Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-04-13 at 08:02

HEADLINES
- US imposes Hormuz blockade to curb Iran
- NATO reset with Trump at Ankara summit
- Spain reopens Tehran embassy after ceasefire

The time is now 8:02 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In US Military Role, the latest moves surrounding Iran and the Strait of Hormuz are taking shape as the United States moves to impose a blockade tied to ships entering or exiting Iranian ports, with a start time set for 10 a.m. Eastern Time. The plan appears to mirror a pledge to block vessels at the Strait itself and could extend to other Iranian ports such as Jask or Chabahar. Officials say the aim is to curb Iran’s oil sales as regional capitals watch closely. The US Navy has deployed additional vessels to the Hormuz corridor as the region weighs the move, whose boldness or desperation remains a matter of debate. In parallel, Israel signaled support for the action, with Prime Minister Netanyahu noting Iran breached ceasefire terms by not reopening the strait and stressing close coordination with Washington on stopping enrichment and countering threats. Netanyahu’s stance highlights alignment with the United States while warning of the risk of a potential Iranian surprise attack as the situation unfolds.

In Regional Impacts, Turkey says NATO should reset ties with Trump at next summit, prepare for future. Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said NATO allies should use the July summit in Ankara to reset ties with President Trump and prepare for a potential reduction of US involvement in the alliance, noting Trump’s expected attendance due to personal respect for Turkish President Erdogan even as he is reluctant to attend. Turkish officials say allies have long treated Trump’s criticisms as rhetoric, but now plan around the possibility of reduced US involvement and are looking to strengthen their own defenses, urging the Ankara Summit to become a turning point for ties with Washington. Israel cannot live without hostility: Turkey warns Israel may target it next. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan warned that Israel is seeking a new enemy and could soon set its sights on Turkey, a day after President Erdogan escalated rhetoric by threatening possible military action against the Jewish state. Fidan argued that Israel’s approach fosters a new rhetoric to justify aggression, with concerns it could extend to Syria where the IDF operated last year. The comments come as Erdogan’s administration signals a hard line in the region and prompts questions about how Turkey’s role in the broader conflict may unfold. Spain reopens embassy in Tehran following US-Iran ceasefire. Spain announced the reopening of its embassy in Tehran days after the United States and Iran reached a temporary ceasefire, with the Spanish ambassador saying the move is part of efforts for peace. The ambassador noted Spain had previously closed airspace to US planes involved in operations against Iran, and Spain’s defense minister stated the country will not authorize US use of its airspace or bases for war efforts. The reopening signals a cautious return to diplomatic engagement as talks resume. France, Spain's anti-Israel bias pushes Israel-Europe relations to new low. Israeli-European relations have deteriorated as Europe’s current stance toward Israel has grown more complicated, with Israeli media citing France’s refusal to participate in mediation with Lebanon and broader European frustration with Israel’s government. An expert from the Mitvim Institute said while Israel has been a key contributor to European security, current political dynamics have strained ties, and upcoming Israeli elections in October add to a challenging diplomatic landscape. 139 מיליון דולר ביום במיצר הורמוז: "הטעות הקשה של איראן - קריסה כלכלית." An article notes the economic pressure from the Hormuz-related actions, including a figure of 139 million dollars per day in potential revenue losses for Iran, underscoring the financial stakes of the crisis. 139 מיליון דולר ביום: "איראן לפני צונמאי כלכלי בגלל טעות אחת." A separate piece frames Iran as facing potential economic strain and risk of collapse amid the same pressures, highlighting how swift policy moves can translate into economic vulnerabilities. Russia calls for joint food reserves with BRICS to counter Middle East crisis risks. Russia’s security apparatus urged creating joint food reserves with BRICS and former Soviet neighbors to counter global food-security risks tied to the Middle East crisis, citing fertilizer trade and Hormuz disruptions as key factors. Deputy Secretary Alexander Maslennikov stressed expanded cooperation with friendly countries, including Eurasian Economic Union members, and said Moscow would press ahead with plans as President Putin prepares to meet BRICS leaders in the Kremlin.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, Europe failed the test of the Shoah. Is it failing again to confront absolute evil? - opinion. On Yom HaShoah, Israel pauses to remember the victims of the Shoah, while the author argues that Europe, 80 years after the Holocaust, is facing renewed reckoning with antisemitism from the far right, far left, and Islamist networks. The piece contends that Europe’s response to attacks on Jews and the state of Israel has not fully confronted the history of demonization and abandonment, calling into question long-standing attitudes as antisemitic rhetoric persists in various corners of Europe. לעג לצה"ל: מוחמד חדיד שיתף תיעוד של כוכב הרשת הישראלי במדים. A Hebrew-language report describes online ridicule directed at the IDF, noting that Mohammed Haddid shared footage of a prominent Israeli internet personality in uniform, highlighting anti-Israeli sentiment and the social-media dynamic surrounding the war and security debates in the region.

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/international/article-892839
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-892842
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-892830
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-892821
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-892825
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-892817
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1309408
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1309407
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1309406
https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/04/russia-calls-joint-food-reserves-brics-counter-middle-east-crisis-risks
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/sjcgwi92wx