Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-05-25 at 19:02

HEADLINES
Iranian media claim night strike attribution unclear
US uses HIMARS against Iran from Gulf
IDF pounds Hezbollah bases Netanyahu vows more

The time is now 7:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, Iranian media report a strike occurred last night and are now reporting it via an Iranian Telegram channel, with one account describing the event as a strike carried out last night. Other Iranian reports describe the strike as Israeli-American. The material presented comes from Iranian outlets, and the reports vary on who was responsible; no independent verification is provided in these summaries.

In US Military Role, video footage filmed by a US servicemember shows the launch of several tactical ballistic missiles from M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems against targets in Iran during the recent round of hostilities, with the launches likely originating from a site in Bahrain, Kuwait, or Qatar. Separately, sources aligned with the Iranian axis report that four members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps naval force were killed in an attack by a US aircraft near Larak Island off Bandar Abbas in southern Iran, with Iranian air defenses activated in the area.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, the IDF says it conducted a day-long operation to remove threats, striking more than 70 Hezbollah infrastructure sites using about 85 munitions across Lebanon, including around 10 command centers, weapons storage facilities, and other infrastructure used by Hezbollah to attack Israeli forces and civilians. The Israeli Air Force also reported eliminating Hezbollah operatives on motorcycles in the area where IDF soldiers are operating in southern Lebanon. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel will intensify its campaign against Hezbollah, insisting that the country will not ease its pressure and will press the pedal down even harder. He said Israeli forces have killed more than 600 Hezbollah militants in recent weeks and noted the rising threat posed by fiber-optic drones, adding that a special team is working to counter them and praising the resilience of residents in northern Israel amid ongoing fighting.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, the Israel Defense Forces Home Front Command updated defensive guidelines for Tuesday, May 26, from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. The Confrontation Line area and the communities of Meron, Bar Yochai, Or HaGanuz, and Safsufa will remain under partial activity restrictions. Gathering limits were tightened to up to 50 people outdoors and 200 indoors, down from the previous limits of 200 outdoors and 600 indoors. Newly appointed Second Authority Council chairwoman Dr. Yifat Ben Hay-Segev and council members asked the High Court of Justice to reject petitions against their appointments, arguing that the challenges are politically driven and legally unfounded. The petitions were filed by several media and civil society groups, and the court had previously frozen the council’s activity pending review. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was admitted to Hadassah Ein Kerem hospital for a dental procedure; the nature of the treatment was not disclosed, but he has said his health and fitness are proper and that medical indicators are normal, describing a long history of medical checks and ongoing health management.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, police say they are investigating vandalism at Bagels & Company in Jamaica Estates as a possible hate crime after an unidentified man targeted the kosher, Israeli-owned shop in the early hours of Friday. Surveillance footage shows the suspect dressed in traditional Muslim attire outside the storefront, spending several minutes throwing plants, chairs, and tables; no injuries were reported.

In Uplifting News, construction is underway at the White House for UFC Freedom Fights 250, with crews assembling temporary arena infrastructure to host about 5,000 invited guests. The June 14 event is believed to be the first professional sporting event held at the White House and is planned to coincide with President Trump’s 80th birthday.

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
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https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-897277
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https://t.me/JewishNews24/54791
https://t.me/JewishNews24/54793