Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-05-25 at 17:02

HEADLINES
Reservists endure filthy tents amid drainage hazards
Far right push against Hezbollah amid drones
High Court weighs controversial Second Authority appointments

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 Regional Impacts, reservists in the southern Gaza Strip described extremely poor sanitary conditions at their post, with major drainage problems creating sanitary hazards and an uptick in mosquitoes, flies and mice. The tents used for sleeping, as well as the dining tent and the showers, were described as rotten on the inside and emitting a foul odor. Soldiers said hundreds of feral cats and dogs roam the area and have bitten personnel who were evacuated or treated for tetanus and rabies. They reported finding dead animal carcasses around their tents and noted that many have spent long periods in reserve since October 7. They said they are not seeking pity or to abandon the mission, but want basic living conditions. The article also notes the IDF’s response to the report, with the military saying it had begun cor—though the details were not fully disclosed in the excerpt.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, far-right officials urged stronger action against Hezbollah in Lebanon following drone attacks and amid discussions over a potential US-Iran deal. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir pressed Prime Minister Netanyahu to phone US President Donald Trump to “pound on the table” and make clear that Israel is not willing to accept or contain the threat. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich echoed the call for decisive action, saying Israel must end the threat posed by Hezbollah’s explosive drones and arguing that for every explosive drone, ten buildings in Beirut should fall. Ben-Gvir told reporters at a Knesset event that the prime minister should contact Trump and “pound the table,” warning that the current cycle of sirens, unmanned aircraft and drones cannot be normalized. The coverage notes these calls come as developments around a possible US-Iran deal could influence Israel’s options against Hezbollah.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, the Second Authority chair and council members asked the High Court of Justice to reject petitions against their appointments, arguing the challenges are politically driven and legally unfounded. Dr. Yifat Ben Hay-Segev, the newly appointed chairwoman, and council members filed preliminary responses as part of petitions against the government’s March appointments to the Second Authority Council, which regulates Israel’s commercial television and regional radio broadcasters. The petitions were filed by the Union of Journalists in Israel, the Israel Television News Company, the Movement for Quality Government in Israel, the Israel Press Council, and the Association for the Preservation of Legal Values. The High Court had previously frozen the council’s activities after the state missed a deadline to respond to the petitions, and the Attorney-General urged that the appointments be canceled and returned for renewed review due to serious legal flaws.

Also in Israeli Domestic Politics, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was admitted to Hadassah Ein Kerem hospital for a dental procedure, with the nature of the treatment not disclosed. Netanyahu had testified earlier that his medical condition was “proper” and “excellent,” and he asserted that he did not suffer from pancreatic cancer, citing his regular exercise and medical tests and noting that his indicators were normal. He added that he had suffered for years from an enlarged prostate, which had been benign, including after an operation.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, the Home Front Command tightened guidelines in border-area communities, restricting gatherings to 50 people indoors and 200 people in open areas, and limiting student transportation in some communities, with exceptions for special education.

In Uplifting News, Founding fathers and mothers: The uniqueness of the Jewish people, an opinion piece, argues that the Torah does not begin with Moshe Rabbeinu but with Bereishit, the story of creation. It contends that if Judaism’s essence is the commandment to follow Hashem, the Torah might have opened with revelation and law, yet it begins with creation and the narrative of a family. The piece emphasizes that the covenant at Sinai was given to a people formed through shared history, underscoring the idea that Judaism is not merely a religion but a people and a family, and that the Torah’s structure reflects this foundational truth.

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/israel-news/article-897271
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-897287
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-897277
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-897289
https://t.me/newssil/202289
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-897281