HEADLINES
Iranian Handala cyber campaign targets Israelis
IDF soldier wounded by drone in Lebanon
Iran named VP at UN NPT conference

The time is now 1:06 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, Israelis across the country received threatening WhatsApp messages in a suspected Iranian-linked cyber campaign aimed at spreading fear and psychological pressure. Authorities say the messages were sent from hacked or fake business accounts, with the activity matching the pattern of the Handala group, believed to operate under Iranian backing. The National Cyber Directorate is investigating and urged the public to block and report the messages, warning they are part of a broader effort to undermine civilian morale during wartime.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, an IDF soldier was seriously wounded by an explosive drone during operational activity in southern Lebanon; another soldier was lightly wounded. Reports in Lebanon say the IDF attacked Hezbollah targets in the south of the country this morning.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, Iran was nominated for a vice-presidential position at a UN conference to review the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, drawing international condemnation. The US representative to the UN objected, calling the move an affront to the NPT itself, and said Washington was deeply shocked that the body allowed Iran to assume any leadership at the review conference. Iran's envoy defended adherence to the treaty, while the Australian representative questioned Iran's suitability. The conference chair, Do Hung Viet, noted the selection came from the group of non-aligned and other states.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, a US official said President Donald Trump is unhappy with an Iranian proposal because it did not address Iran's nuclear program. The proposal would reportedly set aside discussion of the nuclear program until the war ends and disputes over Gulf shipping are resolved; Washington says nuclear issues must be dealt with from the outset. Mediators in Pakistan have said work to bridge gaps continues, though hopes for revived peace efforts have faded after Trump canceled a planned envoy trip to Islamabad.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, the US Treasury Secretary warned that while the surviving IRGC leaders are under pressure, Iran’s oil industry is starting to shut in production due to the US blockade, with gasoline shortages expected.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, crude oil prices rose as Trump weighs the latest Iranian proposal that could reopen the Strait of Hormuz and end the eight-week conflict. Tehran was reported to have transmitted written messages to Washington via Pakistan outlining its red lines on the nuclear program and the future of the strategic waterway; the White House did not confirm whether it would accept the proposal, while Iran's envoy to the United Nations said the plan remains on the table.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, The next Knesset should belong to those who choose to serve is presented as a Zionist idea rather than a left-right issue. The covenant of those who serve argues that those who govern Israel must come from communities that bear the defense burden, a slogan born from the wartime experience of reservists and their families. The piece contends that after years of war, the country can no longer accept a system where large segments do not serve.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, ראש מועצה ערבי בצפון נעצר הבוקר יחד עם 4 חשודים נוספים בחשד לשוחד. A northern Arab regional council head was arrested this morning along with four additional suspects on bribery charges.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Compensation to be given to employers of reserve soldiers, Knesset plenum decides reports that the Knesset approved a permanent amendment to the National Insurance Law to compensate employers for the cost of employing reserve soldiers. The measure aims to provide long-term economic security for businesses bearing the burden and to encourage continued integration of reservists into the labor market, with officials praising the move as strengthening the economy’s rear during conflict.

In Uplifting News, Victor Davis Hanson — pure wisdom.

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/cyber-threat-iranians-target-israelis-via-whatsapp/
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/bjcv62aawe
https://t.me/hnaftali/22865
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-894377
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-894372
https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/75653
https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/04/crude-extends-gains-trump-considers-latest-iran-proposal
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-894358
https://t.me/newssil/200285
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-894371
https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/75652

Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-04-28 at 01:06