Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-04-29 at 05:02

HEADLINES
Former officials press Pentagon on Minab strike
Jet fuel soars 84% since Feb 28
IDF kills Hamas intelligence chief Shambari

The time is now 5:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In US Military Role, five former US officials criticized the Pentagon for not publicly addressing possible American involvement in the deadly strike on a school in Minab, Iran, during Operation Epic Fury. The strike occurred on February 28, at the start of the war with Iran, when a missile struck a primary school, killing 168 people, including around 110 children, according to Iranian officials. The Pentagon says the incident remains under investigation and has not commented on initial media claims that investigators believed American forces were likely responsible; those claims have not been finalized. BBC reporting cited concerns from former officials that the Pentagon had not released additional details after several weeks. A Pentagon official said the matter remains under review and that further information would be provided when available. In early March, President Trump accused Iran of hitting the school, and later media reports described a Tomahawk strike near the school, a claim he referenced in remarks about the incident.

In Regional Impacts, European airlines face their biggest challenge since the COVID-19 pandemic as the Iran war pushes up jet fuel prices and disrupts travel through the Middle East. Jet fuel prices have risen about 84 percent since the conflict began on February 28. The head of the International Air Transport Association, Willie Walsh, told Reuters there is a risk of fuel supply rationing, particularly in Asia and Europe, even as current supplies remain adequate. He noted that the situation is not as severe as the 2020 disruptions from COVID, and that underlying demand for air travel remains strong. The war has weighed on airline shares and disrupted routes, though carriers have hedged costs to weather the crisis.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, the IDF said it killed senior Hamas intelligence officer Iyad Ahmed Abd al-Rahman Shambari, who headed operations in Hamas’ military intelligence and was responsible for Gaza-wide situational assessments and gathering intelligence to direct attacks on troops, presenting an immediate threat.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, Trump warned Iran that there would be new strikes if Tehran refuses to compromise in nuclear talks. The post No more Mr. Nice Guy, Trump warns Iran described a warning issued by Trump after a meeting with King Charles, where he said the United States and Charles agree that Iran must be barred from obtaining nuclear weapons. Trump cited Iran’s insistence on maintaining the right to enrich uranium as an obstacle to a new deal and urged Tehran to change course, signaling a tougher posture in the broader Iran-Israel dynamic.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Netanyahu opened his testimony by telling the Jerusalem District Court that although his request to delay the morning hearing had been rejected, he would still need to leave at 10:30 a.m. for a security call at the Kirya, after which the hearing was expected to resume. His defense team had asked to delay the start to 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. citing a security matter described in a sealed envelope; the court did not grant the requested delay. Separately, reports say dozens of ultra-Orthodox extremists broke into IDF Military Police chief Yuval Yamin’s Ashkelon home, causing damage and prompting evacuations for his family, with 25 arrests and 12 held for remand. Officials also indicate that Netanyahu is likely to delay the October 7 inquiry decision until the last minute, as little progress is reported on advancing the Likud-backed government commission, with other legislation expected to take priority when the Knesset session opens May 10.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, a court in Brno, Czech Republic, sentenced a young man to seven years in prison for attempting to carry out a terrorist attack by setting fire to a synagogue, an act authorities say was inspired by the Islamic State. The defendant, who was a minor at the time of the 2024 incident, received an additional two-year term for promoting terrorism after reaching adulthood, bringing the total custodial sentence to nine years. Prosecutors said he was part of online groups of youths radicalized to target minority communities, highlighting ongoing concerns about digital radicalization and youth involvement in extremist activity in the Czech Republic.

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/international/article-894538
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-894537
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-894542
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/r117reycwx
https://worldisraelnews.com/no-more-mr-nice-guy-trump-warns-iran/
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/benjamin-netanyahu/article-894532
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/bkzchvj0bl
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/syzpdx10bx
https://t.me/selena_updates/62884