Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-05-25 at 06:02

HEADLINES
Interim Iran Deal Echoes JCPOA Hormuz Reopens
Dahieh Bombardment Aimed At Hundreds Of Buildings
Netanyahu Testimony in Case 2000 Ending Soon

The time is now 6:01 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Regional Impacts, the best deal the US and Iran could reach on the nuclear issue may resemble the JCPOA from the Obama era, according to Avner Vilan, a former senior defense official and Iranian nuclear expert. In an interview, Vilan said there would be a period in which the Iranians do not advance to a nuclear weapon and are under supervision. He noted that regarding ballistic missiles, what is hit would be hit, and that missiles were not part of the agreement, with Iran able to use funds to build up its capabilities. He added that emerging contacts between the United States and Iran could produce only a partial agreement, one that reopens the Strait of Hormuz, eases pressure on Tehran, and pushes the nuclear question to a later stage. Israel is closely watching the possibility of an interim arrangement, particularly amid reports that Iran could reopen the Strait of Hormuz as part of a broader understanding with Washington. As it appears, the most urgent issue is reopening Hormuz, with the Iranians needing pressure relief.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, a post in Hebrew discusses Israeli strikes on the Dahieh district, saying the outcome will hinge on the number of buildings that fall. The item notes that Dahieh has thousands of buildings and argues that hundreds should fall in the bombardment tonight, with the author expressing hope for at least tens.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio states that if diplomacy fails, it will not be the fault of the United States or our allies in the Gulf; it will be 100% Iran's fault.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Netanyahu’s testimony in Case 2000 resumed this morning at the Tel Aviv District Court, with cross-examination continuing. Shortly after the hearing began at its regular time, Netanyahu’s attorneys met with the presiding judges, and the court announced the session would end at 1:45 p.m. instead of 4:30 p.m. due to “security-diplomatic schedule reasons.” Netanyahu is nearing the end of his testimony after close to 90 hearings, with prosecutors estimating only a few full days of cross-examination remain, after which the defense will conduct a shorter redirect examination. Separately, the High Court of Justice was set to hear a petition challenging the state’s handling of discharged soldiers and reservists who died by suicide after their military service, in cases linked to the Gaza war. The petition, filed by the Jerusalem Institute of Justice and Forum Yahalomey Krav, asks the court to halt implementation of recommendations from a committee led by Major-General (Reserve) Moti Almoz. At the heart of the case is a gap: while those killed in active service are recognized as IDF fallen soldiers, the status of soldiers or reservists who die by suicide after leaving active service is disputed, raising questions about burial and recognition.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, Australia’s spy chief told public hearings of a Royal Commission into the Bondi Beach attack that antisemitism was left unchecked after the Gaza war, fueling violence against Jewish people. ISAO chief Mike Burgess said the spike in antisemitic incidents contributed to raising the national terrorism threat level to “probable” in August 2024. He added that the war in the Middle East evoked strong emotions in Australia, and some violent behaviors, including antisemitism, were allowed to escalate, leaving Jewish Australians as a target.

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/defense-news/article-897218
https://t.me/abualiexpress/122998
https://t.me/selena_updates/64343
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-897215
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-897204
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-897212