Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-07-25 at 23:01

HEADLINES
Trump Holds Fire Amid Interceptor Shortage
Gulf Allies Curb Iran, Build Regional Defense
Likud Primaries Stay On, Court Rules

The time is now 11:01 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 decided not to escalate the conflict with Iran, citing concern that an extended war could deplete interceptor stockpiles in the Middle East after three US soldiers were killed in Jordan when an Iranian missile breached American defenses. Officials say White House discussions have centered on the dwindling interceptor missiles. US General Dan Caine has said that a return to full-fledged war with Iran is doable, but would severely reduce missiles available to Central Command in the region. White House communications director Steven Cheung noted that Trump has been consistent in favoring a diplomatic solution, while preserving all options if Iran continues terrorist activity in the Strait of Hormuz or against allies. An anonymous senior US official said that a return to major operations against Iran would not drive them back toward negotiations.

In Regional Impacts, it is time for Israel and the United States to help turn the Gulf’s growing willingness to confront Iran into a formal regional defense alliance. The Wall Street Journal report says Bahrain and Kuwait secretly sent fighter jets earlier this month to strike Iranian drone and missile facilities, while the United Arab Emirates reportedly provided intelligence and defensive air cover. Kuwait denied taking part and Bahrain has remained silent. Even with those caveats, the report describes a region where Gulf states that once waited for Washington to answer provocations now appear willing to hit Iran themselves. Saudi Arabia is also back in direct conflict with the Iran-backed Houthis, with Houthi spokesman Yahya Saree announcing a maritime embargo against the Saudi enemy and Mahdi al-Mashat threatening further attacks; the Saudi-led coalition said it would respond firmly. Missiles, aircraft, intelligence and air defenses are being used by Arab governments that conclude Iran poses a direct threat to them.

Separately, wildfires across southwest France have forced Tour de France organizers to reroute the final stage. The change comes as multiple first responders are diverted to the blazes. The new route is designed to leave a smaller footprint for local security. Emergency services are fully mobilized to fight the fires, and the Interior Ministry has redeployed internal security forces to reinforce response efforts in affected areas, with about 200,000 people evacuated. Stage 21 was originally planned as a 132.5-kilometer ride from Thoiry to the Champs-Elysees in Paris; the reimagined run will still finish on the Champs-Elysees, but within Paris boundaries after a circuit through Montmartre.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Likud primaries will proceed as usual, despite talks of cancellation due to security concerns. The Likud Court on Saturday night rejected a proposed clause that would have allowed cancellation of the primaries during a security emergency, ahead of Monday’s Likud convention. The court ruled postponement should be the preferred option during emergencies and that the party should also prepare for electronic voting. It approved moving a candidate elected in the primaries to a reserved spot and authorized the placement of a New Hope candidate on the party list. The court said there is no place to open in advance even the smallest door to cancelling the primaries, and that Likud is not a one-man party, or it will lose its vitality. The ruling reaffirms that primaries remain the proper method for selecting Likud candidates.

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-903628
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-903614
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-903624
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-903627