Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-04-04 at 09:01

HEADLINES
Iran pummels central Israel; Ramat Gan damaged
Golders Green Hatzalah ambulances burned; suspects charged
Young voters back Netanyahu, faith reshaped

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

In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, central Israel saw multiple impact sites after Iran fired cluster missiles, with apartments damaged in Ramat Gan and vehicles set ablaze across the area; initial reports indicated no injuries. An update later reported a 52-year-old man lightly injured by the blast wave from the central Israel strike. Iran also claimed it struck an Israel-linked ship in the Hormuz region. The Israeli military released color footage purporting a direct hit on a mobile ballistic missile launcher truck in the Tebriz region, and authorities noted a direct strike in Ramat Gan that left damage at a residence where an 84-year-old man narrowly survived, describing the moment as “all falling apart around him.”

In Israeli Domestic Politics, a Maariv poll conducted by Lazar Research in collaboration with Panel4All found that among first-time voters aged 18 to 22, 56% identify as right-wing, versus 44% of Israelis aged 23 and older. Among younger voters, 22% describe themselves as center-right, 14% as centrist, and 8% as center-left or left-wing. The survey showed Benjamin Netanyahu as the preferred prime minister among young voters with 35% support, followed by Naftali Bennett at 19%. The results suggest the events surrounding October 7, 2023 and their aftermath have deeply influenced young Israelis’ relationship with faith and Jewish traditions.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, UK police said three suspects were charged in connection with the arson attack that destroyed four Hatzalah ambulances in Golders Green. The suspects are 20-year-old Hamza Iqbal and 19-year-old Rehan Khan, both British nationals, and a 17-year-old British-Pakistani dual citizen who remains unnamed. They face charges of arson being reckless as to whether life would be endangered, bringing total arrests in the case to five; two had been arrested earlier and released on bail. The suspects are due to appear in court on Saturday. Police say they have implemented an enhanced policing plan focused on vulnerable areas not only in Golders Green but across London, amid ongoing safety concerns in Jewish communities.

In Uplifting News, Post-Passover recipes to try highlight comforting options like homemade bagels, veggie soup, crispy chicken, and almond cookies to enjoy with loved ones. Rashel in Tel Aviv Port offers a Moroccan feast of holiday flavors, presenting festive dishes with upgraded versions of classic Moroccan cuisine, served in a space with traditional design and attention to presentation. A local post from Tel Aviv notes life continuing amid war conditions, describing a day with a sand storm and alarms, while many Israelis continue to enjoy daily activities and even mask for the dust when needed. And there’s a celebration of Jerusalem as the eternal and historic capital of the Jewish people, underscoring enduring cultural and historical significance.

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.ynetnews.com/article/hyrfgkrizl
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1304969
https://t.me/StandWithUsBreakingNews/7996
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-892032
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-892031
https://www.jpost.com/food-recipes/article-891761
https://www.jpost.com/food-recipes/article-891808
https://t.me/selena_updates/60764
https://t.me/StandWithUsBreakingNews/7995