Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - September 13, 2026, 04 PM Eastern

On Israel Today: Ongoing War Report, we begin with escalating tensions in the north, as the IDF criticizes the Lebanese army's handling of Hezbollah, calling its actions 'cosmetic.' Simultaneously, Israel is increasing naval preparedness in response to Iran-backed Houthi forces expanding their influence around the Bab el-Mandab Strait. Looking towards Iran, Israeli defense officials assess the regime is on a path of internal deterioration and are pursuing a multi-pillar strategy for potential regime change. Domestically, former IDF chief Dan Halutz has accused Prime Minister Netanyahu of concealing explicit warnings before the October 7th attacks. And in New York, a fashion week event celebrated Jewish and Israeli designers, showcasing messages of pride and combating antisemitism.

Sources:
- JPost.com - Homepage: https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-908468
- JPost.com - Homepage: https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-908469
- World Israel News: https://worldisraelnews.com/israel-raises-naval-readiness-as-houthis-tighten-grip-on-bab-el-mandab/
- The Times of Israel: https://www.timesofisrael.com/iranian-imports-to-dubai-continue-despite-uaes-wartime-ban-on-trade-with-tehran/
- World Israel News: https://worldisraelnews.com/watch-israeli-ambassador-advises-uk-to-look-inward-before-focusing-on-israel-london-looks-like-baghdad/
- The Times of Israel: https://www.timesofisrael.com/galilee-arab-municipality-says-west-bank-settlers-erected-an-outpost-on-its-land/
- World Israel News: https://worldisraelnews.com/historic-runway-show-for-new-york-fashion-week-centers-on-jewish-identity-pride/
- JPost.com - Homepage: https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-908470

Audio Attributions:
News Intro: 61322__mansardian__news-end-signature - CC Attribution - mansardian
News Outro: 460424__jay_you__jingle-news - CC Attribution - Stonefree (http://www.stonefree.de)