HEADLINES
Iran's UAE strikes signal strategic desperation
Israel gains regional sway amid Iran war
Knesset launches peace caucus with Lebanon

The time is now 7:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Iran signals 'strategic desperation,' as regime attacks it own economic lifeline in UAE - interview, experts say Tehran's strikes on the United Arab Emirates are a sign of strategic desperation. The UAE defense ministry said in late March its air defenses engaged 357 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles, and 1,815 drones, with sporadic attacks on the country continuing despite a pause in the majority of regional hostilities. Beyond its role as a major trading partner, the UAE serves as one of Iran's principal sanctions-evasion hubs, according to experts. The US Treasury has sanctioned numerous UAE-based companies and financial institutions for facilitating Iranian petroleum and petrochemical exports, enabling the transfer of funds to Iran, and helping Tehran evade international sanctions.

In Regional Impacts, following the Iran war, Israel will have even larger influence in the region among Arab states, according to top Israeli defense sources. They note mixed trends: some Arab states appear eager to be closer to Israel for protection against Iran, while others worry about Iran or about Israel's growing dominance. The full picture will become clear only when the current Iran war ends and the dust settles. The sources also point to the UAE's exit from OPEC as part of shifting regional dynamics shaping potential alignments.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Israeli defense minister Katz reiterates the deterrent stance announced yesterday with Hezbollah: if there is rocket fire toward Israeli towns, the Dahieh district of Beirut will be evacuated and attacked with force. The warning was voiced yesterday toward the Americans, and if the attacks on Israeli towns continue, the equation could be realized in the coming days.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Israeli lawmaker Dr. Akram Hasson is leading a new Knesset caucus aimed at promoting eventual peace and normalization between Israel and Lebanon. He says Israel should begin speaking directly with Lebanese communities that may want stability, economic recovery, and freedom from Hezbollah’s control. The caucus, called the Caucus for Peace Between Israel and Lebanon, envisions diplomatic, economic, and civilian cooperation, support for northern Israeli communities, and a broader regional framework against common threats.

In Israeli Economy and Business, police thwarted a cigarette smuggling operation off the coast of Ashdod worth approximately 7 million NIS. Investigators say smugglers loaded 4,000 cartons of cigarettes onto a speedboat with the help of merchant ships; the captain and first officer, Azerbaijan nationals, were detained for questioning. As officers approached, the smugglers threw the boxes overboard to evade arrest, and the abandoned goods were recovered. The ship supplying the goods was located, and additional cigarettes were seized, bringing the total value to about 7 million NIS. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities note that about 20 million NIS in cigarettes were confiscated in the West Bank last month.

In Uplifting News, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar attended the opening of Israel's new embassy in Fiji's capital, Suva, 30 years after the previous one was closed. Sa’ar said he and Fiji’s Police Minister Ioane Naivalurua signed agreements on national security cooperation and diplomatic training, calling it a historic step to deepen the Israel-Fiji friendship. The opening follows Fiji’s decision to open an embassy in Jerusalem, and the new Suva embassy is expected to bolster Israel's diplomatic presence in the Pacific region, with cooperation across security, climate policy, development partnerships, and other areas.

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/middle-east/iran-news/article-898101
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-898095
https://t.me/abualiexpress/123608
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-898104
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-898082
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-898076