HEADLINES
Explosion in Iran-Israel clashes tied to ordnance
Herzog rejects Netanyahu pardon
Fertilizer fuel costs spike farmers scale back

The time is now 6:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, the Iranian state news agency Mahar reported that the unusual explosion heard in the country was caused by the destruction of old unexploded ammunition, a finding cited by Reuters.

In Regional Impacts, the ongoing Iran-related conflict is driving up fuel and fertilizer costs across parts of Asia, forcing farmers to scale back planting and raising concerns about crop yields later this year, The Washington Post reported. The disruptions have hit farmers entering key sowing periods, particularly those dependent on urea fertilizer and imported fuel, with supply pressures tied to the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz limiting access to inputs. Thai rice farmers have delayed or reduced planting as production costs rise above expected sales revenue, with some noting planting and harvesting costs around $33,000 versus potential revenue of about $22,000. Urea, a widely used nitrogen fertilizer, has seen much of its global supply removed from the market and spot prices have risen sharply since February. The disruption is affecting Thailand, the Philippines, Bangladesh, and Australia, where farmers have begun major planting periods, with some reducing fertilizer use or leaving land unplanted. In addition, a cargo ship leaving Abu Dhabi was attacked by a drone in Qatar’s territorial waters northeast of the Masayed port, causing a limited fire but no injuries; the vessel continued to the Masayed port after firefighting. Separately, Turkey is changing the rules of naval warfare, with drones, underwater mines, and torpedo fire emerging as part of its evolving approach at sea.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, President Isaac Herzog reportedly told a confidant that there is no chance he will grant Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a pardon, as the prime minister faces a corruption trial. The disclosure comes amid mounting pressure on Herzog from both Netanyahu supporters and opponents. Reports describe a March meeting with right-wing commentator Jacob Bardugo, a Netanyahu ally, that grew heated; Herzog reportedly told Bardugo that Netanyahu’s filing did not amount to a viable pardon request because it did not include an admission of guilt and was unlikely to pass.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, two Muslim men from London have been convicted after pleading guilty to antisemitic hate crime charges for targeting Jewish residents in Clapton Common, Hackney, in a filmed TikTok encounter. Adam Bedoui, 20, and Abdelkader Amir Bousloub, 21, admitted a religiously aggravated public order offense at Thames Magistrates’ Court. Police said the act was deliberate, aimed at spreading hatred online, and completely unacceptable in London, according to Detective Superintendent Oliver Richter.

In Uplifting News, Shulamit Newman, a Jerusalem icon known for Torah study, hospitality, and warmth, is remembered as a fixture in the city. An oleh who arrived in the 1970s aboard the SS Queen Anna Maria with her husband Yehoshua and five children, she and Yehoshua helped lead Israel Center tours around the country and finished each trip with homemade chocolates she made with care. Her longtime presence and generosity left a lasting mark on Jerusalem and its people.

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.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1319479
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-895650
https://t.me/newssil/201291
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1319485
https://worldisraelnews.com/no-chance-ill-pardon-netanyahu-president-herzog-reportedly-says/
https://worldisraelnews.com/two-muslim-men-convicted-for-harassing-london-jews-in-tiktok-video/
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-895307