Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-04-23 at 22:02

HEADLINES
Hamas rebuilds military edge under Gaza ceasefire
Iran fast boats seize ships near Hormuz
Trump invites Netanyahu Aoun amid ceasefire extension

The time is now 10:02 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Regional Impacts, Hamas is significantly recovering its capabilities under the cover of the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, accelerating recruitment and tightening control of goods entering Gaza, according to an intelligence document seen by N12 News. The report says the group is strengthening its military and civilian hold while global attention is directed elsewhere, and that developments with Israel's actions against Iran and Hezbollah in Lebanon have allowed Hamas to buy time and rebuild, though the document notes the gains are incremental and it has not yet broken commitments under the Trump peace plan. Security officials warn that without full disarmament the situation could revert to square one. Separately, Iran's use of fast-attack boats to seize two container ships near the Strait of Hormuz threatens to complicate efforts to reopen a crucial oil route, with experts describing a layered threat alongside missiles, drones, and other capabilities. Eight Arab and Muslim-majority countries condemned what they called repeated violations of the status quo at Jerusalem's holy sites by Israeli authorities, calling the actions provocative and a violation of international law, and urging preservation of the Hashemite custodianship and an end to incursions by settlers and extremist ministers.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, the IDF said it struck and eliminated three Hezbollah militants who launched a surface-to-air missile toward an Israeli Air Force aircraft, unsuccessfully. In a related incident, militants launched an explosive UAV toward IDF soldiers in southern Lebanon, and the IDF subsequently struck terrorist infrastructure in the area. Hezbollah also fired rockets toward IDF soldiers operating south of the Forward Defense Line, in the Aainata area in southern Lebanon; some were intercepted, while others fell near the troops. The IDF identified and dismantled two launchers that were loaded and ready-to-launch.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and Lebanese President Aoun will be invited to the White House next month for a meeting with President Trump. Trump said the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon will be extended by three weeks and that he looks forward to hosting Netanyahu and the President of Lebanon, Joseph Aoun. Israel's Ambassador to the United States Yechiel Leiter said they hope that together, under the President’s leadership, peace between Israel and Lebanon can be formalized in the near future. Vice President Vance described the three-week extension as a major, historic moment and noted it would have happened without the President’s direct engagement.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, Israel Police arrested a Jerusalem rioter who assaulted a police officer and waved a swastika flag; the suspect also spat on an officer as authorities used riot dispersal measures to restore order and took him to a police station for questioning.

In Uplifting News, WK Kellogg Co. said it will include toys with some of its breakfast cereals for the first time in more than a decade. Starting on Sunday, special edition boxes of Frosted Flakes, Froot Loops, AppleJacks and Corn Pops will feature plastic toys shaped like characters from Disney and Pixar's Toy Story 5.

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/article-894038
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-894036
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-894034
https://t.me/JewishNews24/53263
https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/75466
https://t.me/JewishNews24/53267
https://t.me/JewishNews24/53266
https://t.me/JewishNews24/53265
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/crime-in-israel/article-894033
https://t.me/JewishNews24/53264