Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-04-12 at 23:02

HEADLINES
Iran escalates ballistic missiles, suicide drones production
US blockade of Hormuz and Iranian ports
Netanyahu approves Gofman as Mossad chief

The time is now 11:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Iranian Retaliation, the Chairman of the National Security Committee in the Iranian Parliament says Iran has increased the production rate of ballistic missiles and suicide drones since the ceasefire began, and the production rate remains high with increased output despite 40 days of war with the Zionist-American enemy.

In US Military Role, the US military said it will begin a blockade of all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports and coastal areas on Monday after weekend talks failed to reach a deal to end the war with Iran, jeopardizing a fragile two-week ceasefire. The blockade, starting at 10 a.m. ET, will be enforced impartially against vessels of all nations entering or departing Iranian ports and coastal areas, including all Iranian ports on the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. Vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz to and from non-Iranian ports will not be impeded. Separately, a report notes a significant stream of US air force transports heading to the Middle East tonight.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, President Donald Trump told reporters he doesn’t care if Iran returns to negotiations, saying there is no way they still want it and Iran will not have a nuclear weapon. He also criticized NATO for not being there for the United States and said the US Navy would blockade the Strait of Hormuz starting Monday at 10 a.m. ET (5 p.m. Israel time), with other nations working to prevent Iran from selling oil. Earlier this week, he said the primary reason negotiations failed was Iran’s refusal to give up on its nuclear ambitions.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Netanyahu backs Gofman as new Mossad chief, praising military record. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu approved Military Secretary Major-General Roman Gofman as the next head of Mossad, with the appointment taking effect on June 2 after David Barnea completes his five-year term. Netanyahu called Gofman an outstanding officer who is bold and creative, and who demonstrated in the war a perspective outside the box and impressive resourcefulness. IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir praised him as a glorious military service career and said he would have been a worthy replacement for his own post. Barnea opposed the appointment, and Ori Elmakayes offered a critical view amid a public dispute.

Also in Israeli Domestic Politics, the High Court releases the names of Israeli brothers indicted for selling AI-generated info to Iran. The High Court allowed publication of the names of Meir and Yosef Nahum, residents of Beit Shemesh and Beitar Illit, who were charged with transferring information to Iranians in exchange for tens of thousands of shekels, much of which was false and AI-generated, including claims of an imminent attack against Iran. Justice Alex Stein rejected an appeal to block publication, saying the claimed psychological harm did not distinguish them from other defendants and that publication was warranted.

In Uplifting News, Pope Leo to begin 10-day Africa tour on mission to spotlight continent's needs. The pope will visit Algeria, Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea on a 10-day tour that covers 11 cities and towns, spanning nearly 18,000 kilometers across 18 flights. The Vatican notes more than 20% of the world's Catholics live in Africa, and the pope has emerged as an outspoken critic of the war in Iran as he engages leaders to address Africa’s needs.

Shalom from Osaka, Today is my last day in Japan. I will be leaving with gratitude and tears of joy for the marvelous things the Lord has done during this tour. We experienced above and beyond all that we had asked for. I see a great hunger in Japan — among believers and non-believers alike — to grasp the times and the seasons described in prophecy, and to grasp God’s plan for the future as revealed through His prophets, and to grasp the importance of the nation and the land of Israel in that grand plan of God. I am about to embark on a new journey to the United States to work on a new book and to speak at Calvary Chapel Chino Hills, Calvary Chapel Reno Sparks, the Proximity Conference at Calvary Chapel East Anaheim, and a Sunday service at Calvary Central OC. In my dream last night, I was shown something profoundly moving, likely as a result of teaching through the entire book of Revelation just two days ago. I saw countless people in heaven. I cannot say whether they were millions, but I can say it resembled what both Daniel and John described as “ten thousand times ten thousand.” The rapture is real, it is near, and it will spare us from the greatest disaster humanity has ever faced.

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/beholdisraelchannel/74933
https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/04/us-blockade-iran-after-talks-fail-yield-deal
https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/74932
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-892777
https://t.me/JewishNews24/52599
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-892773
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/crime-in-israel/article-892769
https://www.jpost.com/christianworld/article-892776
https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/74934