Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-04-01 at 13:02

HEADLINES
- Iran launches ten missiles toward Israel tonight
- Britain leads diplomatic push to secure Hormuz
- France probes HAYI behind Paris bank plot

The time is now 1:02 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Iranian Retaliation, missiles were launched from Iran toward Israeli territory, with initial reports indicating roughly ten ballistic missiles fired in the past minutes as air defense systems moved to intercept. The military stressed that the public must act responsibly and follow guidelines, saying they save lives. As of this writing, no physical injuries have been reported, though several people were treated for anxiety by Magen David Adom. Separately, ZAKA reported a 25-year-old man died after losing consciousness during sirens in Ramat Gan; it was not immediately clear whether his death was directly linked to the alerts. Footage released by MDA from impact sites across the country showed significant damage to buildings struck in the latest barrage. Earlier Wednesday, IDF Spokesperson Brigadier-General Effie Defrin warned of a potential coordinated attack against Israel during Passover, and officials noted that Iran has timed its missile launches for nighttime hours and weekends to maximize impact. Also, reports from Isfahan indicate the Khordad 15 missile base of the IRGC was active earlier this evening.

In Regional Impacts, the United Kingdom will not be drawn into war and will pursue diplomatic avenues to push for de-escalation and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Britain is exploring every diplomatic avenue and has gathered 35 nations “with intent to push, as one, for maritime security across the Gulf.” Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper will host those nations later in the week. Ministers at the G7 meeting discussed calls for the immediate cessation of attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure and focused on mitigating the effects on global economies. The UK will convene military planners to marshal capabilities to keep the Strait accessible.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, security officials warned of a possible coordinated Iran- and Hezbollah-run attack during Passover Eve as rocket sirens blared nationwide. The IDF said defense systems are deployed and prepared to intercept threats across the country and urged the public to follow Home Front Command guidelines. The military stressed that the holiday period requires extensive preparations and that many troops will not be celebrating with their families. Sirens were also heard in the north following rocket fire from Lebanon, and reports from the southern Nablus area said the village of Jamma’in received a “gift” from Iran.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, a powerful Passover message from US Ambassador Mike Huckabee was issued.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, an opinion piece argues that no one should wait for a hero and that this generation must rise to lead in a time of war, urging people to seek justice and victory for the country and to step forward in service and responsibility.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, French prosecutors said they suspect a pro-Iranian group known as HAYI behind a foiled Bank of America Paris offices plot; the link has not yet been formally established. HAYI, standing for Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiyya, had posted a video targeting Jewish communities in France and Europe, and security sources say the group appears new and may be using a model linked to Iran to recruit criminals. In Belgrade, antisemitic calls were heard during an anti-government protest, prompting a joint statement from MK Boaz Toporovsky, Dr. Efraim Zuroff, and Aleksandar Nikolić condemning the chants and saying no political motive justifies such calls.

In Uplifting News, a Pesach greeting to Jewish readers was shared online with explanatory videos about the holiday. Separately, Staff Sergeant Gilad Harel, who sent flowers and a note to his girlfriend before entering combat in southern Lebanon, saw the bouquet reach her home on the morning of his funeral, after he and three comrades fell in battle.

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/iran-news/article-891914
https://t.me/abualiexpress/119353
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-891911
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-891912
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1304127
https://t.me/abualiexpress/119354
https://t.me/hnaftali/22563
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-891281
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-891913
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-891909
https://t.me/selena_updates/60453
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/skcnjp5s11l