Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-04-26 at 10:02

HEADLINES
UNRWA West Bank four-day week, 571 layoffs
Iron Dome intercepts missiles after Gulf deployment
Bennett-Lapid form joint election slate

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, UNRWA’s West Bank schools have moved to a four-day week due to funding gaps, with 571 staff laid off in January. UNRWA says services totaled about $880 million in 2025, but contributions were around $570 million, reflecting a decline in donations and ongoing public criticism from Israel and groups like UN Watch over alleged Hamas ties. The shift to a shorter school week is expected to continue through the end of the academic year, and staff working hours were cut by about 20%. The broader Gaza war context is cited, with the IDF uncovering terror hubs in UNRWA schools and headquarters, and some UNRWA staff identified as Hamas members or connected to the October 7 attacks. In southern Lebanon, residents are evacuating their homes after an evacuation announcement delivered in Arabic by an IDF spokesperson.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, moves and tensions continue on multiple fronts. In southern Lebanon, the IDF continues to attack Hezbollah targets in response to ceasefire violations. Separately, a report says Israel sent an Iron Dome system and troops to a Gulf state at the start of the war with Iran; an Israeli official said the system intercepted Iranian missiles, while a UAE official described Israel as a true ally.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Bennett and Lapid are set to announce a joint party for the upcoming elections. The plan unites Lapid’s Yesh Atid and Bennett’s 2026 with Bennett leading the new list, following a power-sharing arrangement in 2021-2022. The move aims to broaden support, build new alliances, and push for change, with reports suggesting former chief of staff Gadi Eisenkot could join. Polls have indicated Bennett would be the preferred prime minister if the joint list wins. In a separate development, after a week of killings, Police Commissioner Danny Levi said some murders are eruptive and impossible to prevent, noting a string of deadly incidents across Jewish and Arab communities, including the stabbing of 21-year-old Yemanu Binyamin Zalka in Petah Tikva; seven minors were arrested, and investigators faced scrutiny over initial handling of the case.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, outrage followed after a man dressed as Adolf Hitler stood on an Israeli flag and saluted Boston Marathon runners. Israeli Consul to New England Benjamin Sharoni called the incident an intimidation; the Boston Athletic Association and ADL New England condemned it as a hateful act with no place at the marathon. In the UK, most of a $100,000 donation intended for Ukrainian children was blocked, with funds approved for Ukraine but rejected for those in Israel; the donor Eugene Shvidler has been under UK sanctions since 2022. The Alumim Children Center, which supports Ukrainian children evacuated from Ukraine, including those in Israel, relocated part of its operations to Ashkelon and continues its educational and welfare work.

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/article-894184
https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/75578
https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/75581
https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/75580
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/ry4uv5oa11x
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-894194
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-894182
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-894186
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-894183