Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-04-16 at 22:02

HEADLINES
US mobilizes auto industry for war
Leaders back force to secure Hormuz
Ceasefire begins after Hezbollah rocket barrages

The time is now 10:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In US Military Role, President Trump says the war in Iran is going along swimmingly and that it should be ending pretty soon. The President's remarks come as the Pentagon has approached major US automakers about potentially helping boost weapons production by using their personnel and large-scale factories, according to sources familiar with the talks.

In Regional Impacts, French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer chaired a meeting of allies to consider sending a multinational force to ensure security and free-flowing trade in the Strait of Hormuz once the current conflict between Iran and the US and Israel ends. Iran imposed the blockade on the critical shipping bottleneck as soon as the US and Israel launched the war against the Islamic republic on February 28, leading to a surge in global energy prices. Even with a shaky ceasefire in place, the US is now imposing its own blockade on Iranian ports. European leaders are worried that if the blockade continues, consumers will feel the effects through higher inflation, food shortages and flight cancellations as jet fuel runs out. The leaders joining Starmer and Macron from 1200 GMT for the meeting -- which will mostly be held via video -- are due to call for a return to full freedom of navigation and address the economic consequences of the blockade. But they will also "prepare the deployment, when conditions are met, of a strictly defensive multinational military mission, in order to ensure freedom of navigation," according to the invitation sent by the Elysee.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, In an interview with Fox News, Ambassador Danon said clearly: We want to see Hezbollah and the Iranian regime out of Lebanon. Trump: ‘Hope Hezbollah acts nicely’ as ceasefire begins after barrages hit northern Israel. Rocket fire struck northern Israel hours before the truce took effect, wounding civilians in Nahariya and Karmiel, as Trump urged restraint and uncertainty remains over whether the ceasefire will hold. TRUMP ON HEZBOLLAH: I hope Hezbollah acts nicely and well during this important period of time. It will be an GREAT moment for them if they do. No more killing. Must finally have PEACE!

In US Policy Concerning Israel, US officials have informed some European counterparts that some previously contracted weapons deliveries are likely to be delayed as the Iran war continues to draw on weapons stocks, five sources familiar with the matter said. The sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity as the communications were not public, said several European countries will be affected, including in the Baltic region and in Scandinavia. Some of the weapons in question were purchased by European countries under the Foreign Military Sales program, but have not yet been delivered, the sources added. Those deliveries will likely be delayed, US officials told European counterparts in recent bilateral messages, the sources said. The White House and the State Department referred queries to the Pentagon, which did not respond to a request for comment. The delays underline the degree to which the war against Iran, which began with US-Israeli air strikes on February 28, has begun to stretch US supplies of some critical weaponry and ammunition. Under the FMS program, foreign countries purchase US-made weapons with the logistical assistance and consent of the US government. Washington has pushed European NATO...

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Despair rises, trust in leadership falls for most Israelis after US-Iran ceasefire agreement - poll. The Hebrew University poll finds despair and pessimism as dominant sentiments, alongside fatigue and a belief that the conflict is far from over. The survey of 1,312 Israelis indicates that 70% believe the ceasefire reflects a US concession to Iran, with two-thirds opposing it. MK Boaz Bismuth, head of the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, said he was attacked by a haredi mob in Bnei Brak but was removed by police without injury and reaffirmed dedication to passing the ultra-Orthodox draft law, arguing that the conscription law will pass and lead to the conscription of Haredim, and that he will continue fearlessly in promoting the law.

In Uplifting News, He left a newborn son to fight in Gaza — now a lone IDF soldier faces recovery and PTSD. After completing reserve duty, Michael returned to the front lines following the October 7 attacks while his wife was pregnant, was wounded in combat and now faces rehabilitation after building a life in Israel as a lone soldier. It was my dream: At 28, Tzahi Kanevsky learns to breathe on his own. Abandoned at birth after being brought to Israel for sale, Tzahi Kanevsky grew up in a hospital, fought for citizenship and never breathed unaided — until a near-fatal lung transplant in January; now, he is learning to breathe on his own. A dirge without end: March of the Living ceremony presents Jewish life, honors Holocaust survivors. Survivor of the Hamas October 7 terror attack Agam Berger played a violin donated to Yad Vashem by Israeli relatives of a Holocaust survivor, at the Krakow ceremony, as Education Minister Yoav Kisch emphasized the enduring memory of tragedy and resilience, with calls to broaden dialogue and remembrance.

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/JewishNews24/52865
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https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/04/macron-starmer-rally-allies-mull-hormuz-mission
https://t.me/JewishNews24/52866
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/hkannbypbg
https://t.me/JewishNews24/52859
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-893325
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-893324
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-893322
https://www.ynetnews.com/magazine/article/rjmnsd0nwl
https://www.ynetnews.com/magazine/article/rypfwkqn11g
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/article-893323