Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-04-16 at 09:02

HEADLINES
US Awards 850 Million Trident II Modernization
Syria Deepens SDF Role in Security Forces
Eric Robic Killed in Premeditated Paris Attack

The time is now 9:02 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In US Military Role, the US Navy has awarded Lockheed Martin Space a contract worth approximately $850 million to continue advanced design and development work on the Trident II sea-launched ballistic missile. The Trident II is a three-stage, solid-fueled system with a range of about 11,500 kilometers and capability to strike fortified or underground facilities with precision. The award comes as Washington maintains a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz amid a month-long confrontation with Iran, referred to by US officials as Operation Epic Fury. The Life Extension 2 program is a major modernization effort to keep the United States’ sea-based nuclear deterrent viable into the second half of the century. The award, issued as a cost-plus-incentive-fee modification to an existing contract, underscores the Navy’s commitment to sustaining the missile that has formed the backbone of American strategic deterrence since the 1990s.

Separately, War Secretary Hegseth asserted that the country is reloading with more than ever before.

In Regional Impacts, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa hosted two key Kurdish leaders on Thursday to discuss deeper integration of the Syrian Democratic Forces into the Syrian security forces. State media SANA said President al-Sharaa received Mazloum Abdi and Ilham Ahmad in the presence of Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani and Presidential Envoy Ziad al-Ayesh, who is charged with implementing the January 29 agreement with the SDF. The SDF is a US-backed force formed in 2015 that helped defeat ISIS. The United States had been assisting in the fight against ISIS in Syria since 2014. The article notes the broader history of ISIS in the region, including its attacks and the fighting around Kobani.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, a Seattle student fundraiser is calling to materially support the “Lebanese resistance,” a phrase usually used to reference Hezbollah. Students United for Palestinian Equality & Return at the University of Washington (SUPER UW) is hosting an April 21 fundraiser at the Cherry Street Village interfaith community center to raise funds for mutual aid in Lebanon and to deepen understanding of the Lebanese resistance. The event will screen The Last Sky, a documentary described as examining the armed resistance against Israel and the experiences of Palestinian and Lebanese communities. Organizers say they aim to raise $1,500 through a merchandise and bake sale to support mutual aid in Lebanon. The fundraiser follows activism by SUPER UW and allied groups in Seattle.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, the commander of US Central Command, Admiral Brad Cooper, said there is no better teammate than Israel.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, the Seattle Palestinian cultural festival has announced that Raed Abduljalil, a former al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigades terrorist released in a hostage deal, is set to speak as the keynote at the Seattle Palestinian Cultural Resistance Festival. Abduljalil was released last February after serving 23 years in prison and is described as a freed Palestinian political prisoner and author who has connections with figures such as Marwan Barghouti and Walid Daqqa. The festival is promoted by Seattle University Students for Justice in Palestine, Nidal Seattle, and Students United for Palestinian Equality and Return at the University of Washington. Separately, Eric Robic, the French man convicted of killing Israeli woman Lee Zeitouni in a 2011 Tel Aviv incident, was shot dead in Neuilly-sur-Seine, a Paris suburb. Two helmeted assailants on a scooter approached and opened fire, and Robic died at 10:10 a.m. local time; investigators are treating the incident as a premeditated killing.

In Uplifting News, Building New Lives in Israel - One Story at a Time features six North American Jews who made aliyah with help from Nefesh B’Nefesh in partnership with the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration and other organizations. The stories explore what motivates aliyah, the challenges of language and cultural adaptation, and how Israelis are welcoming to newcomers, sharing experiences of hope, resilience, and a sense of belonging in the State of Israel.

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/defense-and-tech/article-893241
https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/75090
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-893235
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-893230
https://t.me/ILtoday/18719
https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/75102
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-893240
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-893233
https://www.jpost.com/aliyah/article-893209