Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-07-25 at 17:01

HEADLINES
Trump Warns Lock and Load Seeks Deal
Israel Strikes Hezbollah Infrastructure in Lebanon
Katz Visits Jailed Hunger-Striking Settler

The time is now 5:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In US Military Role, President Donald Trump has not yet made a final decision on whether to launch a major strike against Iran. Officials familiar with the decision-making process say the United States remains engaged in diplomacy with Tehran while keeping the military option fully prepared. Trump told reporters on Friday, "We’re locked and loaded," signaling the possibility of escalating attacks if necessary, though his preferred path remains a negotiated agreement. He reiterated that Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon. The article notes that in Israel, a government proposal was submitted stating there is a high probability that an attack on the civilian population will occur, and the proposal asks to extend the Home Front Command’s special status until August 11th. The order marked the first interruption in nearly two weeks of sustained US military operation.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, the Israeli army carried out a series of explosions on Hezbollah terrorist infrastructure in Kfar Tebnit and Markaba, in southern Lebanon.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Defense Minister Katz visits jailed settler accused of tying Palestinian by genitals. Katz held an hourlong meeting with Tal Yinon Dardik, who has been on hunger strike for 20 days after refusing house arrest away from his farm; Dardik denies involvement in nationalist violence.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, The Australia I grew up in is unraveling as antisemitism shatters a safe haven - opinion. The piece notes that during a Royal Commission, Jews shared disturbing reports of Nazi salutes in classrooms, workplace bullying, and children being taunted with offensive slurs.

In Uplifting News, Komuna: Connecting young Israelis and olim through the power of Israeli folk dance. The piece recounts how six-year-old Hila Mukdasi was drawn to her parents’ Israeli folk dance sessions, later learning by watching others and, finding a gap in youth participation, helping bring Israeli folk dance to peers while studying at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. She describes dancing old dances like Tsadik katamar, various horae, and line dances from kindergarten, and notes how the initiative aims to connect young Israelis and new arrivals through the power of dance.

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/iran-news/article-903612
https://t.me/selena_updates/67728
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/hysdacgsgx
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-903492
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/culture/article-903460