Israel News for 4-13-2026
News Update
The Passover break is over, but we seem to be in the same situation as we were when it began. Negotiations between the U.S. and Iran in Pakistan on Saturday didn’t go anywhere, with the Iranians refusing to give up their nuclear ambitions or reopen the Straits of Hormuz. Today, at 10:00am EST, the U.S. navy will begin a blockade of all Iranian ports along the Straits of Hormuz, preventing Iran from making money exporting oil. It’s no coincidence that China is one of Iran’s largest customers.
Israel is preparing for a resumption of hostilities against Iran, if President Trump decides to resume bombing or if Iran decides to attack. Iran is demanding that Israel cease operations against Hezbollah as part of the ceasefire agreement with the U.S. Both Israel and the U.S. say that there is no connection between the two.
Yesterday, IDF forces eliminated dozens of Hezbollah terrorists who were operating from a hospital in the southern Lebanon town of Bint Jbeil. The IDF said in a statement, “Hezbollah is systematically using medical facilities and ambulances for military purposes, in violation of international law and while endangering civilians.” The IDF continues to advance against Hezbollah forces in southern Lebanon and the air force is hitting Hezbollah forces north of the Litani River. The ceasefire with Iran has freed up more air power to operate against Hezbollah in Lebanon, making it easier for ground troops to advance.
Negotiations between Israel and Lebanon are set to begin Tuesday at the US State Department. Israel will be represented solely by its ambassador to the U.S., Yechiel Leiter, and Lebanon by its ambassador to the U.S. Nada Hamadeh Moawad. Leiter said that if it wasn’t for Hezbollah, Israel and Lebanon would sign a peace treaty within a few months. Unfortunately, the Lebanese government is unable to disarm Hezbollah, and doesn’t seem eager to even try.
Talks between mediators, U.S. representatives and Hamas are expected to continue in Cairo this week, as uncertainty remains over whether the terrorist group will agree to a proposed disarmament plan. A U.S. official said, “We will know within a few days whether there is voluntary disarmament or by force.” For more, click here.
