AGP Executive Report

Lebanon-Israel Diplomacy: In Washington, Israel and Lebanon began a new round of US-mediated talks focused on a “pilot” plan where Israeli forces would hand selected southern areas to the Lebanese army, while Israel keeps a border buffer and Hezbollah is excluded—though Lebanon says Iran’s role is complicating leverage. Ceasefire Friction: The talks opened amid fresh violations, including Israeli fire that Lebanese sources say killed two civilians near Nabatieh al-Fawqa, underscoring how fragile the truce remains. Gaza Genocide Claims: A UN-linked commission again alleges Israel is committing genocide by deliberately targeting Palestinian children, citing deaths, detention, abuse, and long-term harm. Domestic Israel Politics: With elections looming, a profile of retired Gen. Gadi Eisenkot highlights his security credentials and grief after his son was killed in Gaza. Ultra-Orthodox Draft Protests: Ultra-Orthodox protesters plan a major vehicle convoy tied to yeshiva draft-evasion arrests, raising concerns about traffic and public order. US Legal Fallout: In New York, the DOJ opened a civil rights probe into a Brooklyn coffee shop after it banned Rep. Dan Goldman over his pro-Israel stance.

Lebanon-Israel Talks in Washington: The fifth round of US-mediated negotiations opened at the State Department, with Lebanon pushing for Israeli withdrawal and Hezbollah-linked security demands, while Israel warns the talks could “derail” and says Hezbollah must be dismantled. Ceasefire Tensions: Despite a lull, Israeli fire killed civilians in Nabatieh al-Fawqa and there were two incidents inside the Israeli “security zone,” as Hezbollah condemned violations and demanded a timetable-based full withdrawal. UN Genocide Claims: A UN commission of inquiry renewed allegations that Israeli forces deliberately targeted Palestinian children in Gaza, calling it part of genocidal intent; Israel rejected the report. West Bank Holy Site: Israel’s removal of a canopy in the Ibrahimi Mosque courtyard in Hebron drew Palestinian condemnation as “Judaization,” with claims it aims to reshape the site’s character. Cyber Accusations: Reports say four Iranian banks were hit in a cyber attack suspected to be linked to Israel after US moves to release frozen Iranian funds. Domestic Israel Politics: Naftali Bennett warned Israel’s US image is deteriorating and urged rebuilding public diplomacy, while Netanyahu reiterated “freedom of action” in southern Lebanon.

Israel-Lebanon Talks in Washington: Israel and Lebanon are set for another US-hosted round focused on Hezbollah disarmament and possible normalization, with Israel insisting it will keep a southern “security zone” and Lebanon pushing for Lebanese Army deployment in areas under Israeli control. UN Gaza Children Probe: A UN inquiry says Israeli forces deliberately targeted Palestinian children in Gaza, calling it part of an ongoing genocide; Israel rejects the report as defamatory. Iran War Death Toll Claim: Iran’s judiciary spokesman says US-Israel attacks since late February have killed 3,519 people, including women and minors, though the figures can’t be independently verified. US-Iran Diplomacy Strain: Allies of President Trump defended him as Israelis worry a US-Iran interim deal could strengthen Iran and limit Israel’s room to act against Hezbollah. Markets Hit by Iran Deal Fears: Israeli stocks and the shekel plunged, with investors citing anxiety that peace talks may leave Israel strategically exposed. Gaza Health Warnings: Gaza officials say ceasefire conditions are worsening health and lab capacity due to shortages and restrictions on supplies. West Bank Detentions: Israel renewed administrative detention orders for 15 Palestinians, citing “secret files.” Local/Global Backlash Stories: A New York coffee shop faces a US DOJ civil-rights probe after banning Rep. Dan Goldman over his Israel stance; in Australia, a judge excluded video evidence in a case involving nurses accused of threatening Israelis. Tourism: Africa Israel Hotels launched a summer 2026 discount campaign for Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Netanya and the Dead Sea.

Lebanon Front: Netanyahu says IDF will keep operating in the southern “security buffer zone” “as long as necessary,” insisting it has “full freedom of action” despite a US-Iran MoU and new talk of a deconfliction cell. US-Iran Rift: Reports say the US ended Israel’s authorization to “operate without restriction” in Lebanon, while Israeli officials warn any pullback could be read as weakness. Diplomatic Track: Israel and Lebanon are set to meet in Washington for talks on Hezbollah disarmament and pilot zones for Lebanese Army deployment. Humanitarian Toll: UNDP/CNRS estimates direct housing damage in southern Lebanon at $1.38B, with 11,095 buildings destroyed and nearly 1M displaced in Lebanon. Gaza Ceasefire Violations: Separate strikes killed a paramedic and a high school student; more deaths and injuries were reported across Gaza. West Bank: Israeli forces killed two Palestinians near Hebron and demolished a home near Bethlehem. Jerusalem/East Jerusalem: Israeli authorities raided Greek Orthodox Patriarchate land in Silwan, near Al-Aqsa, and forced officials off the site. Domestic/Religion: Ramat Hasharon’s court case over Shabbat closure at a mall was dismissed after the city said it will enforce the bylaw. International Pressure: Foreign Minister Sa’ar criticized EU “dictates” after severing ties with Kaja Kallas, and met an EU Mediterranean commissioner.

Lebanon Front: Israel’s strikes and raids continued despite a Lebanon ceasefire, with Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz insisting troops will stay in the southern “security zone” and that soldiers have “no restrictions” to eliminate threats—while Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem rejected any Israeli presence and warned any violation would be met with response. Gaza: In Gaza, Israeli airstrikes killed at least six, including two children, and an Al Jazeera cameraman Ahmed Wishah; Al Jazeera condemned what it called a deliberate killing and rejected Israeli claims against its staff. Diplomacy: Iran-US talks in Switzerland showed cautious progress toward a 60-day roadmap, but Iran linked momentum to a lasting Lebanon ceasefire; Turkey’s FM warned Israel could sabotage the process. Regional Pressure: Iran again closed the Strait of Hormuz, citing US and Israeli “violations,” sharply reducing ship traffic. West Bank: Israeli forces shot dead two Palestinian teens near a settlement in Beit Ummar, with Israel saying they attacked with firebombs. Defense-Tech: Anduril Industries is exploring an Israel operation for defense-tech sales, while Rafael and SpearUAV unveiled the Iron Wasp interceptor drone. Culture & Society: Israel marked International Yoga Day with greetings to India; in Tel Aviv, photographers are exploring softer, more vulnerable portrayals of masculinity.

Israel-Lebanon Front: Israel ordered a halt to firing operations in Lebanon outside its self-declared “security zone,” while Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz said troops will stay put and retain freedom to act against threats. Hezbollah Response: Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem rejected any ceasefire that lets Israel keep operating in Lebanon, warning there is “no safe zone” for IDF forces and demanding a full Israeli withdrawal. US-Iran Talks in Switzerland: Negotiators began talks at Bürgenstock as Iran-linked sources and Turkish FM Hakan Fidan warned the process could hit deadlocks and that Israel may try to sabotage it. Hormuz Pressure: Iran said it closed the Strait of Hormuz, tying reopening to curbing Israel’s actions in Lebanon, while US officials disputed Iran’s claim of control. Gaza Ceasefire Breaches: Fresh strikes killed Palestinians, including a child and an Al Jazeera cameraman, as Al Jazeera rejected Israeli claims about its journalist. West Bank Detention: Israel detained “Doctor of the Poor” Mazen al-Rantisi in Ramallah, sparking calls for his release. Human Toll in Lebanon: Lebanon’s health ministry said deaths since March 2 topped 4,000 with over 12,000 wounded. Local Impact: Israeli forces issued stop-work orders for homes and agricultural structures south of Bethlehem.

Israel-Hezbollah Ceasefire Under Strain: Despite orders to halt fire in Lebanon, Israeli strikes killed at least 20 people in multiple areas after Hezbollah fired dozens of projectiles, with both sides trading accusations of violations. Gaza Civilian Toll and Press Deaths: In Gaza, Israeli airstrikes and gunfire killed at least six to nine people, including children and Al Jazeera cameraman Ahmed Wishah, who was killed in the Bureij camp two months after his brother was also reported killed. Iran-Hormuz Energy Shock: Iran again closed the Strait of Hormuz, blaming Israeli attacks on Lebanon and citing US-Iran ceasefire terms; the US disputed Iran’s claim and said commercial traffic continued. Diplomacy in Switzerland: US and Iranian talks in Switzerland opened with an emergency focus on the Israel-Hezbollah conflict as the Hormuz dispute threatens the broader deal. Local Fronts and Protests: Palestinians protested West Bank settlement expansion near Dura as Israeli forces used tear gas; in Berlin, large demonstrations condemned attacks on Gaza and Lebanon and Germany’s support for Israel. Lebanon Occupation Stance: Israeli finance minister Bezalel Smotrich said troops will stay in Lebanon for years unless Hezbollah disarms, defying US pressure.

Strait of Hormuz: Iran says it has closed the Strait of Hormuz again, blaming US “breach” of a ceasefire MoU and ongoing Israeli strikes in Lebanon, as US-Iran talks head to Switzerland and shipping uncertainty grows. Lebanon Ceasefire Friction: Despite a renewed Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire, Israeli strikes and rocket exchanges continued, with Lebanon reporting dozens killed and Israel saying it is operating defensively while keeping troops in seized areas. IDF Orders Halt, Keeps Positions: Netanyahu and Defense Minister Katz ordered the army to stop firing in Lebanon but not withdraw from areas it holds, with Channel 12 reporting coordination with the US. Gaza Journalists Targeted: Al Jazeera cameraman Ahmed Wishah was killed in an Israeli strike on the Bureij refugee camp; the IDF called him a “Hamas terrorist,” while the network and press groups condemned the killing. West Bank Raids: Israeli forces raided multiple areas in Ramallah and al-Fawwar refugee camp near Hebron, with reports of searches and detentions. Regional Stakes: Analysts and officials warn the Lebanon fighting is complicating the fragile US-Iran diplomatic track.

Israel-Hezbollah Ceasefire Under Strain: A new Lebanon truce took effect Friday at 4:00 p.m., but Israeli airstrikes and drone attacks resumed within hours, killing at least five in the Nabatieh area (including Arabsalim, Deir Zahrani, and a motorcycle strike near Doueir) and raising fresh doubts about whether the halt will hold. US-Iran Talks at Risk: The renewed violence threatens the push to turn the interim US-Iran framework into a broader deal, with US envoy Steve Witkoff and Iran FM Abbas Araghchi reportedly heading to Switzerland as conditions for talks hinge on stopping fighting in Lebanon. Gaza Civilian Toll Continues: In Gaza City, an Israeli strike on a residential apartment on Al-Thalathini Street killed four Palestinians, while other reports say a father and two daughters were among those killed in overnight strikes. UN Clash in New York: Israel’s UN ambassador Danny Danon disrupted a UN children-in-conflict hearing, shouting “be quiet” during a heated exchange over sexual-violence allegations. Norway Settlement Trade Move: Norway plans to ban trade with goods from Israeli settlements in the occupied territories, signaling tighter European pressure.

Israel–Hezbollah Ceasefire: A renewed truce was reported to begin Friday at 4 p.m. local time, brokered by the U.S. and Qatar, even as Israeli strikes and Lebanon’s toll continued to be reported. Lebanon War Fallout: Lebanon’s health ministry said at least 47 were killed and 97 wounded in the latest barrage, while Israel said four soldiers died and vowed to keep operating in a southern “security zone” if attacks resume. US-Iran Talks in Jeopardy: The U.S.-Iran technical talks in Switzerland were postponed after the Lebanon flare-up, adding uncertainty to the 60-day framework. US Pressure on Israel: VP JD Vance sharply rebuked Israeli officials over criticism of the Iran deal, warning Israel to “wake up” and insisting Trump is the only sympathetic ally. Diplomacy Next Steps: The next round of Lebanese-Israeli talks is set for June 23–25 in Washington, with Rubio and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun discussing disarming Hezbollah and sovereignty. EU on Gaza/West Bank: EU leaders urged Israel to allow full humanitarian access to Gaza and roll back West Bank settlement expansion.

Lebanon Front: Israeli airstrikes and artillery hit Nabatieh and nearby towns early Friday, killing at least 16 and wounding dozens, as Israel said it struck Hezbollah targets and reported four soldiers killed in southern Lebanon. Ceasefire Strain: The violence threatens the new US-Iran framework calling for an end to hostilities “on all fronts,” while Switzerland confirmed planned US-Iran talks were postponed and US Vice President JD Vance shelved a trip. US Pressure on Israel: Vance sharply rebuked Israeli officials over criticism of the Iran deal, warning Israel not to alienate its “only powerful ally.” EU Rift: Israel’s foreign minister Gideon Saar cut ties with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas after a report alleging she compared Israel to apartheid, escalating tensions with Europe. Diplomatic Fallout: Opposition leader Yair Lapid warned Netanyahu’s government is damaging Israel’s relations with Washington and European partners. Regional Condemnations: Pakistan and other Muslim states condemned attacks by Israeli settlers on West Bank mosques. Domestic/Other: A 5,500-year-old Canaanite flint blade workshop was discovered near Kiryat Gat, pointing to advanced early Bronze Age manufacturing.

Lebanon Front: Netanyahu ruled out any withdrawal from southern Lebanon, saying Israel will keep a “security zone” until its goals are met, as the IDF published a new map and reported deployments up to 10 km inside Lebanon despite the US-Iran MoU. US-Iran Deal Fallout: US Vice President JD Vance delivered an unusually sharp rebuke to Israeli cabinet members over criticism of Trump’s Iran agreement, warning them not to “attack the only powerful ally” and stressing US military support, while China urged Israel to stop obstructing the MoU. EU-Israel Rift: Israel severed contact with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas after apartheid remarks, as Brussels debates credibility and potential trade curbs tied to West Bank settlements. Gaza Toll: Gaza health officials said Israeli strikes killed at least three in Gaza City, pushing deaths since the October ceasefire past 1,000. Jerusalem & Daily Life: Jerusalem light rail service was partially suspended due to haredi protests linked to draft-dodger arrests. Culture & Faith: Pope Leo XIV urged Hebrew University leaders to be “artisans of true peace.”

Gaza Ceasefire Violations: Israeli drone strikes in Khan Younis killed two Palestinians and wounded six, with Gaza health officials saying 1,005 have died since the ceasefire while attacks continue. Lebanon War Toll: Lebanon’s health ministry put deaths from Israeli operations at 3,884 martyrs and 11,856 wounded, with hundreds of attacks on medical teams cited. Hezbollah vs IDF: Hezbollah said it intensified defensive operations, while Israel reported one soldier killed and seven wounded in southern Lebanon after an explosive device attack. Iran-US MoU Fallout: The US and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding to end the wider war, but Israeli officials and commentators reacted with anger and alarm, saying Israel was sidelined and that the deal could leave Iran stronger. Diplomatic Pressure: Iran accused Israel of repeated Lebanon truce violations and warned of a harsh response; Israel’s deputy envoy to India said Israel won’t accept Iran’s nuclear and proxy financing. West Bank Expansion: Israel approved new settler construction in Hebron, including a Jewish school, as UN bodies warned settler groups could face a global blacklist over child violations. International Scrutiny: A London Israeli real estate event apologized after West Bank properties surfaced, and a criminal complaint was filed in Belgium targeting an Israeli sniper over alleged Gaza crimes.

Israel-Lebanon Escalation: Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem said Lebanon’s talks with Israel should be limited to “mutual security,” urging Israeli withdrawal from the south as strikes continue ahead of a US-Iran framework signing. Diplomatic Friction: Lebanese-Israeli negotiations in Washington were pushed to June 23 after a delay tied to US Ambassador Mike Huckabee’s arrival, while Germany’s Merz warned Israel must not destabilize Lebanon. US-Iran Deal Fallout: Trump said Washington “did send a copy” of the Iran accord to Israel, but multiple reports say Israel was kept out of key parts of the MoU process; Iran and Hezbollah link any end to the war to Israel leaving Lebanon. West Bank Flashpoints: Israel seized planning powers over Hebron’s Ibrahimi Mosque, stripping Palestinian municipal authority, and Reuters reported Israel approved expansion of a settler school in Hebron. Gaza Human Toll: Gaza’s health ministry said at least 1,005 Palestinians were killed since the October ceasefire, as conditions remain catastrophic. Lebanon Civilian Impact: Lebanon’s health ministry put deaths at about 3,890 since March despite the ceasefire, while Israeli strikes reportedly killed several in the south. Domestic Pressure: Thousands of ultra-Orthodox men protested draft enforcement, with clashes near Tel Aviv. Culture & Society: A video controversy over confiscated Israeli flags at an Iran World Cup match added to tensions.

Israel-US rift over Iran deal: As the US and Iran move toward a memorandum to end the war, Israel is still striking in Lebanon and says it won’t withdraw—while the US reportedly refused Israel access to the deal text, leaving Netanyahu and his team frustrated and exposed. Lebanon front heats up: Despite the MoU, Israeli airstrikes and artillery hit south Lebanon, killing at least four, with Iran warning of a “harsh response” and accusing Israel of violating the Lebanon truce dozens of times. Trump vs Netanyahu at G7: Trump issued a rare public rebuke, saying Israel doesn’t need to “knock down an apartment house” to hit Hezbollah, and even floated that Syria could handle Hezbollah if Israel can’t avoid civilian harm. West Bank flashpoints: Police dispersed Haredi anti-IDF draft protesters who blocked Highway 4 near Bnei Brak; meanwhile, settlers were accused of arson attacks on a mosque during services and of burning vehicles. Jerusalem diplomacy row: The Arab League condemned Somaliland’s embassy opening in Jerusalem after Israel recognized it, while Somalia rejected the move. Local life under pressure: A Palestinian American student, Sama Safi, was jailed by Israel without charges, and a British doctor sued an NHS trust over alleged suspension tied to Israel criticism.

Lebanon War Update: Lebanon’s health ministry says the death toll from Israel’s Lebanon campaign since March 2 has reached 3,826 killed and 11,851 injured, as strikes continue in the south even after a US-Iran ceasefire framework was announced. Ceasefire Dispute: Iran’s military and foreign minister Abbas Araghchi warn that any further Israeli attacks or continued occupation of Lebanese territory would violate the US-Iran memorandum, while Israel and the US insist Lebanon is not part of the deal. Diplomacy at Work: Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun and PM Nawaf Salam discussed preparations for a new round of talks with Israel starting June 22, seeking a permanent ceasefire and Israeli withdrawal. G7 Pressure: At the G7, President Trump criticized Israel’s Lebanon campaign as too long and too deadly, suggesting Syria could take on Hezbollah if Israel can’t. West Bank Governance: In Hebron, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich stripped Palestinians of key municipal powers over the Ibrahimi Mosque/Cave of the Patriarchs, drawing Palestinian Authority and militant condemnation. Tech & Economy: El Al signed a Starlink deal for inflight Wi-Fi starting in 2027.