Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-04-23 at 04:02

HEADLINES
Iranian attack; Erbil drone intercepted; carriers arrive
Iran executes MEK-linked Soltanali Shirzadi Fakhr
Zelensky signs Saudi UAE Qatar security pacts

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

In Regional Impacts, An overnight drone was intercepted over the Soran district in Erbil Governorate, Kurdistan Region, amid an Iranian attack. In the broader regional picture, reports note that despite optimistic statements about progress, developments include Iran's efforts to break the Hormuz blockade and the last-minute cancellation of talks in Islamabad. Trump extended the ceasefire by three to five days as the United States maintains the blockade, with the aircraft carrier George Bush expected to reach the Middle East to join two carriers already stationed in the region, prompting questions about whether the pause is intended to buy time for potential military moves or to press Iran on the nuclear issue.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Iran executed Soltanali Shirzadi Fakhr, identified by the state-run Mizan as a long-time member of the MEK and accused of cooperating with Israeli intelligence. The report added that Shirzadi had cooperated with the MEK in various roles over several years. The MEK, once designated a terrorist organization by Western governments, is linked in the report to opposition activity; Shirzadi was said to have crossed the Salmas border with alleged ties to the MEK. Separately, authorities reported a ceasefire violation with an interceptor fired near Misgav Am at a suspicious aerial target over southern Lebanon, a day after a drone was intercepted, as ceasefire violations and frontier operations continued.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, Two more suspects were arrested in Watford in connection with an arson plot targeting a British Jewish community site, raising the number of people arrested for involvement in the conspiracy to nine. The 19-year-old and 26-year-old men were taken into custody on Tuesday, with the target still unknown but described as related to the Jewish community. Additional arrests had been made in recent days, and investigations are continuing as authorities pursue those believed involved. The Metropolitan Police said the objective was related to the Jewish community, and officials noted the ongoing, wide-scale effort to identify suspects connected to the recent arson attacks in northwest London, with a total of 25 arrests related to the spat.

In Uplifting News, Zelensky says we have signed major security treaties with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar. We will provide expertise, training and affordable drones plus joint production lines. Instead of shooting down Iranian drones with missiles that cost millions, we can rely on interceptor drones that cost about ten thousand dollars.

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/selena_updates/62429
https://www.israelhayom.com/2026/04/23/irans-trump-card-is-the-gulf-states-nightmare-scenario/
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-893887
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/rkjbybwpwl
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-893891
https://t.me/newssil/199880