Foreign Relations news
US, Iran Pause Hormuz Attacks as Doha Crisis Talks Open Tuesday
Washington and Tehran agreed overnight to halt mutual attacks around the Strait of Hormuz and move crisis talks to Doha on Tuesday, after a weekend of US strikes on Iranian military sites and Iranian barrages aimed at American bases in Kuwait and Bahrain. Reports say the pause came through Qatari and Omani channels and is meant to keep the waterway open while negotiators revisit the June nuclear-and-security memorandum. For Israel, the tactical calm is welcome only if it curbs the regime that arms Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis; any deal that preserves Tehran's missile and terror networks remains a strategic threat. Jerusalem is therefore watching the Doha track while maintaining Israel's freedom of action against Iranian proxies.
Sources:(1)(2)(3)Berri Says Israel-Lebanon Framework 'Will Not Pass'
Lebanon's Hezbollah-allied parliament speaker Nabih Berri rejected the US-brokered Israel-Lebanon framework late Sunday, saying the agreement 'will not pass' because it does not guarantee what he called Lebanon's rights. The statement hardens the Lebanese political front just days after Israel and Lebanon signed a framework conditioning any further Israeli withdrawal on Hezbollah disarmament and reliable border security. For Israel, Berri's refusal confirms the core danger Jerusalem has warned about: Hezbollah and its allies want Israeli concessions while keeping an Iranian-armed militia intact on the northern frontier. The IDF's continued security-zone posture and freedom of action remain essential until Lebanon can enforce sovereignty over Hezbollah's weapons.
Sources:(1)(2)(3)Report: Israeli F-15 Systems Supplied to Qatar and Saudi Arabia
Haaretz reported Sunday that Israeli defense firms supplied helmet-mounted cueing systems, night-vision gear and other components for US-led F-15 programs in Qatar and Saudi Arabia, countries without formal ties to Israel. Public US sale records for Qatar list Elbit Systems among additional contractors for F-15QA aircraft, while the Saudi package included Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing Systems and AN/AVS-9 night-vision equipment used with F-15SA jets. Israeli outlets said the deliveries were routed through American prime contractors rather than direct bilateral sales. The report highlights the reach of Israeli defense technology across the region and the quiet security logic that can align Gulf states with Israeli capabilities against Iran-backed threats.
Primary:(1)(2)(3)Secondary:(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)Israel Recognizes Armenian Genocide, Ending Decades of Deference to Turkey
Israel's cabinet voted unanimously on June 28 to formally recognize the Armenian Genocide, ending decades of diplomatic deference to Ankara. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar, who championed the resolution, declared, "It's never too late to do the right thing," framing recognition of the roughly 1.5 million Armenians murdered in the final years of the Ottoman Empire as a moral obligation for the Jewish state. The measure also commits Israel to condemn denial, minimization, or distortion of the genocide, a campaign long led by Turkey. The resolution now advances to the Knesset, where it is expected to pass, making Israel one of roughly three dozen nations to formally affirm the historical record.
Primary:(1)Secondary:(2)(3)(4)(5)Hezbollah Claims 'Right to Defend' After IDF Lebanon Strikes
Hezbollah issued a Monday statement claiming it reserves a 'right to defend its homeland and its people' after Israel demolished a major tunnel and struck Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon. AFP-syndicated reports say the Iran-backed group accused Israel of violating the ceasefire while insisting it had adhered to it. For Israel, the threat underscores why the new Israel-Lebanon-US framework cannot rest on promises from a militia that answers to Tehran and refuses disarmament. Jerusalem's position remains that IDF freedom of action and a secure buffer zone are necessary until Lebanon dismantles Hezbollah's arsenal.
Sources:(1)(2)(3)Netanyahu Vows to Brief Washington on Erdoğan's 'Daily' Calls for Israel's Destruction
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told ministers at Sunday's cabinet meeting that Israel takes Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's anti-Israel rhetoric 'very seriously' and will brief the Trump administration on the threats. 'Hardly a day goes by that Erdoğan doesn't call for the destruction of the State of Israel,' Netanyahu said, adding, 'If we have learned one thing in the history of our people, when someone says he intends to destroy you, take him seriously. We will also draw the attention of our American friends to these statements.' The remarks came as a bipartisan US congressional group sent letters to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth opposing the proposed F-35 transfer to Turkey, citing risks to Israel, Greece and Cyprus from Ankara's Russian-built S-400 systems. After the cabinet, MK Amit Halevi (Likud) called for shuttering the Turkish consulate in Jerusalem, alleging it facilitates Hamas activity.
Sources:(1)(2)(3)Belgium Arrests Three in Liège Synagogue Bombing Tied to Iran's IRGC
Belgian federal police announced on Sunday that three suspects have been taken into custody in connection with the March 9 explosion outside the Synagogue de Liège, with one arraigned and two awaiting arraignment. Authorities also arrested four other individuals who were subsequently released. The suspects allegedly acted for payment on behalf of unnamed handlers tied to Mohammad al-Saadi, an Iran-born operative US prosecutors accuse of orchestrating at least 18 antisemitic attacks across Europe on behalf of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Belgian Interior Minister Bernard Quintin called the original blast 'a despicable antisemitic act.' The Islamist group Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiya, believed Iran-linked, has claimed responsibility for synagogue and Jewish-school attacks across Liège, Amsterdam, Rotterdam and London, underscoring Jerusalem's long-standing warning that Tehran's terror reach extends deep into Europe.
Sources:(1)(2)(3)(4)Slovenia's Janša Pledges Jerusalem Embassy, Lifts Arms Ban, Reverses Palestinian Recognition
Slovenia's new Prime Minister Janez Janša announced on June 28 that Ljubljana will relocate its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, becoming the first European Union member state to do so. The move caps a dramatic pro-Israel realignment by the incoming government, which on taking office removed the PLO flag that had flown over the prime minister's building for two years, revoked the previous left-wing government's 2025 ban on arms exports to Israel, and pledged to freeze Slovenia's recognition of a Palestinian state. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar thanked Janša and said Israel will open an embassy in Ljubljana without delay. The reversal ends a years-long hostile posture by the Robert Golob government, which had pushed EU sanctions and blocked an Israir aircraft from landing in its final days.
Sources:(1)(2)(3)(4)Rafael Signs Record 2 Billion Euro Spyder Air Defense Deal with Romania
Rafael Advanced Defense Systems announced on June 28 that it has signed a strategic framework agreement worth more than 2 billion euros to supply Romania with the Spyder short and medium range air defense system, beating out French giant MBDA and Germany's Diehl in the NATO member's tender. The package includes batteries, launchers, Python 5 and Derby interceptors, advanced radars, training and logistics, with first deliveries due within 36 months. Rafael CEO Yoav Tourgeman called it the largest contract in the company's history, and Israeli industry analysts note it is now the second largest defense export in Israel's history, trailing only Israel Aerospace Industries' 3.5 billion dollar Arrow 3 sale to Germany in 2023. The deal reinforces Israel's position as a top tier supplier to European NATO states unnerved by Russian aggression on Ukraine's border, and deepens a three decade defense partnership between Jerusalem and Bucharest.
Sources:(1)(2)(3)(4)(5)US, Iran Agree to Halt Hormuz Strikes; Crisis Talks Hastily Moved to Doha Tuesday
After a weekend of mutual strikes in and around the Strait of Hormuz, Washington and Tehran agreed to a tactical pause and shifted long-planned technical talks from Switzerland to Doha on Tuesday, recast as crisis negotiations over the waterway. The flare-up followed CENTCOM strikes on ten Iranian military targets near the strait and Iranian missile and drone barrages on US bases in Bahrain and Kuwait, both of which the host states condemned as gross violations of sovereignty. Jerusalem is watching the renegotiation of the June 17 memorandum framework warily, mindful that any concessions to the regime that financed Hamas and Hezbollah carry direct security implications for Israel. Defense Minister Israel Katz reiterated that the IDF retains full freedom of action against any threat, on every front.
Sources:(1)(2)(3)WSJ: Pentagon Weighs Moving Gulf Bases Hit by Iran Westward to Israel
The Wall Street Journal reported that the Pentagon is weighing relocation of US Gulf operations westward, with Israel among the destinations under consideration, after Iranian retaliatory strikes between late February and June caused roughly $400 million in damage to Naval Support Activity Bahrain, home of the Fifth Fleet. Officials cited extensive damage to command headquarters and at least a dozen buildings, and are eyeing a reduced footprint in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. The deliberations underscore Israel's emergence as Washington's most survivable Middle East platform, validated by joint operations that began February 28 and by Israel's proven multi-layered air defenses against Iran's massive missile and drone barrages.
Sources:(1)(2)(3)Hezbollah MP Threatens Civil War if Lebanese Army Enforces Disarmament Framework
Hezbollah parliamentarian Hassan Fadlallah warned that any attempt by the Lebanese army to enforce the US-brokered framework signed June 26 in Washington would push Lebanon into civil war, vowing the Iran-backed group will cling to its weapons and confront state authorities. Secretary-General Naim Qassem rejected the deal as humiliating, confirming that Hezbollah refuses the disarmament that the framework requires before any Israeli withdrawal. The outburst vindicates Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defense Minister Katz, who insisted IDF forces remain in southern Lebanon until the terror group is verifiably disarmed. Hezbollah's threat to turn its guns on fellow Lebanese exposes the militia as the central obstacle to Lebanese sovereignty.
Sources:(1)(2)(3)(4)Board of Peace to Convene Cyprus Summit as First Moroccan Officers Join Gaza ISF
The Gaza Board of Peace will hold a two-day summit in Cyprus on June 30 and July 1, gathering Secretary of State Marco Rubio, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, World Bank President Ajay Banga, and the office of Trump envoy Nikolay Mladenov to recalibrate the post-war framework after a rocky first six months. The session coincides with a quiet milestone for the International Stabilization Force, as four Moroccan military officers arrived at ISF headquarters in southern Israel on June 18 as the first Arab contingent on the ground. Morocco committed publicly in February to deploying police and military personnel, a meaningful endorsement of the Israeli-backed post-Hamas governance track. The arrivals will help shape force structure and policing doctrine as additional partners are recruited.
Sources:(1)(2)(3)Israeli source: Lebanon security annex preserves full IDF freedom of action across security zone
A senior Israeli diplomatic official confirmed that the security annex of the Israel-Lebanon-US framework signed Friday preserves 'the IDF's freedom of military action throughout the security zone to eliminate threats of any kind,' including emerging threats. Prime Minister Netanyahu reiterated that Israel remains free to thwart any threat to IDF soldiers in southern Lebanon under the new arrangement, while Jerusalem remains wary of Iranian interference aimed at unraveling the deal. The annex codifies Israel's insistence that any IDF withdrawal be conditional on Hezbollah disarmament rather than a fixed timetable, and that the buffer zone established along the border remains under Israeli military control.
Sources:(1)(2)(3)(4)(5)IDF chief Zamir and CENTCOM commander Cooper coordinate on Iran and Lebanon enforcement
IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir met US Central Command chief Admiral Brad Cooper to align on Israeli rules of engagement against Hezbollah ceasefire violators and on conditions for the Lebanese Armed Forces to take over areas inside the security zone. The two militaries are the joint enforcers of the new framework; Cooper's command also handled the response to Iran's Strait of Hormuz drone strike days earlier. The session reinforced what Israeli officials describe as a close strategic relationship anchoring Israel's northern posture.
Sources:(1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6)Foreign Minister Sa'ar hosts South Sudan counterpart in Jerusalem, expanding African ties
Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar met South Sudanese Foreign Minister James Pitia Morgan in Jerusalem, pledging continued MASHAV humanitarian assistance for refugees fleeing the Sudanese civil war and expanded bilateral cooperation. Morgan called Israel South Sudan's 'best friend in the world,' noting Juba had recently honored Israeli veteran David Uri Ben-Uziel with a state award. The meeting underscores Israel's deepening engagement across the Horn of Africa.
Sources:(1)(2)(3)(4)(5)Israel, Lebanon and US sign trilateral framework codifying Hezbollah disarmament
At the US State Department, Israel's Ambassador to Washington Yechiel Leiter and Counselor Dan Holler signed a trilateral framework agreement with Lebanese Ambassador Nada Hamadeh, witnessed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, capping five rounds of US-mediated talks. The framework links limited Israeli withdrawals from two pilot zones to verified Lebanese action against Hezbollah weapons infrastructure. Rubio announced an immediate $100 million US humanitarian commitment and a trilateral military coordination group to oversee implementation.
Sources:(1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6)Georgia and Vietnam in advanced talks to send troops to Gaza Stabilization Force
Israeli media reported that Georgia and Vietnam are in advanced talks to contribute troops to the International Stabilization Force (ISF) overseeing post-war Gaza, joining Indonesia, Morocco, Kazakhstan, Kosovo and Albania who have already committed. The same reports said the Gaza civilian-military coordination hub will undergo an overhaul to better integrate the multinational force with IDF operations. Up to 20,000 ISF troops plus 12,000 local police are envisioned under the Trump-brokered Gaza peace plan, which conditions Israeli withdrawal on Hamas disarmament and demilitarization of the Strip.
Sources:(1)(2)(3)Southbank Centre chair Misan Harriman to step down amid UK antisemitism scrutiny
Misan Harriman announced he will step down in autumn as chair of Britain's largest arts complex following months of criticism over inflammatory remarks, including a video comparing Reform UK's electoral rise to the pre-Holocaust period and his framing of the Golders Green stabbing attack. The Campaign Against Antisemitism welcomed his departure. The episode reflects intensifying scrutiny of UK cultural institutions following the Manchester synagogue terror attack and a broader wave of antisemitic violence in Britain.
Sources:(1)(2)(3)Israel dispatches medical and rescue delegations to quake-stricken Venezuela
Following the twin magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes that struck about 160 km west of Caracas on June 24, killing more than 150, Israel began immediate preparations to send medical, logistics and emergency-response teams. Israeli humanitarian NGOs, including IsraAID, KKL-JNF, NATAN and ZAKA, also mobilized aid efforts.
Sources:(1)(2)(3)Roman Gofman succeeds David Barnea as Mossad director
Maj. Gen. Roman Gofman became the 14th director of the Mossad, succeeding David Barnea after a lengthy appointment process and a High Court challenge. At the swearing-in, Netanyahu told Gofman the Mossad must remain at the forefront of the struggle against Iranian aggression and help prevent Tehran from obtaining nuclear weapons or threatening Israel's existence.
Sources:(1)(2)Israeli defense exports hit record $19.2 billion — fifth consecutive record year
The Defense Ministry's SIBAT directorate announced 2025 defense exports of $19.2 billion — a nearly 30% surge, more than double five years ago and quadruple a decade ago. Combat-proven Israeli air-defense, missile and electro-optics systems led demand, with 36% to Europe, 32% to Asia-Pacific, 15% to the Middle East (Abraham Accords partners) and 13% to North America. Government-to-government deals alone reached $10 billion, a separate all-time high.
Sources:(1)(2)(3)Trump phone call to Muslim leaders — sign the Abraham Accords
President Trump convened a Saturday conference call with the leaders of Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan and Bahrain and told them that ending the Iran war must be paired with peace agreements with Israel. Trump named Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Pakistan specifically — the three on the call without formal Israel ties — and tasked envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff with follow-up. The pressure marks the most direct US push for Abraham Accords expansion since 2020.
Sources:(1)(2)President Herzog visits Astana as Kazakhstan formalizes Abraham Accords entry
President Isaac Herzog traveled to Astana after Kazakhstan had joined the Abraham Accords the previous November, the framework's first expansion into Central Asia. President Tokayev emphasized cyber, water-management and regional-normalization cooperation, while the leaders discussed tripling bilateral trade and Kazakhstan's potential bridge role with other Muslim-majority states.
Sources:(1)(2)(3)Germany, Italy block EU bid to suspend Israel trade pact
At a Luxembourg foreign ministers' meeting, Germany and Italy rejected a Spain-led push, backed by Slovenia and Ireland, to discuss suspending the EU-Israel Association Agreement. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul called the suspension demand 'inappropriate,' and Times of Israel noted that EU-Israel trade reached €42.6 billion in 2024.
Sources:(1)Netanyahu sends CPAC Hungary video message as Yair Netanyahu appears in Budapest
Participants at CPAC Hungary watched a video message from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while Yair Netanyahu appeared in Budapest at the conservative conference and praised Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. The event highlighted the close political alignment between Netanyahu's camp and Orbán's government.
Sources:(1)(2)US-Israeli Operation Epic Fury strikes Iran's nuclear and military sites
The US and Israel launched Operation Epic Fury against Iran on February 28, 2026, targeting nuclear facilities, military infrastructure and regime command nodes. Israeli and US officials said Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei had been killed, while National Security Adviser Mike Waltz said the operation sought to eliminate Iran's nuclear and ballistic-missile capabilities and degrade its regional proxies.
Sources:(1)(2)President Herzog visits Ethiopia to deepen Africa 'hexagon' alliance
President Isaac Herzog visited Addis Ababa for talks with Ethiopian President Taye Atske Selassie and Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on strengthening political and diplomatic ties. Africanews noted that the trip came weeks after Israel's controversial recognition of Somaliland as an independent state.
Sources:(1)(2)Modi state visit to Israel brings Knesset address and defense talks
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Israel for a two-day visit and addressed the Knesset, telling lawmakers that India stood firmly with Israel 'in this moment and beyond.' Jerusalem Post reported that Israel and India were expanding defense ties with potential deals estimated at $8-10 billion across missiles, drones, AI and cyberwarfare.
Sources:(1)(2)(3)Netanyahu-Trump White House summit — Iran, Gaza, and red lines
Prime Minister Netanyahu met President Trump at the White House for roughly three hours as Trump pressed ahead with direct diplomacy with Iran and Hamas. Netanyahu argued that any Iran deal must cover ballistic missiles and regional proxies as well as enrichment, while Trump insisted his administration would test negotiations before deciding on next steps.
Sources:(1)(2)(3)Israel-Azerbaijan AI cooperation deal signed
Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar and Azerbaijan's ambassador, Mukhtar Mammadov, signed an artificial-intelligence memorandum of understanding in Jerusalem. Israeli officials framed the agreement as another layer in a close strategic relationship with the Muslim-majority country bordering Iran, alongside long-running security and diplomatic cooperation.
Sources:(1)(2)ICJ extends Israel counter-memorial deadline in South Africa genocide case
The International Court of Justice granted Israel an additional two months to submit its Counter-Memorial in South Africa's genocide case over the Gaza war. In an Oct. 20 order, ICJ President Judge Yuji Iwasawa extended Israel's deadline for its formal written defense to March 12, 2026, after Israel cited unresolved evidentiary issues and related UN proceedings.
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