Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-04-23 at 10:02

HEADLINES
Hormuz Blockade Threatens Global Trade Crisis
Undersea Cables at Risk as Tensions Rise
Hezbollah Operative Arrested Planning Imminent Attack

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

In Regional Impacts, the Strait of Hormuz continues to confound the United States as it seeks a deal with Iran. Pakistan remains outwardly hopeful that a deal can be reached, but the lack of commitment from the US and Iranian delegations signals a tough road ahead for Islamabad. Observers describe the February 28 strike against Iran as opening a Pandora’s Box, with Tehran’s decision to blockade the Strait making the waterway the central, most vexing issue for policymakers, the region, and the world. Iran has long warned it could close the strait, citing past actions such as mining ships in 2019, shooting down a US drone, and boarding vessels as examples of what it could do. The question now is how this crisis unfolds and what consequences may result for global trade and regional stability.

In Regional Impacts, EU leaders gather in Cyprus as Middle East tensions shape summit agenda. Cyprus hosts EU leaders on April 23, in a summit held on the island for the first time, underscoring how close the Middle East is to Europe’s doorstep. The gathering comes as the Middle East remains tense over US-Iran tensions and the ceasefire in Lebanon, with Ukraine and other issues on the agenda. Cyprus’s proximity to Israel and Lebanon, and its ties with Israel and Greece, position the Eastern Mediterranean at the center of discussions. Ukrainian President Zelensky is expected to attend. Observers note the broader regional swirl after the US and Israeli strikes on Iran, including Iranian attacks in the region and Pakistan’s efforts to uphold a ceasefire between Tehran and Washington. Within this context, the IDF said on April 22 it targeted and eliminated a Hezbollah operative at a launch site in Sejoud, southern Lebanon to thwart an imminent attack.

In Regional Impacts, IRGC-linked Tasnim warns of risks to undersea cables below Strait of Hormuz. Tasnim News Agency warned that undersea fiber-optic cables threading through the Strait of Hormuz are vulnerable to disruption, highlighting how a single narrow passage concentrates critical infrastructure. The report warned that damage to several major cables—whether by accident or deliberate action—could trigger widespread outages across the Persian Gulf. It notes that at least seven major cables serve the Gulf States and that more than 97 percent of global internet traffic traverses these seabed networks in the Strait, underscoring the potential ripple effects of conflict in the region.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Iran relies on Pakistani, MidEast militias as regime works to curb renewed protests, expert says. The regime is reportedly reinforcing its presence on the ground by bringing in militias from Pakistan, Iraq, and Afghanistan to deter protests, according to Effi Banai, a social networks expert. Banai described militias moving in trucks in civilian clothing, armed with machine guns, speaking Arabic, and enforcing order in the streets. He said the steps reflect growing regime pressure and fear of renewed mass protests, noting the timeframe for an escalation remains uncertain.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, ⭕️ APPREHENDED ⭕️ A Hezbollah Radwan Force terrorist in southern Lebanon, who was planning an imminent attack against IDF soldiers. The terrorist surrendered following IDF activity in the area and was transferred for further questioning.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Internal Israeli debate and the costs to Diaspora Jewry - opinion. Some American Jewish communities express frustration with Israeli journalists’ reporting and opinion pieces that circulate in the United States and are used by hostile voices, fueling antisemitism. The author argues that blaming Israeli media alone misses deeper structural features of the Israel-Diaspora relationship. While there has been mutual support and shared peoplehood, Israeli actions have also caused indirect harm to Diaspora communities even as they provide support in other ways.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Opposition vows inquiry into Oct. 7 failures as bereaved families clash at hearing. Opposition leaders vow to establish a state commission of inquiry into government failures surrounding the October 7 attacks after the upcoming elections, as bereaved families clash outside the High Court during petitions for such a probe. Government representative Michael Rabello told the judges that the investigation should begin only after victory on all fronts, arguing that timing matters. Former prime minister Naftali Bennett criticized that stance, saying that anyone who says “later” about investigating the October 7 massacre means “never,” and pledging that a Bennett-led government would establish the inquiry immediately. Judges also questioned whether waiting until after the elections would be wiser, adding to the debate.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, Dutch gov't ups Jewish security funding after hundreds of antisemitic incidents recorded in 2025. The Netherlands is increasing security funding for its Jewish community from €700,000 to €2 million per year, a move officials say will bolster protection for Jewish schools, institutions, and events. Since 2025, there has been a security fund with a structural annual allocation of €1.3 million. Justice Minister David van Weel noted the rise in antisemitic incidents and emphasized the need for sustained support; the 2025 Discrimination Figures report shows 867 antisemitic incidents, more than 400 of which targeted Jewish people or property, and the plan for 2026 is to maintain €2 million per year.

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-893965
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-893956
https://www.jpost.com/defense-and-tech/article-893954
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-893959
https://t.me/JewishNews24/53204
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-893801
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-893948
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-893970