Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-05-25 at 22:01

HEADLINES
US hits Iran over Strait mines
Night vision Hezbollah drone heightens IDF threat
Galindo antisemitic remarks spark Texas runoff outrage

The time is now 10:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In US Military Role, the United States says its recent actions in southern Iran were self-defense to protect American forces from threats posed by Iranian forces. CENTCOM reports targeted operations against boats seen laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz and a surface-to-air missile site in Bandar Abbas, with additional explosions reported near Sirik and Jask. CENTCOM spokesman Captain Tim Hawkins said the strikes were defensive and carried out with restraint during the ongoing ceasefire, and that the United States is defending its troops while avoiding an escalation. Officials described the actions as defensive and noted they do not indicate the ceasefire is over.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Hezbollah has released footage showing a drone equipped with night-vision capabilities, a development analysts say could significantly increase the threat to Israel Defense Forces troops operating in Lebanon at night. At the same time, the Israeli military said it struck more than 70 Hezbollah infrastructure targets across Lebanon, using about 85 munitions, including sites in the Bekaa Valley and Tyre, and it also targeted Hezbollah fighters operating on motorcycles in southern Lebanon as part of intensified operations. In response to Hezbollah drone activity, the Home Front Command tightened gathering rules along the northern border, allowing up to 50 people outdoors and 200 indoors in open areas and structures, while officials say Israel is at war in Lebanon and will not tolerate attacks on civilians.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Kiryat Shmona’s mayor warned that roughly one-third of students have not registered for the upcoming school year, with about 1,000 pupils missing from next year’s enrollment and only around 10,000 of the prewar population of roughly 26,000 reported back. He described an education system under persistent security pressure, with attendance inconsistent and disruptions continuing even for students who do attend. Separately, Home Front Command has tightened gathering rules in northern Israel in response to Hezbollah drone activity, with limits on gatherings near the border as the northern region remains under heightened security posture, and officials emphasize that Israel is at war in Lebanon and will not tolerate civilian targeting.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, Maureen Galindo, a Democratic candidate in a newly redrawn South Texas district, has sparked outrage with antisemitic rhetoric about Israel and Jews as voters head to a runoff. Local officials and political observers say her inflammatory remarks have drawn scrutiny and raised questions about the impact of her comments on the race for the congressional seat, which pits her against sheriff’s deputy Johnny Garcia. The runoff is set for Tuesday.

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/international/article-897292
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/bkfk4vfezl
https://t.me/JewishNews24/54796
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-897290
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-897291
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/ry71y00fezl
https://www.timesofisrael.com/texas-democrats-antisemitic-rhetoric-sparks-outrage-ahead-of-primary-runoff/