About this episode
HEADLINESIranian missiles trigger central Israel sirens interceptedUS Army to 42, ends marijuana waiverIraq airstrike near PMF base kills soldiersThe time is now 5:02 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, red alert sirens sounded across central Israel as the Iranian regime continued to fire missiles at Israel. Some missiles were intercepted, and there were reports of shrapnel in several locations. Sirens were heard in the center and in the north as another Iranian missile was reportedly inbound. Reports also noted additional launches identified toward central Israel. Overnight, sirens sounded in central Israel twice, in the southernmost point of the country in Eilat, and in the Dimona area, amid five Iranian missile attacks. The Iranian Revolutionary Guards said they targeted Eilat and satellite reception stations serving the Israeli army. Sirens also sounded across northern Israel in the context of Hezbollah rocket and UAV attacks from Lebanon. All missiles were intercepted and there were no injuries reported.In US Military Role, effective April 20, 2026, the US Army is increasing the maximum enlistment age from 34 to 42 and eliminating waiver requirements for a single conviction of possession of marijuana.In Regional Impacts, the war’s reach extends beyond Israel. Seven Iraqi soldiers were killed and 13 wounded in an airstrike on a site near a Popular Mobilization Forces base close to a medical center in western Anbar. Iraq’s defense ministry condemned the strike as a blatant and serious violation of international law and norms prohibiting attacks on medical facilities and personnel, and urged accountability. Asia is facing a fuel crisis tied to the conflict, with more than 80% of the crude that transits the Strait of Hormuz affected as Iran’s war disrupts shipping; energy ministers and the IEA have urged measures such as remote work and other crisis policies to ease price pressures. Within Israel, initial reports described fall zones in the Sharon area with concurrent alarms in central areas; further notices indicated ongoing sirens in the center and in the north amid cross-border tensions involving Hezbollah; authorities said many launches from Iran and Lebanon were intercepted, and there were no reported injuries.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Hezbollah is reportedly looking for “creative” ways to abduct Israeli soldiers as part of its confrontation with Israel, seeking vulnerabilities near the border where success is more likely. The report notes such abductions could serve as bargaining chips and complicate efforts to disarm the group. A Syrian security source said forces loyal to Ahmad al-Sharaa are working to seal the Lebanon-Syria border as a precaution amid the broader tension.In Israeli Domestic Politics, MK Avichai Buaron warns of a potential Oct.
