locations there is no change. In the five remaining areas, siren-to-shelter times stay at either 15 seconds or a full minute. All 49 affected areas are in the Golan Heights or the Jordan River Valley. Notably, along the Lebanese border, residents would have 15 seconds to reach shelter after a siren sounds. Currently, in many places, there is no lead time between the siren and a need to take cover, and residents may rely on intercepts before sirens in some cases.

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/defense-news/article-892258
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1305940
https://www.jpost.com/business-and-innovation/energy-and-infrastructure/article-892257
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-892251
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-892255