Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-04-09 at 10:02

HEADLINES
Spain Condemns Lebanon Strikes, Warns on Iran
Israeli Red Tape Shuts Palestinian Rights Group
Netanyahu Trial Resumes After Wartime Disruptions

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 US Policy Concerning Israel, Spain condemned Israeli strikes on Lebanon and the broader war on Iran, signaling Madrid's role as a vocal critic of US and Israeli campaigns even as Washington warns it could punish uncooperative NATO allies. In remarks to lawmakers, Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares described the conflict as an attack on civilization, echoing Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's criticism of Trump's decision to attack the Islamic Republic. "We're facing the greatest assault on the civilization built upon the humanist ideals of reason, peace, understanding, and universal law over the abuse of power, brute force, and arbitrariness," Albares said, adding that Israel is violating international law and the recently brokered two-week ceasefire after a massive wave of airstrikes across Lebanon killed more than 250 people. Separately, a Pew Research Center survey found that 60% of American adults view Israel negatively, a rise of 7 percentage points from last year and about 20 points since 2022; 28% said very unfavorable, nearly tripling since 2022. Democrats and those under 50 now tilt negative on Israel, while Republicans and Republican-leaning voters remain more favorable, with 58% viewing Israel favorably and 41% unfavorably. Jewish Americans and White evangelical Protestants continue to hold more positive views at about 64% and 65% favorable, respectively. Diplomatic sources told Reuters that NATO Secretary General told European governments that Trump wants a commitment to participate in guarding the Strait of Hormuz in the coming days.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Education Minister Yoav Kisch announced an expansion of the Summer Vacation School by three weeks to include all elementary students in grades 1-6 and to launch a new middle school program in response to closures during the war with Iran. The plan has not yet been approved by the government, and the Finance Ministry says funding is lacking. Most schools have reopened after more than a month of war-related closures, with ceasefire restrictions eased on Wednesday though northern Israel and border communities near Lebanon remain restricted due to Hezbollah threats. Kisch explained that the plan does not extend regular studies into the summer; it expands the existing Summer Vacation School framework run by the Education Ministry and will broaden access to elementary students. Separately, Defense for Children International-Palestine has ceased operations after 35 years, citing Israel’s red tape around Palestinian human rights groups. The DCIP Palestine branch, established in 1991 and registered by the Israeli Interior Ministry in 1996, with PA jurisdiction as RA-2282-SS since 2003, focused on defending Palestinian children arrested, detained, and prosecuted in the Israeli military court system. Its General Director Khaled Quzmar said the organization could not overcome operational challenges resulting from what he described as Israel’s targeted criminalization of Palestinian human rights organizations. Netanyahu’s criminal trial is set to resume Sunday after wartime court disruptions, returning to the regular calendar with the next hearing at 9:30 a.m. in the Jerusalem District Court for the testimony of a defense witness, as the emergency regime ends and the justice system returns to normal scheduling after weeks of wartime restrictions linked to the war with Iran.

In Uplifting News, Mimouna matters - opinion profiles Mimouna as a uniquely Moroccan Jewish celebration that spread across Sephardi communities in the 20th century. At the end of Passover, North African Jews, especially in Israel, celebrate a night of open homes, shared food, music, and joy. Tables overflow with moufletas drenched in honey, families wear traditional caftans and gandouras, and Moroccan melodies fill the air. Mimouna is more than festivity; it embodies a history of coexistence and serves as a model for dialogue among diverse communities. Jews in Morocco trace their presence there to ancient times, and their history intersects with broader North African and Middle Eastern cultural exchanges. The diaspora expanded notably after key moments in history, including the 1492 expulsion from Spain, shaping a lasting tradition that remains meaningful today.

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/international/article-892485
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/article-892475
https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/74795
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-892473
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-892471
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/benjamin-netanyahu/article-892469
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-892311