Jooish News

President Trump said Iran failed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, causing global disruption, and claimed mines may still be in the water despite Iran's losses. He said talks in Islamabad lasted nearly 20 hours, but Iran still refuses to abandon its nuclear ambitions, while U.S. representatives continued ongoing negotiations there.

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir ordered heightened readiness and combat preparations after US-Iran talks collapsed, saying forces are ready to resume fighting with Iran.

The IDF said it raided a hospital in Bint Jbeil, killing about 20 Hezbollah operatives after troops came under fire. The military said it found weapons inside and accused Hezbollah of using the hospital for military activity.

Ben Gvir said he feels like the “master” of the Temple Mount and will push for expanded Jewish access. Footage showed him praying, while Jordan condemned the visit and Israel maintains the status quo policy.

The Israel Airports Authority said TUS Airways, Etihad Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Smartwings, Hainan Airlines, Red Wings Airlines, Georgian Airways, and FlyOne will resume flights to Tel Aviv this week, with Bluebird Airways restarting earlier, as airspace reopens after the ceasefire.

Netanyahu urged the High Court to reject petitions seeking the removal of Ben Gvir. He argued the court lacks authority to dismiss a minister, while petitioners say Ben Gvir interfered in police work.

President Trump: "We didn't get there on the important issue. They want to have nuclear weapons. They're not going to have nuclear weapons."

President Trump: "It’s called all in, and all out... We think that numerous countries are going to be helping us with this also, but we’re putting on a complete blockade. We’re not going to let Iran make money on selling oil to people that they like, and not people that they don’t like or whatever it is. It’s going to be all or none."

President Trump on news reports that China is preparing to ship weapons to Iran: "I doubt they would do that... but if we catch them doing that, they get a 50% tariff, which is a staggering amount."

Hezbollah denied links to a Damascus cell accused of plotting an attack on Rabbi Michael Khoury. Syrian authorities said suspects were tied to the group, while Hezbollah called the claims false and urged a thorough investigation.

The Health Ministry said 7,656 people have been hospitalized since February 28. Currently, 114 remain admitted, including two critical and 13 serious cases. Injuries include both direct and indirect causes, affecting civilians and soldiers.

Demolitions began in Kibbutz Be’eri’s Olive neighborhood, heavily damaged in the October 7 attack. The Gat family home was first removed. Residents chose rebuilding over preservation, while the family announced a memorial race to honor victims.

A battle-damaged KC-135 Stratotanker returned with patched shrapnel holes, likely hit during an Iranian strike on Prince Sultan Airbase.

Israeli Ambassador to UN Danny Danon: "I was not surprised because I deal with the Iranians at the United Nations for years, and I see their attitude. They feel superior, superior to the U.S., to the Gulf countries, to Israel."

Israel’s Finance Ministry estimated the US-Israel war with Iran cost NIS 35 billion ($11.5 billion), including NIS 22 billion ($7.2 billion) for defense, NIS 12 billion ($3.9 billion) for compensation, and NIS 1 billion ($300 million) for civilian costs.

The Wall Street Journal reported over 60% of the IRGC naval fleet in the Strait of Hormuz remains intact. Despite losses, its small boats and attack craft allow continued control of the waterway and mine-laying capabilities.

Netanyahu visited Israeli-controlled southern Lebanon, saying operations continue with more work needed to address ongoing threats.

An IDF strike in central Gaza killed Hamas commander Ali Sami Muhammad Shakra, who took part in the October 7 abductions of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Alon Ohel, Eliya Cohen and Or Levy, along with commanders Muhammad Mabhouh and Muhammad Fuad Gasser Sayid, who held Avinatan Or captive during the war in Gaza.

The US outlined six demands in failed Iran talks: end uranium enrichment, dismantle enrichment facilities, retrieve highly enriched uranium, accept a broader regional framework, stop funding Hamas, Hezbollah and Houthis, and fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz without tolls.

The IRGC said it controls all traffic in the Strait of Hormuz and warned enemies risk a “deadly vortex.” It said civilian ships may pass under rules, while military vessels face attack.

Former prime minister Naftali Bennett named Keren Terner and Liran Avisar Ben Horin as the first candidates on his Bennett 2026 slate. Both are former senior ministry directors-general who left government after disputes with Likud ministers.

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf says President Trump’s threats over a Hormuz blockade will not affect Iran, adding Tehran offered goodwill proposals in Pakistan talks that led to some progress.

Maj. Gen. Roman Gofman will become Mossad director on June 2 after approval by a government panel.

An unexploded WWII device detonated at Mansel Park after bomb disposal teams responded.

Orban conceded defeat as Peter Magyar’s Tisza party heads for 136 seats, ending Orban’s 16-year rule, with Fidesz projected at 56 seats.

Unitree H1 running at 10 m/s (Leg length: 0.4+0.4=0.8m, body weight: approx. 62kg).

Engineers used explosives to carry out a controlled implosion of the Mandarin Oriental Miami on Brickell Key.

VP Vance back in the United States after negotiations with Iran in Islamabad, Pakistan.

CENTCOM said it will begin enforcing a naval blockade of Iranian ports April 13 at 10 a.m. ET under orders from President Trump, while allowing transit through the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran's FM Araghchi posted:

A police K9 named Rex found a missing 7-year-old girl in 12 minutes at a Colorado park, leading officers to a backyard where she was safely reunited with her family.

Somewhere in Poland...

#Day11

President Trump criticized Pope Leo, calling him weak on crime and foreign policy, opposing his views on Iran and US actions, and accusing him of political bias while urging him to focus on religious leadership.

President Trump: "Iran is in very bad shape — and just so you understand, Iran will not have a nuclear weapon... There is no way. They still want it, and they made that clear the other night. Iran will not have a nuclear weapon."

President Trump on negotiations with Iran: "I don't care if they come back or not. If they don't come back, I'm fine."

President Trump: "I don't think he's doing a very good job. He likes crime, I guess... I'm not a big fan of Pope Leo. He's a very liberal person — and he's a man that doesn't believe in stopping crime."

President Trump: "I'm very disappointed in NATO. They weren't there for us. We pay trillions of dollars for NATO and they weren't there for us... I think that's going to be under very serious examination."

The US began enforcing a naval blockade on Iranian ports after President Trump’s deadline. Restrictions apply to all vessels entering Iranian waters, while transit through the Strait of Hormuz to non-Iranian ports remains allowed, according to US Central Command.

The IDF released footage showing an FPV drone strike killing a Hezbollah operative in Bint Jbeil, after troops identified a cell planning drone attacks on Israeli forces.

President Trump said Iran’s navy was largely destroyed, warned remaining fast attack boats would be eliminated near the US blockade, and claimed major success in stopping maritime drug trafficking.

The IDF released footage of troops demolishing a Hezbollah tunnel in southern Lebanon after scanning it; the tunnel did not cross into Israel.

The IDF said over 10 Hezbollah drones launched since this morning were intercepted by the Israeli Air Force, and released footage of one interception.

Netanyahu said the Iran-US ceasefire could collapse quickly, citing Iran’s failure to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. He said Israel backs US actions and maintains close coordination with President Trump’s administration.

The IDF said it is close to capturing Bint Jbeil, killing over 100 Hezbollah operatives. Forces encircled the town and launched an assault, with operations expected to continue for several days to eliminate remaining fighters.

Israeli officials said France will not take part in Israel-Lebanon ceasefire talks, calling its role unnecessary. France said it seeks an end to Israel’s offensive. Talks are set to begin in Washington without French involvement.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Germany will cut fuel taxes by 17 euro cents ($0.19) for two months to ease energy costs caused by the US-Israel war with Iran, warning the economic impact will be long-lasting.

Pope Leo XIV vowed to keep speaking out against war after criticism from President Trump, who accused him of being weak on crime and aligning with liberal positions.

NGOs said Iran executed at least 1,639 people in 2025, up 68% from 2024 and the highest since 1989. The report warned executions may rise further, with many detained protesters at risk of death sentences.

MP Jon Trickett: "Can I ask the prime minister… that no British military assets or brave personnel would be put at risk in a foolish idea to blockade the strait?" Starmer: "We are not getting involved… We're working with other countries to get the strait open."

The IDF said a strike killed Hamas operative Yousef Ibrahim Mahmoud Beshiti, involved in the January 22, 2024 attack that killed 21 soldiers, along with at least six other operatives in central Gaza.

President Trump: "34 Ships went through the Strait of Hormuz yesterday, which is by far the highest number since this foolish closure began."

Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-California) suspended his California governor campaign after sexual assault and misconduct allegations by a former staffer and other women surfaced, which he denies.

President Trump on what would happen if a deal with Iran is not reached by the end of the ceasefire: "I don't want to comment on that, but it won't be pleasant for them, let me put it that way."

President Trump: "Iran will not have a nuclear weapon... If they don't agree, there's no deal. There'll never be a deal. Iran will not have a nuclear weapon and we're going to get the dust back — either we'll get it back from them or we'll take it."

President Trump: "We can't let a country blackmail or extort the world because that’s what they’re doing, they’re really blackmailing the world. We’re not going to let that happen."

The IDF said the Israeli Air Force struck about 150 Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon in the past day, including launchers, drones, buildings, and cells planning attacks on troops.

Mediators from Egypt, Pakistan, and Turkey are working to bridge US-Iran gaps. Talks saw progress on enrichment limits, but disputes remain. Turkey is pushing to extend the ceasefire by up to 60 days to allow further negotiations.

Netanyahu said Europe faces “moral weakness” in a Holocaust Remembrance Day address, praising Israel-US actions against Iran and stressing Israel’s role in defending global values and preventing future threats.

President Herzog called for unity during his Holocaust Remembrance Day address, warning against internal division and rising antisemitism. He highlighted ongoing threats, urging global leaders to take stronger action.

The Jerusalem Municipality lit Old City walls with Holocaust symbols and messages for Remembrance Day.

Begoña Gómez, wife of Spain Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, was charged with corruption, influence peddling, and embezzlement following a 2024 investigation. She denies wrongdoing, while the case adds pressure on Sánchez and is expected to move toward trial.

The IDF said strikes on April 8 killed over 250 Hezbollah operatives, including commanders, with the toll still rising, while Lebanon reported over 350 dead without distinguishing civilians from combatants.

Russia warned Israel that strikes near Bushehr risked a nuclear disaster and endangered Russian personnel. Israel said it adjusted operations. Russia has since evacuated most workers, while the IAEA expressed concern over repeated incidents.

Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem urged Lebanon to cancel Washington talks with Israel, calling them pointless, as Beirut plans to push for a ceasefire and Hezbollah vows to continue fighting.

Tesla FSD (Supervised) navigates pedestrians and cyclists on narrow Amsterdam roads, showcasing smooth handling in a dense urban biking environment.

The High Court ordered the IDF to begin a trial allowing female soldiers in the Armored Corps by November 2026, citing equal opportunity obligations after repeated delays to the pilot program.

President Trump accused The New York Times of spreading “fake news” about Iran, claiming the country has been militarily weakened and criticizing the outlet’s reporting and credibility.

Netanyahu said Europe faces “moral weakness” in a Holocaust Remembrance Day address, praising Israel-US actions against Iran and stressing Israel’s role in defending global values and preventing future threats.

Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-California) said he will resign from Congress after sexual misconduct allegations that also derailed his gubernatorial campaign.

Israeli security forces found 60 Palestinians hiding in a garbage truck attempting to enter Israel; the driver was detained and suspects were taken into custody.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune said the US needs a clear plan to end the Iran war, pointing to the Strait of Hormuz blockade as key pressure. He said Congress will play a decisive role by approving or rejecting upcoming war funding requests.

The IDF Home Front Command updated wartime guidelines, allowing schooling only in shelters near the Lebanon border and with accessible shelters in the Golan and Upper Galilee, while capping gatherings at 5,000 across southern regions, with rules valid until Tuesday 8 p.m.

Amazon unveiled its Leo Aviation Antenna, delivering up to 1 Gbps download and 400 Mbps upload speeds, featuring a low-profile, no-moving-parts design for quick installation and reduced maintenance.

Five fishermen in Alaska were rescued after their vessel ran aground and took on water. The U.S. Coast Guard Arctic District deployed a helicopter to carry out the operation.

#Day12

MarineTraffic data showed the Strait of Hormuz largely empty as US forces enforced a blockade on Iran. Some vessels turned back, while a few transited.

The IDF released bodycam footage showing Nahal Brigade troops locating Hezbollah weapons in a southern Lebanon home.

The Israel Air Force demolished Hezbollah anti-tank missile launch posts and weapon depots in southern Lebanon.

The Knesset Finance Committee met to approve NIS 98 million ($32 million) for Haredi schools after a court-mandated review. The funds are part of a previously frozen NIS 1 billion ($331 million) transfer challenged by opposition lawmakers.

The IDF said troops from the Paratroopers Brigade’s 101st Battalion killed three Hezbollah operatives in Bint Jbeil after a gun battle that wounded 10 soldiers, including three seriously, with additional tank fire and airstrikes used.

Spain PM Pedro Sanchez said in China that Beijing could help end conflicts in Iran and the Strait of Hormuz, while accusing Israel and Iran of violating international law.

Israel Katz said removing enriched uranium is required to end the US-Israel war on Iran, warning remaining material could enable Tehran to restart its nuclear weapons program.

IDF forces tracked a fleeing Hezbollah operative in Lebanon and eliminated him in an airstrike after he helped wound 10 soldiers in a prior gun battle.

Mossad Director David Barnea said the agency operated in Tehran, provided intelligence for strikes, and will continue its mission, stating it will end only when Iran’s regime is replaced.

Serbia plans joint combat drone production with Israel. President Aleksandar Vucic said the partnership aims to boost defense and exports, though details on investment, partner, and timeline remain unspecified.

President Trump criticized the UK for not expanding North Sea oil drilling, urged increased production, and opposed wind energy, claiming Europe faces energy shortages while Norway profits from oil sales.

IDF said combat engineers demolished four Hamas tunnels in Israeli-controlled Gaza, spanning 800 meters, containing living quarters, mines, and explosives used by operatives for bomb-making.

Italy suspended the automatic renewal of its 2003 defense agreement with Israel, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said. The move follows mounting domestic pressure, prior support for EU sanctions, and recent restrictions on US military flights using Italian bases.

Wizz Air extended its suspension of flights to Ben Gurion Airport until May 4, reversing plans to resume April 25, citing security concerns after ceasefire uncertainty and heightened military alert.

A fire broke out at BYD headquarters factory in Pingshan District, Shenzhen.

Sec. Wright on President Trump's blockade: "We put the military pressure on Iran to degrade their capacities to menace the region, and now, we're going to put an economic squeeze on them, end their oil revenues from coming out of their country."

Home Front Command said wartime guidelines remain until Sunday 8 p.m. Schools operate with shelter rules in northern areas, normal elsewhere, while gatherings are limited to 5,000 or 1,000 depending on region.

The IDF said it struck Hezbollah sites in Aadshit after detecting increased activity, targeting depots, launchers, and headquarters, killing operatives. The military said about 130 rockets were fired from the town since March 2.

Mike Waltz on Iran blockade: "What President Trump has done is taken that leverage — taken Iran trying to hold the entire world’s economies hostage — taken that off the table now, with this action."

The IDF said three Hezbollah operatives, including a Radwan Force member, surrendered in Bint Jbeil after a close-range clash with Givati Brigade troops and were taken to Israel for interrogation by Unit 504.

Polish lawmaker Konrad Berkowicz drew outrage in parliament after calling Israel the “new Third Reich,” accusing it of genocide in Gaza, and displaying a swastika on an altered Israeli flag.

US-brokered talks between Israeli Ambassador Yechiel Leiter and Lebanese Ambassador Nada Hamadeh ended after two hours in Washington. Officials said the meeting was unrelated to Iran talks, while the US reiterated support for Hezbollah’s disarmament and approved humanitarian aid.

President Trump urged Republicans to unify and pass a clean FISA 702 extension, calling it vital for national security, while criticizing past surveillance abuses and stressing its importance for military operations and protecting Americans.

Bint Jbeil, Lebanon (Before and After):