Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-04-01 at 12:02

HEADLINESIran fires major missile barrage at IsraelVance leads US push for Iran ceasefireBritain backs global push to reopen HormuzThe time is now 12:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, the Israeli military said missiles were launched from Iran toward Israeli territory, with about 10 ballistic missiles fired in the past few minutes, marking one of the most significant barrages in recent weeks. Air defense systems moved to intercept the incoming threats as the IDF stressed that the public should act responsibly and follow guidelines that save lives. As of this writing, no physical injuries had been reported, though several people were treated for anxiety by Magen David Adom. Separately, ZAKA reported that a 25-year-old man died after losing consciousness during sirens in Ramat Gan, though it was not immediately clear if his death was directly linked to the alerts. Footage released from impact sites across the country showed substantial damage to buildings struck in the latest barrage. Earlier in the day, IDF spokespeople warned of a potential coordinated attack against Israel during the Passover holiday, and officials noted that Iran has timed missile launches for nighttime hours and weekends, a pattern officials view as deliberate.In Iranian Retaliation, Iran’s new leader has allegedly asked the United States for a ceasefire, according to US President Donald Trump in a Truth Social post. It was not immediately clear whether Trump was referring to Iranian President Pezeshkian or Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei. Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman said Trump’s claim was false and baseless, according to state television. Trump told Reuters that the United States would be “out of Iran pretty quickly” and could return for “spot hits” if needed, while indicating the US could reach a deal before then. He reiterated that the United States had achieved its goal of preventing Iran from gaining a nuclear weapon and that Iran was presently incapable of it.In Regional Impacts, the United Kingdom will not be dragged into war, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer saying Britain will explore every diplomatic avenue to push for de-escalation and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Starmer said the conflict is not Britain’s war and that a coordinated effort is underway with 35 nations to push for maritime security across the Gulf. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper will host all 35 nations later in the week after discussions in the G7 focused on stopping attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure and mitigating global economic effects while working to reopen Hormuz. The British government also signaled plans to convene military planners to discuss how to marshal capabilities to keep the Strait accessible. Red alerts are ongoing as security services monitor the evolving situation.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, security officials warned that Iran and Hezbollah may launch coordinated attacks toward Israel during Passover Eve as rocket sirens sounded across the country. IDF Spokesperson Brigadier-General Effie Defrin said defense systems are deployed nationwide and urged the public to follow Home Front Command guidance, noting that Israel’s air defense array is not hermetic and that many troops will not be celebrating the holiday with their families. He paid tribute to the troops for serving with dedication and responsibility to the security of the State of Israel. The Jerusalem Post roundup piece accompanying this section notes the top stories in brief, including reports of building collapses in Tel Aviv and a reference to Houthis joining the fight.In US Policy Concerning Israel, Vice President JD Vance spoke with intermediaries from Pakistan about the Iran conflict as recently as Tuesday, a sign of his expanding role in efforts to broker an end to the war. At President Trump’s direction, Vance privately signaled that Trump was open to a ceasefire so long as certain US demands, including reopening the Strait of Hormuz, were met. He delivered what a source described as a “stern message” that there would be growing pressure on Iranian infrastructure unless Tehran agreed to a deal. Pakistan has served as an intermediary, and Vance has assumed a greater role in diplomacy as the conflict stretches into its fifth week, with Trump indicating there could be a path to resolution within weeks and the potential for broader settlement by 2028.In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, France’s anti-terrorism prosecutor said authorities suspect a pro-Iranian group known as HAYI, or Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiyya, behind a foiled attack on Bank of America’s Paris offices, though the link has not yet been formally established. HAYI posted a video in March targeting Jewish communities in France and Europe, and officials say the group appears new and to be drawing on a recruitment model previously linked to Iran. Security sources describe the group’s activity as fitting a pattern seen in similar European cases. In Belgrade, an anti-government protest drew criticism for antisemitic outbursts and calls for the murder of Serbia’s president. In a joint statement, Israeli politicians and Holocaust historians said no political motive justifies such calls, praising President Vučić as a friend of the Jewish people and the State of Israel.In Uplifting News, an opinion piece argues that every generation must rise to lead in a time of war, urging people to seek justice, seek victory, and stand for their country even as it faces extraordinary challenges. Separately, former Gaza hostages David Cunio and Keith Siegel describe Passover this year as taking on a deeper meaning as they return home from captivity. Cunio, kidnapped on October 7, 2023, spent more than two years in Hamas captivity before his family was eventually reunited; his brother and another relative were among those kidnapped and later released. Cunio has launched a crowdfunding effort to support his family during the recovery.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.SOURCEShttps://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-891914https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-891907https://www.jpost.com/international/article-891911https://t.me/StandWithUsBreakingNews/7966https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-891912https://www.jpost.com/podcast/jpost-headlines/article-891906https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/04/us-vp-vance-spoke-intermediaries-about-iran-conflict-recently-tuesday-source-sayshttps://www.jpost.com/international/article-891913https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-891909https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-891281https://www.jpost.com/judaism/jewish-holidays/article-891597