Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-04-15 at 16:02

HEADLINES
Iran Offers Free Hormuz Passage in Talks
Israel Expands Lebanon Buffer Zone Against Hezbollah
Senate GOP Blocks Trump Iran War Powers

The time is now 4:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Regional Impacts, Iran could consider allowing ships to sail freely through the Oman side of the Strait of Hormuz without risk of attack as part of proposals it has offered in negotiations with the United States if a deal is clinched to prevent renewed conflict, a source briefed by Tehran said. The war has caused the largest-ever disruption of global oil and gas supplies through the strait, which handles about 20% of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas flows. Hundreds of tankers and about 20,000 seafarers have been stuck inside the Gulf since the Iran war began on February 28. The source did not say whether Iran would clear mines or allow all ships to pass freely. The proposal hinges on whether Washington is prepared to meet Tehran's demands, a condition central to any potential breakthrough.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Netanyahu says Israel will expand the Lebanon buffer zone and continue strikes on Hezbollah, with the buffer zone also being stretched eastward so Israel can better help its Druze brothers in their time of need. He noted fighting around the town of Bint Jbeil as a focal point and said the IDF is close to taking the town. Talks with Lebanon are under way with the aims of dismantling Hezbollah and achieving a lasting peace, described as peace through strength, and Israel said its goals align with those of the United States on Iran and the opening of the Straits. Separately, IDF combat engineers say they are destroying an “endless” number of Hezbollah infrastructure sites in southern Lebanon; Lieutenant-Colonel “R,” commander of the 603rd Combat Engineering Battalion, said they have torn down more than 1,000 such sites over roughly five weeks of operations. A Hezbollah official vowed that any Lebanese government that cooperates with Israel will be overthrown. Earlier today, an IDF soldier was severely injured and four other soldiers were lightly injured by Hezbollah rocket fire in southern Lebanon.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, the US Senate Republicans blocked the latest bid to rein in Trump Iran war powers, with the chamber voting 52-47 not to advance the war powers resolution. The move underscores continued GOP support for the president’s approach more than six weeks after the conflict began. It was the fourth vote on similar measures since the war started, with Rand Paul the only Republican to back the resolution and Senator John Fetterman casting the Democratic no. Senator Jim Justice did not vote. Democratic leaders say they will keep bringing up the measure until the fighting ends or Congress authorizes continued intervention.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, the Reservists Party launched a campaign against haredi and Arab parties ahead of the elections, adopting the slogan “Only those who serve decide.” The campaign urges voters to stop those who do not serve in the IDF from voting or running for the Knesset, echoing a 2019 Likud effort that targeted journalists. The billboard shows four MKs from haredi and Arab parties with the central message that “the serving public will decide,” and reservists leader Yoaz Hendel said the elections will reshape the political picture.

In Israeli Economy and Business, the dollar fell below three shekels for the first time in more than 30 years, trading at 2.993 to the dollar, the lowest level since October 1995, as optimism about a ceasefire and a possible Iran settlement boosted the shekel. The move has exporters on edge, with Avraham Novogrocki, president of Israel’s Manufacturers’ Association, warning that a dollar below 3 is a death blow to export profitability and that a roughly 20% drop in the exchange rate since April 2025 has squeezed margins and could push factories toward closure. He added that hi‑tech firms and multinationals are weighing relocation of operations. The Bank of Israel has stayed on the sidelines, intervening only when it deems it necessary.

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-893148
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-893152
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-893138
https://t.me/ILtoday/18710
https://t.me/selena_updates/61916
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-893158
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-893142
https://www.jpost.com/business-and-innovation/banking-and-finance/article-893150