Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-04-11 at 21:01

HEADLINES
Kerry: Netanyahu pitched Iran strike to Trump
Iran talks inch toward Hormuz opening
Turkey indicts Netanyahu over Sumud Gaza flotilla

The time is now 9:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Operation Lion's Roar, former secretary of state John Kerry says Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu presented plans to attack Iran to Presidents George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Joe Biden, with all three declining before Donald Trump gave an affirmative response. Kerry also cited a New York Times article detailing Netanyahu's approach to convincing Trump to strike Iran alongside Israel. He described a four-point pitch to justify action, including targeting leadership, prompting regime change, and eroding Iran's military capabilities, while noting there was no imminent threat. Kerry said Trump agreed to consider strikes after Netanyahu's persuasion, diverging from the prior agreement with Iran negotiated during the Obama era.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, analysis notes three rounds of direct talks to end the war with Iran have taken place, with another round reportedly planned for Sunday morning. If negotiators reach an agreement in principle on opening Hormuz, negotiations are likely to continue, and Trump is expected to demand a complete ceasefire in Lebanon.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Turkey indicted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday, along with 35 other Israeli officials, for the naval interception of the October 2025 Sumud Gaza flotilla, seeking up to 4,596 years in prison. The list also includes Defense Minister Israel Katz and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who responded to the indictment on Saturday in posts on X/Twitter. Turkey had previously issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu in November 2025, as well as for other senior Israeli officials. The Global Sumud flotilla sailed in late August, involving dozens of vessels and hundreds of activists; Israel detained over 400 participants, including Greta Thunberg, before deporting them. Netanyahu, Katz, and Ben-Gvir also issued responses on social media.

In Uplifting News, the Holy Fire ceremony was marked on Saturday in Jerusalem's Old City, drawing about 10,000 Christian worshipers from around the world for the annual Easter tradition. The event, conducted by the Eastern Churches, begins at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre with the flame carried to Nazareth, Bethlehem, and other Israeli cities before spreading globally. Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion extended his blessing to the Jerusalem Christian community, noting that after a difficult period the city is returning to routine and reaffirming Jerusalem as a beacon of tolerance for Christians, Jews, and Muslims. The municipality worked with the Tourism and Interior Ministries to prepare, installing screens throughout the Old City to broadcast the ceremony for those unable to enter due to capacity limits.

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-892647
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/byxsyionze
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-892649
https://www.jpost.com/christianworld/christianity-news/article-892646