Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-05-25 at 01:02

HEADLINES
Principled US Iran deal reopens Hormuz Strait
Two Israeli soldiers killed by Hezbollah drones
Gofra Beach sulfur springs reopen

The time is now 1:02 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Regional Impacts, The New York Times, citing an American official, reports that the United States and Iran have reached a principled agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, two Israeli soldiers have been killed in Hezbollah drone attacks in southern Lebanon. Sergeant Nehoray Leizer, 19, from Eilat, served in the 601st Combat Engineering Battalion in the 401st Brigade. He died in combat on Sunday; initial assessments indicate he was killed by an explosive drone launched by Hezbollah. His family has been notified, and he is survived by his parents and two younger siblings. His funeral is scheduled for 5 p.m. in Eilat, with burial in the city's military section; the municipality will hand out flags at the cemetery entrance starting at 4:15 p.m. An additional soldier was severely wounded and evacuated to a hospital. On Saturday, Staff Sergeant Noam Hamburger, who served as a technology and maintenance soldier in the brigade’s 9th Battalion, was killed by an explosive drone strike near the Lebanese border; another IDF soldier was severely wounded and a non-commissioned officer was lightly wounded. As the drone threat has intensified, IDF troops in southern Lebanon have turned to fishermen for nets to bolster defenses against explosive drone attacks. The effort appears to be a personal initiative by soldiers in the field rather than an organized procurement. Soldiers have also used shade nets and soccer nets, and the army is working to standardize defenses against drones and to place nets on buildings, vehicles, and protected positions.

In the US Policy Concerning Israel, an editorial argues that diplomacy with Iran risks becoming an illusion if it freezes one issue while funding the rest of Tehran’s system. It notes the temptation in Washington to declare progress, to sign a framework, or to move on to the next crisis. If any agreement dismantles Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, ensures verified removal of enriched uranium, and provides a lasting end to the nuclear race, it would mark a major diplomatic achievement. If the deal offers sanctions relief, access to frozen assets, reopened ports, and diplomatic normalization while leaving Iran’s core capabilities intact, it would reward Tehran for dragging the region toward the brink.

In Israeli Economy and Business, Israel’s high-tech and business sectors support trauma rehabilitation with a benefit event. HaGal Sheli provides therapy and community-based support programs for individuals affected by trauma from all sectors of Israeli society; since the outbreak of the war, there has been an unprecedented surge in requests for mental health support.

In Uplifting News, Gofra Beach’s mineral-rich sulfur springs reopen after six years. The spring had been inaccessible since 2020, when rising water levels in the Sea of Galilee submerged the flow. The reopening occurred in mid-May after water levels receded enough to reveal the spring. The waters, infused with minerals such as sulfur, boron, fluorine, and chloride, bubble to the surface at about 31 degrees Celsius. A small 20-centimeter-deep wading pool was constructed on the beach to allow visitors to enjoy the warm water. Gofra Beach is a popular 900-meter stretch with recreational facilities, camping, and a boating channel.

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://t.me/newssil/202219
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-897189
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-897187
https://t.me/StandWithUsBreakingNews/8183
https://t.me/JewishNews24/54766
https://worldisraelnews.com/soldiers-improvise-with-fishing-nets-as-hezbollah-drone-threat-intensifies/
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/bykd7rweme
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-897161
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/rj00l11s11ggl
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-897186