Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-04-22 at 16:01

HEADLINES
Iranian Drones Hit Erbil Oil Refinery
Lebanon Peace Centerpiece on Independence Day
Former Gaza Hostages Visit Wounded Soldiers

The time is now 4:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Regional Impacts, Iranian drones struck an oil refinery in Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, President Isaac Herzog and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar co-hosted the annual Independence Day reception at the President’s Residence. In their addresses to the foreign diplomatic corps and heads of non-Jewish religious communities, peace with Lebanon figured prominently. The event was held in the morning rather than the late afternoon, and the military ceremony honoring 120 outstanding soldiers had been pre-recorded on video. Herzog described the moment as a period of historic times and said that decisions by leaders and nations can affect the region's future for generations. He tied the war with Iran and Hezbollah to a battle for the future of our children, and noted that no Arab ambassadors or diplomats from Muslim countries were present at the reception as Israel marked its 78th anniversary.

In Uplifting News, Sam Firstenberg, the Israeli-raised director behind cult B-movie staples such as American Ninja and Breakin’ 2: Electric Boogaloo, is experiencing a revival of interest as his 1989 Riverbend screens for one night at Alamo Drafthouse theaters in five cities on April 29, offering a fresh look at a film about a group of Black Vietnam veterans who arrive in a Southern town and liberate it from a racist sheriff. The screening could rekindle interest in Firstenberg's roughly two dozen films made between 1981 and 2002, which fans celebrate for their over-the-top action and entertainment value. In another development, three former Gaza hostages Avinatan Or, Alon Ohel, and Guy Gilboa-Dalal visited wounded soldiers at Rabin Medical Center-Beilinson Campus two days before Independence Day, their first visit since release from Hamas captivity. They met soldiers from the Yahalom unit and the 890th Brigade, with one trooper telling them, "Sitting here with you now is the real victory." Earlier, the Ziv Medical Center in Safed announced the birth of a baby in Kidmat Tzvi in the Golan Heights during Independence Day—the first born in its maternity ward since the war began more than a month ago. Tal and Kirish Akrish welcomed their third son and thanked the medical team; midwife Hanan Abu Assi called the moment "a moment of light." The center added it expects a baby boom as services resume after a ceasefire with Hezbollah a week ago.

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/selena_updates/62402
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-893866
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/article-893868
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-893867
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-893858