Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-04-17 at 21:02

HEADLINES
Israelis Slash Activity Amid Iran War
Iran Keeps Hormuz Shipping Limits and Tolls
Ex Qaida Claim Ceasefire Leverage Against Iran

The time is now 9:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Regional Impacts, a Hebrew University study finds that Israelis faced notable health-related behavior changes during the Iran war, with nearly two-thirds reporting a sharp drop in overall physical activity and a reduction in sleep. The research also shows a rise in ultra-processed food consumption, with just over half of participants increasing intake of sweets and pastries, alongside a decline in produce and a rise in alcohol use. The study notes there was no link between the uptick in ultra-processed foods and the drop in produce, suggesting the overall increase in food consumption reflects broader eating increases. The impact appeared more pronounced among women, and researchers observed a correlation between higher ultra-processed food intake and reduced physical activity. Separately, Iran has told mediators it will continue to limit the number of ships crossing the Strait of Hormuz and charge tolls for the remainder of the ceasefire period. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called for joint efforts to set up a mission to safeguard freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, saying Kyiv’s wartime Black Sea experience could help; he emphasized that decisions now will shape how other straits and fronts are treated and noted that Hormuz security challenges require more than political measures, citing Ukraine’s experience in escorting merchant vessels, demining, defending against air attacks, and coordinating such operations.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, ex-al Qaida member and former British intelligence asset Aiman Dean claims the US-mediated Israel-Lebanon ceasefire is being used as leverage against Iran, suggesting Tehran is using the Lebanon ceasefire as a pretext while pursuing broader goals, including nuclear talks and opening the Strait of Hormuz. IDF officers in southern Lebanon say they were not informed about the ceasefire before learning of it through foreign media and Telegram; five IDF divisions remain in the area awaiting orders, with the military indicating it will maintain control of captured Lebanese terrain and could deepen operations if needed, after reporting the seizure of a key ridge minutes before the ceasefire took effect. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said ceasefire terms should move toward permanent agreements, thanking the United States and regional partners, and stressing that negotiations must preserve the rights, unity, sovereignty, and land of Lebanon, even as Hezbollah opponents within Lebanon push back on direct talks with Israel.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, the American Jewish Committee joined with foundations and rights groups to urge President Trump to elevate the return of Americans held in Iran to the highest national priority during ceasefire talks, asserting that wrongful detention will not be tolerated and that the United States must pursue such cases with resolve. A new round of US–Iran talks is planned for Monday in Islamabad, Pakistan, according to Iranian officials, as part of ongoing efforts to manage tensions and security dynamics in the region.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, Alana Newhouse argues in an opinion piece that envy of the Zionist nation-state helps explain anti-Zionist sentiment in parts of the liberal West, suggesting a longing for Israel’s model of statehood underpins critical attitudes. Separately, Pete Hegseth drew criticism for comparing the media to Pharisees, a reference that many view as carrying antisemitic implications, a controversy that echoes a similar instance from 2019 when Pete Buttigieg referenced Pharisees in a critique of an opponent.

In Uplifting News, an opinion piece commemorates the overlooked Jewish role in America’s Revolution, noting how Jewish merchants, artisans, and professionals aided the fight for independence by supplying goods, raising funds, and joining local militias. A travel piece on Hormuz Island off Iran’s coast offers a vivid look at a striking landscape that has recently drawn renewed attention, describing its otherworldly scenery as travelers share impressions from the island’s dramatic environment.

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
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https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-893387
https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/75192
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-893189
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-893384
https://www.ynetnews.com/magazine/article/rjnkcre6wl
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-893383
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https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/75191