Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-04-20 at 19:01

HEADLINES
Lion's Roar Cohen Warns Iran Won't Rest
Iran Won't Negotiate Under Threats Ghalibaf
IDF Holds Fire as Lebanon Talks Loom

The time is now 7:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Operation Lion's Roar, former Israeli Mossad Chief Yossi Cohen warned at a Memorial Day ceremony in Jerusalem that despite Israel's military and intelligence successes during the two recent operations in Iran, we must not rest on our laurels; the Iranians will continue to lie, and we must not trust them or rest on our laurels. No agreement or ceasefire will change their fundamental ambitions, and therefore, even though the achievements of the war are significant, the battle for the State of Israel is not over.

In Iranian Retaliation, Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf said Iran would not negotiate beneath threats and is prepared to reveal new cards on the battlefield in a post on his X account, asserting that the United States has violated the ceasefire by “imposing a siege.” He said Iran seeks surrender or justification to return to war. The report notes that President Trump described the US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz as “absolutely destroying Iran” and said the blockade would not be removed until a deal is reached; the situation remains developing.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, the Lebanon dilemma is unfolding as public sentiment calls for a decisive blow to Hezbollah, but the IDF is holding back as Netanyahu faces political pressure and looks toward upcoming Lebanon talks and US-Iran negotiations, leaving Israel uneasy about the prospect of fighting on two fronts.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, the second round of Iran-US talks is set to begin Tuesday afternoon, according to sources, as President Trump reportedly told a Fox News interviewer that a deal with Iran would be signed “today” in Islamabad, though no clear timeframe was provided. Separately, Ambassador Huckabee asserted that America joins the people of Israel in observing Yom HaZikaron, Israel’s Memorial Day, and in honoring the fallen soldiers and victims of terrorism who gave their lives in defense of the Jewish State, with their memories to be blessed.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, President Isaac Herzog presented Argentina’s President Javier Milei with Israel’s Presidential Medal of Honor in a brief ceremony at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem, recognizing Milei’s strong support, particularly in securing the return of hostages. The event unfolded with an informal atmosphere, including portraits and memorial candles for former staff or relatives of staff, as Herzog welcomed Milei and his delegation.

In Uplifting News, the Museum of the Bible in Washington hosts “America Reads the Bible,” a weeklong event bringing nearly 500 participants to read Scripture from Genesis to Revelation as part of 250 years of the Bible in America; the initiative, organized by Christians Engaged, runs April 18–25 with daily readings and features contributions from politics, media, and entertainment, with President Trump expected to contribute a recorded reading. Separately, four Israeli teens—Alon Sarid, Fedor Khaperskiy, Mordechai Lachman, and Eitan Charmatski—won silver at the Junior World Championships in Rio, marking a historic achievement for Israeli fencing. And Shirit Yerushalmi, a mother whose daughter Eden Yerushalmi was abducted and murdered in Gaza, shares how Memorial Day has taken on new meaning as she describes choosing to live amid grief.

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/JewishNews24/53047
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-893657
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/rytz00gn611g
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/hjj272xabl
https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/75302
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-893652
https://www.jpost.com/christianworld/article-893654
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/sports/article-893653
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-893651