🔥 Top Stories
- Iran-linked militias kidnap Shelly Kittleson, an American journalist, in Baghdad.
- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says the war with Iran is “beyond the halfway point,” predicting eventual regime collapse.
- IDF Chief declares Iran is “collapsing,” praising unprecedented U.S.-Israel coordination in this war.
📊 By the Numbers
- Dozens of rocket launchers aimed at Israel were dismantled in a single IDF operation before they could be fired.
- Israel Railways caps Jerusalem line trains at 1,200 passengers per direction during Chol Hamoed travel.
- U.S. gas prices top $4 per gallon for the first time in years.
⚔️ Battlefield
- IDF troops in southern Lebanon eliminate an entire Hezbollah drone-launching cell after coming under direct attack.
- The Israeli Air Force carries out a new wave of strikes targeting the Iranian regime’s infrastructure.
- Four IDF soldiers were killed in a fierce clash with Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.
- Iran confirms the death of IRGC air defense officer Seyyed Ali Tavasoli.
🌍 Global
- Gulf allies urge the U.S. to intensify the fight against Iran as Donald Trump considers exit strategies.
- The UAE prepares to assist the U.S. in securing the Strait of Hormuz.
- Israel halts weapons sales to France after two years of diplomatic hostility.
- Iran imposes the death penalty for collaboration as arrests surge internally.
🏛️ Israeli Politics
- Defense Minister Israel Katz announces plans for Israel to maintain security control in southern Lebanon up to the Litani River post-war.
- Hamas spokesman Abu Obaida resurfaces, urging the capture of Israeli soldiers following Israel’s death penalty law for terrorists.
- U.S. Embassy Jerusalem pauses assisted departure bus service to Jordan until further notice.
🌍 Jewish World
- American Jews distribute thousands of free ice cream bars to Shilo communities as families prepare for Pesach under missile threat.
- Birkat Kohanim at the Kosel will be limited to just 50 Kohanim this Pesach due to security concerns.
U.S.
- A judge orders the University of Pennsylvania to provide the names of Jewish employees as part of a federal antisemitism probe.
- Donald Trump is set to attend a Supreme Court hearing on his executive order regarding birthright citizenship.
- King Charles III is expected to visit the United States later this April.
💼 Business & Economy
- Unilever plans a $65 billion merger of its food division with McCormick & Company, marking one of the largest food industry deals ever.
🧠 Behind the Scenes