Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-04-26 at 16:01

HEADLINES
Israel Deploys Iron Dome in UAE
Lebanon Death Toll Tops 2,500 in Strikes
Netanyahu Attacks Bennett-Lapid 2026 List

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

In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, the UAE has faced more Iranian attacks than any other country in the region since the war began. Israel deployed an Iron Dome air defense system to the United Arab Emirates in the early days of the war with Iran, sending personnel to operate it to help defend the country from sustained Iranian attacks, according to two Israeli officials and one American official cited by Axios. The system’s presence on Emirati soil had not been publicly disclosed prior to the report. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the deployment of the system, along with several dozen Israeli soldiers, Israeli sources told Axios, describing the move as part of efforts to protect a strategic partner facing ongoing threats during the conflict. According to the UAE Ministry of Defense, Iran launched around 550 ballistic and cruise missiles and more than 2,200 drones toward the UAE during the war. While many were intercepted, some struck military and civilian sites. The deployment reflects the expanding scope of military, security, and intelligence cooperation.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Lebanon's health ministry says more than 2,500 people have been killed in Israeli strikes since fighting resumed on March 2.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, a new exhibition at the President's Residence marks 100 years of rabbinic diplomacy between Israel and the United States. The exhibit, Chief Rabbis at the White House, was conceived by the Jerusalem Center for Applied Policy and showcases meetings, letters, and diplomatic exchanges between Chief Rabbis and US Presidents. Organizers note that 2024 marks the anniversary of the April 15, 1924 meeting between President Calvin Coolidge and Rabbi Abraham Isaac Kook, then Chief Rabbi of Palestine. The project, developed with President Isaac Herzog, aims to illuminate a long-standing channel of ties that has included faith leaders engaging with the White House over generations.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized former prime ministers Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid after they announced they will form a joint list for the 2026 Knesset elections, posting an inflammatory video on his personal X account. The clip shows a 2021 photograph of Bennett and Lapid signing a coalition agreement with Mansour Abbas, captioned “They did it once, they will do it again.” Responses followed from political figures: Yesh Atid’s Gadi Eisenkot called the aim a shared goal, while Blue and White leader Benny Gantz congratulated Bennett and Lapid and stressed the need for unity across the Israeli public.

In Uplifting News, Beitar Jerusalem and Hapoel Beersheba delivered a thriller, finishing in a 2-2 draw in a top-of-the-table clash at Turner Stadium. Beersheba’s Igor Zlatanovic struck twice, while Jerusalem’s Omer Atzili and Timoti Muzie found late equalisers to earn a point amid a tense playoff-contest atmosphere. Ahead of the match, both coaches kept strategic plans under wraps as the title race heated up. Also in uplifting news, Anat Lelior shattered surfing’s glass ceiling by qualifying for the Championship Tour, the sport’s highest level. Her Bells Beach debut showcased a strong performance and helped set the stage for what many observers see as a historic breakthrough for Israeli representation in professional surfing.

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://worldisraelnews.com/idf-sent-uae-iron-dome-and-soldiers-to-defend-against-iranian-attacks-report/
https://t.me/newssil/200152
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-894220
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-894219
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/sports/article-894229
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-893805