Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-09-04 at 22:02

HEADLINES
Houthis Seize Mocha, Tighten Bab al-Mandab Grip
Netanyahu Diary Late Start After Oct 7
Jewish Stars Back Ruffalo in Antisemitism Debate

The time is now 10:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, fighting has intensified in Yemen as the Iran-backed Houthis push to seize territory that would give them greater control over the Bab al-Mandab Strait, the chokepoint at the entrance to the Red Sea that handles a large share of international shipping. Western Taiz has seen heavy clashes in recent days as the Houthis pressed toward Mocha, a port city less than 50 miles from the strait, according to Yemeni security officials. The group has declared a blockade on Saudi oil tankers passing through the Red Sea and has launched missile and drone attacks against passing ships and Saudi facilities from northern Yemen. Analysts cited by The New York Times say that controlling Mocha would enable the Houthis to exert greater influence over ships transiting Bab al-Mandab. A second security official confirmed heavy clashes around Taiz and said the Houthis are attempting to cut supply routes to Mocha.

In the Israeli Domestic Politics, a debate over how the October 7 Hamas attacks reshaped liberal attitudes toward the Jewish state centers on Ruth Wisse’s argument that antisemitism has become an organizing target for grievance coalitions on the Left. Wisse, now 90 and associated with the Tikvah Fund, argues that antisemitism serves as a convenient focus for a politics of the pointing finger, drawing a line back to Nazi Germany to explain why a society might single out Jews when facing problems. The discussion, connected to ongoing reflections within Israeli and global discourse, revisits how antisemitism is framed in contemporary political activism.

Israeli television reports, meanwhile, cite unpublished minutes from Prime Minister Netanyahu’s diary indicating he did not leave his home for the army headquarters until about two hours after the Oct. 7 invasion began, and that he did not consult security chiefs for another 90 minutes. The minutes place him in Caesarea until at least 8:30 a.m. on that day.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, Hollywood’s Jewish voices are weighing in on the Mark Ruffalo–Paramount antisemitism controversy, with roughly 170 prominent Jewish figures signing an open letter defending Ruffalo and arguing that attacks against him cross from legitimate review into antisemitic stereotype and weaponization. Signatories include Abbi Jacobson, Ilana Glazer, Joel Coen, Jonathan Glazer, Todd Haynes, Tony Kushner, Hannah Einbinder, Joaquin Phoenix, and Debra Winger, among others, with George Clooney among those who voiced support. The letter characterizes the criticism as a dangerous weaponization of antisemitism. Separately, IMPACT’s Digital Defender 102 workshop was held at Congregation Etz Hayim in Queens for Jews aged 55 and up, designed to confront online antisemitism and amplify Jewish pride. About sixty participants attended this session, which is the second of three workshops aimed at empowering older community members to speak out and engage online, including guidance on using artificial intelligence and social media to increase resilience.

In Uplifting News, John Malkovich will return to Israel on April 13 to star in The Music Critic at the Charles Bronfman Auditorium in Tel Aviv. The satirical theatrical-musical production blends classical masterpieces with sharp historical critique, with Malkovich portraying an “evil critic” who derides iconic composers as the live ensemble counters with performances of the disputed music. The show, which has toured Europe and North America, culminates in a finale where a real critique of Malkovich’s career is read on stage. Also this week, Gal Gadot headlines a new thriller, The Runner, now streaming on Prime Video. In the film, Gadot plays Maia, a London-based lawyer and single mother who must confront a kidnapper who threatens her child, pushing her to race against time to secure a key witness who could determine the case’s outcome.

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/article-907616
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-907492
https://www.timesofisrael.com/report-pm-didnt-leave-his-home-for-army-hq-until-2-hours-after-oct-7-invasion-began/
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-907619
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-907618
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/culture/article-907548
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/culture/article-907546