Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-04-22 at 21:01

HEADLINES
Navy secretary exits amid Iran blockade tensions
IDF pounds Hezbollah Abbas slain
Trump extends Iran ceasefire to 3-5 days

The time is now 9:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In US Military Role, Navy Secretary John Phelan is leaving his job amid a US naval blockade of Iranian ports. No reason was given for the unexpected departure of the Navy's top civilian official during a tenuous ceasefire in the war with Iran. He is the latest top defense leader to step down or be ousted during President Donald Trump's second term.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, the IDF said it killed hundreds of Hezbollah terrorists in the 24 hours before the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire took effect, with more than 150 militants killed and about 300 infrastructure targets attacked across Lebanon, including launchers, command centers, and weapons storage facilities. Among those killed was Ali Reza Abbas, commander of Hezbollah's unit operating in Bint Jbeil. Abbas led fighting against the IDF and was involved in plots against military forces, and worked to strengthen Bint Jbeil; he is the fourth Bint Jbeil commander killed since the start of Operation Northern Arrows. Prior to the ceasefire taking effect, IDF troops from the 91st Division, backed by the Israeli Air Force, carried out an operation against Hezbollah terror infrastructure in the Dibbin area of southern Lebanon, around 12 kilometers inside Lebanese territory. Forces engaged a Hezbollah terror compound where attacks on Israeli troops and civilians were being planned, striking more than 70 targets and killing over 20 terrorists in ground combat and airstrikes.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, President Trump is reportedly extending the Iran ceasefire for only 3-5 days.

In Uplifting News, Around 2,000 people participated in an Independence Day event organized by Orthodox Union Israel for English speakers on Tuesday at the Ramada Hotel in Jerusalem. Several of the organization's senior leadership were in attendance, including Executive Director Rabbi Avi Berman, Center Director Rabbi Sam Shore, and President Rabbi Stuart Hershkowitz. Attendees and Olim from around the English-speaking world also attended, including Americans, Canadians, Australians, and South Africans. "In these days, I look at the prosperity and flowering of Israel thanks to those who gave their lives for it," Berman said in his opening address. "We will celebrate today thanks to them and in their merit, and thanks to the Almighty who gave every Jew in the world the strength, enthusiasm, Torah, and devotion to be entirely loyal to the State of Israel." "I am certain each of us had a meaningful Remembrance Day," Berman added. "We drew a great deal of strength from this significant day to thank our heroes—the IDF soldiers and all security personnel—and those who even gave their lives so that we could live here in this wonderful country."

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.ynetnews.com/article/bjg0mjppbx
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-893873
https://t.me/JewishNews24/53158
https://t.me/JewishNews24/53160
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-893874