Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-04-13 at 00:01

HEADLINES
Iran ramps ballistic missiles and suicide drones
US blocks Strait of Hormuz starting Monday
Netanyahu taps Gofman as Mossad chief

The time is now 12:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Iranian Retaliation, the chairman of the National Security Committee in the Iranian Parliament says Iran has increased the production rate of ballistic missiles and suicide drones since the ceasefire began, and the production rate remains high with increased output despite 40 days of war with the Zionist-American enemy.

In US Military Role, the US military said it will begin a blockade of all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports and coastal areas on Monday after weekend talks failed to reach a deal to end the war with Iran, jeopardizing a fragile two-week ceasefire. The blockade will be enforced impartially against vessels of all nations entering or departing Iranian ports and coastal areas, including all Iranian ports on the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. Vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz to and from non-Iranian ports will not be impeded. The move is set to start at 10 a.m. Eastern Time.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, President Donald Trump told reporters he doesn’t care whether Iran returns to negotiations, insisting that Iran will not have a nuclear weapon. He criticized NATO and said the US Navy would blockade the Strait of Hormuz beginning Monday at 10 a.m. ET, with other nations working to prevent Iran from selling oil.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu approved Major General Roman Gofman as the next head of the Mossad, with Gofman set to take over from David Barnea on June 2 after Barnea completes his five-year term. Netanyahu called Gofman bold and creative, expressing confidence in his ability to strengthen Israel’s security, while IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir praised him as an outstanding officer. Barnea publicly opposed the appointment, and Ori Elmakayes is noted in the surrounding reporting as part of the broader discussion around the transition.

In Uplifting News, Pope Leo will begin a 10-day tour of Africa, visiting Algeria, Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea across 11 cities and towns, covering nearly 18,000 kilometers over 18 flights. The visit aims to spotlight Africa’s needs, with more than a fifth of the world’s Catholics living on the continent. Cardinal Michael Czerny described Leo as the first papal traveler from the United States in many years, underscoring the mission to draw global attention to African concerns.

In Uplifting News, Shalom from Osaka, Today is my last day in Japan. I will be leaving with gratitude and tears of joy for the marvelous things the Lord has done during this tour. We experienced above and beyond all that we had asked for. I see a great hunger in Japan—among believers and non-believers alike—to understand the times and the seasons in which we live, to understand God’s plan for the future as revealed through His prophets, and to grasp the importance of the nation and the land of Israel in that grand plan of God. I am about to embark on a new journey to the United States to work on a new book and to speak at Calvary Chapel venues and related events. In a dream, I was shown something profoundly moving, likely as a result of teaching through the entire book of Revelation just two days ago. I saw countless people in heaven. The message conveyed was one of expectation for what lies ahead, as the speaker prepares for a new chapter and continued outreach.

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/beholdisraelchannel/74933
https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/04/us-blockade-iran-after-talks-fail-yield-deal
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-892777
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-892773
https://www.jpost.com/christianworld/article-892776
https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/74934