The office of Israel’s defence minister announced that he had “directed the IDF to prepare for a scenario of escalation in the north, both offensively and defensively, given the developments in the [U.S.-mediated Israel-Lebanon] negotiations on the maritime border”. A U.S. official indicated that “we are at a critical stage in the negotiations and the gaps have narrowed. We remain committed to reaching a solution and believe a lasting compromise is possible”.

Addressing the 77^th UN General Assembly, Prime Minister Yair Lapid argued “if the Iranian regime gets a nuclear weapon, they will use it. The only way to prevent Iran from getting a nuclear weapon, is to put a credible military threat on the table. And then – and only then – to negotiate a longer and stronger deal with them”. He further warned that “this time we are not standing empty-handed against those who want to destroy us. The Jews today have a state. We have an army. We have great friendships, first and foremost with the U.S. We have capabilities and we are not afraid to use them. We will do whatever it takes: Iran will not get a nuclear weapon. We will not stand by while there are those who try to kill us”.

Defence Minister Benny Gantz contended that “Iran, through Hizbollah, is trying to buy Lebanon by supplying fuel, repairing the electricity system and building power plants… Lebanon’s energy dependence on Iran may eventually lead to the establishment of Iranian bases on Lebanese soil and the destabilisation of the region”. The same day, IDF Chief of Staff Aviv Kohavi asserted: “Hizbollah has recently been increasing its negative activities, in a way that creates an ever-increasing risk of escalation, and tries to endanger Israel, but in practice also Lebanon and its citizens”.

Israel’s prime minister office, referring to U.S.-mediated maritime talks with Lebanon, stated that “it is both possible and necessary to reach an agreement... Such an agreement will be greatly beneficial and strengthen regional stability”. A spokesperson further underlined: “The production of gas from the Karish rig is not connected to these negotiations, and the production of gas from the rig will commence without delay, as soon as it is possible”.

The IDF reported that it had identified four individuals “hurling objects along the border fence with Syria toward Israel… IDF soldiers crossed the border and operated to stop them by firing toward the legs of one of the suspects. One of the suspects was injured and evacuated by a helicopter to a hospital”.

Asked about the Holocaust, President Raisi posited that “historical events should be investigated by researchers and historians. There are some signs that it happened. If so, they should allow it to be investigated and researched”. In response, IDF Chief of Staff Aviv Kohavi asserted that “anyone who distorts and denies the painful and solid truth of history lies easily today and will naturally lie in the future. This is another reminder that such people should not be allowed to possess any capacity of any kind to develop weapons of mass destruction”.

Syrian state media reported that Israeli airstrikes had targeted Damascus International Airport and some sites south of Damascus, killing five soldiers and causing material damage.

Israel’s defence minister addressed the maritime talks with Lebanon, saying “Israel is ready to reach a deal that will assist both countries economically and energy-wise. I believe there will be two gas rigs in the sea, one on the Israeli side and one on the Lebanese side”. He also warned that if Hizbollah’s leadership “wants to try and harm and to complicate this process, he is welcome to do so, the price is Lebanon… I hope for his sake that we won’t do this”. Relatedly, National Security Advisor Eyal Hulata asserted: “Israel wants a stable Lebanon. We want to weaken Hizbollah’s influence… We hope that the Lebanese leaedership will also work to reach an agreement and will not allow Hizbollah to increase instability. We are not deterred by Nasrallah’s threats”.

The head of Mossad claimed that “the [nuclear] deal is based on Iranian lies. Iran has sought to build a nuclear weapon that endangers Israel’s existence. The deal will easily help them reach this goal under international legitimisation”. He further affirmed that “even if a deal is signed, it will not provide immunity from Mossad operations”, adding: “The Iranian leadership must understand that attacks against Israel or Israelis, directly or indirectly by proxies, will be met with a painful response against those responsible, on Iranian soil. We will not pursue the proxies, but the ones who armed them and gave the orders, and this will happen in Iran”.

Prime Minister Yair Lapid remarked that Israel had “held a discreet and intensive dialogue with [the E3], and presented them with up-to-date intelligence information about Iranian activity at nuclear sites”, adding: “Israel is conducting a successful diplomatic campaign to stop the nuclear agreement and prevent the lifting of sanctions on Iran. It is not over yet. There is still a long way to go, but there are encouraging signs”. The following day, speaking alongside the German chancellor, Lapid opined that “it is time to move past the failed negotiations with Iran… Returning to the nuclear agreement, under the current conditions, would be a critical mistake”. Lapid further remarked that “there is another way… forward for the Middle East. It is the path of the Abraham Accords and the Negev Forum. A path based on a shared vision for the region. A vision not of war, extremism and terrorism but of peace, tolerance and cooperation”.
 

Prime Minister Yair Lapid asserted that “Israel is working to prevent Iran from establishing terrorist bases throughout the Middle East and especially in Syria… Israel will not allow Syria to be used as an axis for the transfer of weapons to terrorist organisations, and will not accept the establishment of Iranian bases or militia bases on our northern border”. The following day, Defence Minister Benny Gantz posited that Iran had built “production facilities [in Syria] for mid- and long-range precise missiles and weapons, provided to Hizbollah and Iranian proxies. In other words, it became yet another Iranian front – a factory for advanced, strategic weapons”. “These sites, particularly the underground facility at Masyaf”, Gantz added, “host significant threats to the region and to the State of Israel… Masyaf, specifically, is used to produce advanced missiles”. He also said, “the Iranians are currently working to build missile and weapon industries in Lebanon and Yemen… If this trend will not be stopped, within a decade, there will be advanced Iranian industries across the region, producing weapons and spreading terror”.

The head of the Shin Bet contended that “Iran’s influence is evident in the terror arena wherever it is, in the countries [surrounding Israel], in the Palestinian arena, in Israel and in cyberspace… Iran is the origin of most of the [terror] phenomena in the region and it also has a significant part in the instability we are experiencing in the Palestinian arena”.

In a statement regarding meetings in Washington between Israel’s intelligence chief and senior U.S. officials, the Prime Minister’s office indicated that “the Director of the Mossad presented sensitive intelligence materials, and emphasised that Israeli will not be able to stand idly by while Iran continues to deceive the world... The Americans emphasised that they will not allow Iran to obtain a nuclear weapon and that they will continue to act in full cooperation with the State of Israel”. 

Syrian state media reported Israeli airstrikes at Aleppo International Airport, knocking out the runway.

Prime Minister Yair Lapid remarked that “we are carrying out an intensive campaign, the goal of which is to prevent the signing of a dangerous nuclear agreement between Iran and the major powers”. He further described Israel’s policy as “to continue the pressure but without going too far. To present credible intelligence, to be part of the process without destroying our special relationship with the U.S.… The reservations that we have presented to the American administration have been taken into account. We have also spoken with our other partners. Demands have been made of the Iranians”.

Syria state media reported Israeli airstrikes against targets in south east of Damascus and Aleppo International Airport; the latter attack caused “severe damage”, according to Syria’s foreign ministry, making the runway unusable. Syria’s foreign minister described the operations as “playing with fire” and warned: “Syria will not remain silent… and the Israelis will pay the price sooner or later”. “The U.S and Western countries should be held responsible for encouraging Israel to increase its aggressions”, he added.

President Biden conferred with Prime Minister Yair Lapid “to consult on global and regional security challenges, including threats posed by Iran” and reiterated the “U.S. commitment to never allow Iran to acquire a nuclear weapon”. The Israeli readout also noted Lapid underscoring “the importance of the strikes President Biden ordered in Syria”.

The Pentagon announced that Boeing had “been awarded a not-to-exceed $972,492,124 undefinitised contract action for four KC-46A aircraft for Israel”, to be completed by the end of 2026. Israeli Defence Minister Benny Gantz hailed the move as a “further proof of the [U.S.-Israel] alliance and the strategic relations… The refueling plans we are purchasing, along with the procurement of a new F-35 squadron, heavy transport helicopters, submarines and advanced armaments – will serve the IDF amid the enormous challenges, near and far, that are about to be faced”.

President Raisi insisted that “without the resolution of the safeguard issues, there is no meaning of an agreement [to revive the JCPOA], the agreement must be accompanied by the resolution of the safeguard issues and its termination”. Relatedly, a website close to Iran’s Supreme National Security Council contended: “[IAEA Director General] Rafael Grossi’s political and non-legal behaviour towards Iran could be considered a serious obstacle to the conclusion of the agreement in Vienna talks, and will also darken the prospect of providing the ground for the implementation of the initial commitments of parties”. The same day, Israeli President Herzog affirmed that “the IAEA’s independence is critical. It should be strictly adhered to, including its ability to investigate violations of nuclear developments in Iran”, adding: “The Iranian President's statement today is perfectly clear: it says, 'We don’t respect the independence of the IAEA to investigate open cases’, which are major cases involving enriched uranium, located by IAEA inspectors”.

President Raisi underscored that “the threats of the Zionist Regime [ie, Israel] have not –and will not- go anywhere. The assassination of our precious nuclear scientists… [and] many acts of vandalism and sedition were meant to stop us, but we did not”. He further warned that Israel “should first see whether it can deal with the resistance forces in Palestine… Yesterday, it could withstand their stones, but today, can they cope with their rockets?”. The same day, Israeli President Herzog contended that “Iran has sworn itself to Israel’s destruction and is working tirelessly to destabilise our region and the entire world… Iran’s activities cannot go unpunished. And most critically, such a state must not be allowed to possess nuclear capabilities”.

Prime Minister Yair Lapid, discussing talks to revive the JCPOA, maintained that “we are making a concerted effort to ensure the Americans and Europeans understand the dangers involved in this agreement”, while highlighting: “Israel is not opposed to an agreement. It is both possible and necessary to make Iran sign a much better agreement, one that the Americans themselves dubbed Longer & Stronger… We can reach such an agreement if a credible military threat is put on the table, if the Iranians realise that their defiance and deceit will exact a heavy price”. He further asserted: “We have the right to defend ourselves. If an agreement is signed, it will not oblige us. We are not a party to it and it will not limit our actions. The IDF and the Mossad have received instructions from us to prepare for any scenario”.

U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan met with Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz and conferred on, inter alia, the “U.S. commitment to ensure Iran never obtains a nuclear weapon, and the need to counter threats from Iran and Iran-based proxies”. According to an Israeli readout, Gantz reaffirmed that “Israel opposes the nuclear agreement as was presented to relevant [U.S.] parties and emphasised several elements that are critical to the purpose of preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon”. He further emphasised the “importance of maintaining and advancing operational capabilities for both defensive and offensive purposes in face of Iran’s nuclear program, as well as its regional aggression. This is regardless of the discussion surrounding the agreement”. Gantz also visited CENTCOM headquarters during his U.S. visit.

The head of the Mossad contended that the U.S. was “rushing into an agreement [with Iran] that is a complete lie”, and underscored: “Israel is not signed on to the deal. Israel is permitted to defend itself any way possible - and will act this way. We cannot sit quietly and just watch as the danger grows closer”. He also briefed Prime Minister Yair Lapid on “the intelligence situation and the dangers involved in a return to the nuclear agreement”.

Syrian state media reported Israeli airstrikes around Hama and Tartous, injuring two and causing material damage.

Prime Minister Yair Lapid affirmed that “Israel is not against any agreement [with Iran]. We are against this agreement, because it is a bad one… In our eyes, it does not meet the standards set by President Biden himself: preventing Iran from becoming a nuclear state. This agreement endangers the independence of the IAEA”. Contending that an agreement would provide “a hundred billion dollars a year that will be used to undermine stability in the Middle East and spread terror around the globe”,  he asserted: “The sweeping removal of sanctions on sectors like banking… means the Iranians will have no problem whatsoever laundering money. Iran will assist other nations facing sanctions to evade them. They will be able to create a direct route for financing terror”. Lapid went on to maintain that “negotiations have reached the point where they [ie, Western powers] must stop and say ‘enough’”, while warning: “If a deal is signed, it does not obligate Israel. We will act to prevent Iran from becoming a nuclear state. We are not prepared to live with a nuclear threat above our heads from an extremist, violent Islamist regime”.

Alternate Prime Minister Naftali Bennett urged the U.S. “to refrain, even now at this last minute, from signing the agreement with Iran. This agreement will send approximately a quarter of a trillion dollars to the Iranian terror administration’s pocket and to its regional proxies and will enable Iran to develop, install and operate centrifuges, with almost no restrictions, in a mere two years”. “Throughout the past year, even when it was very close, we successfully convinced our White House counterparts not to give in to Iranian demands. I hope this will remain the case”, he added. “One way or another, the State of Israel is not a party to the agreement. Israel is not committed to any of the restrictions stemming from the agreement and will utilise all available tools to prevent the Iranian nuclear program from advancing”. The same day, U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan met with his Israeli counterpart and reiterated  “President Biden’s steadfast commitment to preserve and strengthen Israel’s capability to deter its enemies and to defend itself by itself against any threat or combination of threats, including from Iran and Iranian-backed proxies; and our commitment to ensure Iran never acquires a nuclear weapon”.

Israel’s defence minister warned that a Hizbollah attack against maritime gas facilities “could trigger a reaction… leading to several days of fighting and to a military campaign. We are strong and prepared for this scenario, but we don’t want it”.

In a call with the president of France, Prime Minister Lapid “reiterated Israel’s opposition to a return to the [nuclear] agreement as well as the need for a clear and unequivocal message that there will be no additional concessions to the Iranians”. According to a readout from the Prime Minister’s office, Lapid asserted that “the Iranians are continuing to conduct negotiations on an offer which was presented as ‘take it or leave it’”, cautioning: “In that offer, there are new elements that go beyond the limits of the original JCPOA... It will pave the way for significant investment to flow into Iran’s terrorist network and to strengthening the Iranian military”.

Referring to U.S.-mediated maritime talks between Lebanon and Israel, Hizbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah warned that “whether a nuclear deal with Iran is signed or not, if the U.S. mediator does not give Lebanon what it asked for in terms of its rights, we are heading towards an escalation”. 

The IDF chief of staff revealed that during an early August escalation between Israel and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, the military “had carried out a wave of arrests in [the West Bank], and at the same time attacked a third country, and carried out defence along the rest of the country’s borders”. Media speculation suggested that the third country may have been Yemen.

Prime Minister Yair Lapid expressed to Germany’s chancellor “Israel’s opposition to a return to the nuclear agreement, and the need for Europe to send a clear and unequivocal message that there will be no more concessions to Iran… Europe must oppose Iran buying time in negotiations”. Meeting the U.S. ambassador and a senior member of congress the same day, Lapid asserted: “the time has come to walk away from the table. Anything else sends a message of weakness to Iran… Now is the time to sit and talk about what to do going forward in order to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon”.

Prime Minister Yair Lapid expressed to Germany’s chancellor “Israel’s opposition to a return to the nuclear agreement, and the need for Europe to send a clear and unequivocal message that there will be no more concessions to Iran… Europe must oppose Iran buying time in negotiations”. Meeting the U.S. ambassador and a senior member of congress the same day, Lapid asserted: “the time has come to walk away from the table. Anything else sends a message of weakness to Iran… Now is the time to sit and talk about what to do going forward in order to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon”.

An EU official confirmed that Iran had responded to an EU-tabled draft that served as the basis for multilateral early August discussions in Vienna. Foreign Minister Amirabdollahian maintained that “there are three issues that if resolved, we can reach an agreement in the coming days”. A U.S. diplomatic spokesperson on 16 August noted that “we’re in the process of studying [Iran’s comments]. We are at the same time engaged in consultations with the EU and our European allies on the way ahead”. An unnamed Israeli official subsequently opined that “despite the differences and gaps, there is a momentum and a more positive dialogue toward reaching an agreement… Israel sees the current agreement as a bad agreement and emphasises to its partners the danger of signing such an agreement. The Iranians operate in a well-known tactic of shuffling and stalling for more concessions”.

Syrian state media reported that Israel had launched missiles against targets near Damascus and Tartous, killing three soldiers and injuring another three. Media reports citing Syrian sources suggested that the former site was manned by Hizbollah, and the latter said to be “an Iranian base”.

Syrian state media reported that Israel had fired “two tank missiles" at a village in Quneitra, injuring two.

Defence Minister Benny Gantz contended that “while the world watched ‘another escalation between Israel and Gaza’, I… emphasise: The Iranian ayatollahs are involved on this front. Islamic Jihad in Gaza is a violent Iranian proxy”. He added: “Iran provides Islamic Jihad in Gaza with tens of millions of dollars per year [and] via the IRGC, transfers know-how and attempts to smuggle materials to Gaza, which are then used to build weapons aimed at civilians”. Gantz went on to warn that “our eyes and targets focus on anyone who threatens the security of our citizens, from Khan Younis to Tehran... On the strategic level, Israel will continue to work with our partners in facing Iranian aggression, which harms security and stability everywhere, from the Israel-Gaza border, to the Mediterranean Sea, to the Gulf and beyond”.

Prime Minister Yair Lapid stated that Israel had “carried out a precise counter-terror operation against an immediate threat” after the IDF killed a senior Palestinian Islamic Jihad commander, a group he described as “an Iranian proxy that wants to destroy the State of Israel and kill innocent Israelis”. “The head of Islamic Jihad is in Tehran as we speak”, he noted. Iran’s diplomatic spokesperson condemned the attack as “criminal, adventurous and provocative”.

Prime Minister Yair Lapid emphasised to his British counterpart “the need to apply pressure and have a credible military threat, in order to prevent Iran from becoming a nuclear threshold state”. The same day, Defence Minister Benny Gantz contended that “Iran is a global problem”, adding: “We are able to seriously harm and delay the nuclear [program]”. He further affirmed that “we are very unsatisfied with the [nuclear] agreement, which would be a bad agreement because it would be a temporary delay”.

Defence Minister Benny Gantz conferred with U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan on “the growing threat posed by Iran to the world, the region and to the State of Israel via its nuclear program and growing aggression via proxies, maritime activities, cyber attacks and more, and ways to create a united front against the region’s biggest destabiliser”.

Syrian state media reported Israeli airstrikes against “some points in the vicinity of Damascus”, killing three soldiers and injuring seven. Syria’s foreign ministry wrote to the UN emphasising its “right to respond by appropriate means”, while contending: “These Israeli attacks cannot be treated in isolation from the U.S. aggression… and its occupation of north east Syria, its looting of oil and supplying of weapons to the militias hired by Washington in order to impede the political solution and the restoration of security and stability to Syria”. Iran’s diplomatic spokesperson denounced the attack, urging the UN Security Council “to deal with continuous crimes and high-risk conduct” of Israel.

Prime Minister Yair Lapid maintained that “Israel is interested in Lebanon being a stable and prosperous neighbour that is neither a platform for Hizbollah terrorism nor an Iranian tool… While we have no interest in escalation, Hizbollah’s aggression is unacceptable and is liable to lead the entire region into an unnecessary escalation, just when there is a genuine opportunity for Lebanon to develop its energy resources”. “Israel is taking action against all of Iran’s proxies in the region and beyond, and will continue to do so”, Lapid added. “Iran is the largest exporter of terrorism in the world. We will act on our own and in tandem with other countries in the region to prevent Iran from undermining regional stability”. The Prime Minister also flew over the Karish natural gas field and posited: “Israel’s natural gas reserves have the potential to contribute toward a solution for the global energy crisis. Lebanon could also benefit from developing the reserves in its economic waters, through negotiations, which should be concluded forthwith”.

The Israeli military reported downing a UAV “that likely belongs to the Hizbollah terrorist army [and] crossed from Lebanon into Israel”.

CENTCOM Commander Kurilla met with Israeli military officials to discuss “the importance of an integrated air and missile defence system, as well as the continued need for strong regional security cooperation”. According to a readout from Israel’s defence minister, the two sides also conferred “on developing regional challenges, including Iran’s destabilising activities via proxies and in the maritime arena”.

The Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation announced “the decision to open the Kingdom’s airspace for all air carriers that meet the requirement of the Authority for flying”. President Biden stated that “Saudi Arabia’s historic decision to open its airspace for all civilian planes, including those flying to and from Israel, is an important step towards building a more integrated and stable Middle East region”. “Saudi Arabia’s decision”, he added, “can help build momentum toward Israel’s further integration into the region, including with Saudi Arabia. I will do all that I can, through direct diplomacy and leader-to-leader engagement, to keep advancing this groundbreaking process”. Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid also welcomed the announcement as the result of “a long road of intense and covert diplomacy with Saudi Arabia and the U.S.”, noting: “This is only the first step”.

National Security Advisor Eyal Hulata asserted that “Israel will act as it sees fit. We’ve acted quite a lot in Iran over the past year, and the U.S. is backing us. We are acting with logic and responsibility, and everyone can see this isn’t harming the relationship between the U.S. president and Israel – on the contrary”.

Speaking alongside President Biden in Jerusalem, Prime Minister Yair Lapid said with respect to Iran that “world will stop them… Diplomacy will not stop them. The only thing that will stop Iran is knowing that if they continue to develop their nuclear program, the free world will use force. The only way to stop them is to put a credible military threat on the table”. Biden underscored “America’s commitment to ensuring Iran never obtains a nuclear weapon… I continue to believe that diplomacy is the best way to achieve this outcome”. He further affirmed that the U.S. would “continue to work with Israel to counter other threats from Iran throughout the region”. The two sides also issued The Jerusalem U.S.-Israel Strategic Partnership Joint Declaration, in which the U.S. said “it is prepared to use all elements of its national power” to prevent Iran acquiring a nuclear weapon. Meanwhile, President Raisi warned the U.S. and its regional allies that “Iran does not accept any insecurity and crisis in the region, and committing any mistake in this region will be responded with a decisive and regrettable response”; Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson declared: “As long as the fake state of Israel is the first stop on the American presidents visits to the region and their first goal is to maintain its security and superiority, the regional nations and countries will not achieve peace and stability”.

Hizbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah asserted that their 2 July drone operation over Karish maritime gas field was “a modest beginning to where the situation could be heading… The message of the drones meant that we are serious and we are not after a psychological war… Whatever we are supposed to do, we will without any hesitation. This message was understood by the Israelis and by the Americans”. “Whether our message was understood in Lebanon or not, we don’t care about that. What is important for us is that the enemy gets the message”, he added. He went on to warn that should the U.S. not “give us our rights that are demanded by the state and if you don’t allow companies to extract [oil] God knows what we will do. We will turn over the table in the face of the world”.

Prime Minister Yair Lapid urged the international community “to return to the UN Security Council and activate the sanctions mechanism at full force” after Iran increased its uranium enrichment capacity, adding: “Israel, for its part, reserves for itself full freedom of action, diplomatic and operational, in the fight against the Iranian nuclear program”. He further asserted that “Israel will not stand idly by while Iran tries to attack us. Our security services know how to reach anyone, anywhere – and they will do just that”.

A White House official noted that “bilaterally we’re talking with nations across the region about air defence capabilities specifically and what we can do to assist with their defence and then, exploring the idea of being able to kind of integrate all those air defenses together”. “There really is effective coverage to deal with Iran”, he added. Iran’s diplomatic spokesperson described the U.S. goal as “Iranophobia and division among the countries in the region”, while a website close to Iran’s Supreme National Security council warned: “Creation of joint defense pact in the region by the U.S. with participation and hidden management of Zionists [ie, Israel] is a threatening act. If the implementation of such plans threatens security of Iran in any way, it will face initial decisive response to the nearest and most accessible targets”.

Syrian state media reported that Israel had launched a rocket that struck near Quneitra, killing one.

Prime Minister Lapid noted that “there have been repeated attacks on Israeli gas rigs. Israel will not agree to this type of attacks on its sovereignty and everyone who does so must know they are taking an unnecessary risk to their well-being. The Government of Lebanon needs to restrain Hizbollah in the face of such attacks or we will be compelled to do so”. The same day, Defence Minister Benny Gantz contended that the 2 July incident aimed to “disrupt the negotiations that are taking place on the maritime border between Israel and Lebanon”, and called it “an attack on Lebanese citizens… [that] shows Hizbollah is an extension of the Ayatollah’s regime – operating to destabilise the region and to cause miscalculations”. On 6 July, the Israeli military reported that in late June it had intercepted “a drone belonging to Hizbollah which was heading from Lebanon towards Israel’s territorial waters… The drone was dropped a far distance from the maritime border, without posing a threat or danger to Israel”.

Israeli Defence Minister Benny Gantz contended that “Iran is expanding its aggressive operations in the region in general, and in the naval arena in particular”. Presenting satellite images, Gantz maintained that “the presence of Iran’s military forces in the Red Sea in recent months is the most significant in a decade. It is a direct threat to trade, energy and the global economy”.

Speaking alongside President Macron, Prime Minister Yair Lapid contended that “Iran is violating the [nuclear] agreement and continues to develop its nuclear program. Iran is hiding information from the world, it is enriching uranium beyond the level it is allowed to, and it has removed cameras from its nuclear sites. Given all this, the world must respond”. He further underlined the need for “a new deal with Iran… that is more efficient and better defined, a deal with no expiration date, a deal with coordinated international pressure that would prevent Iran from becoming a nuclear threshold state”. “The current situation cannot continue as it is”, he emphasised. “It will lead to a nuclear arms race in the Middle East, which would threaten world peace”.

Syrian state media reported that Israel had “carried out an air missile aggression… [against] several poultry farms” in western Syria, resulting in two civilian injuries and material damage.

The Israeli military announced that it had “intercepted three hostile UAVs from Lebanon which approached the airspace over Israel’s economic waters… An initial inquiry suggests that the UAVs did not pose any imminent threat”. Hizbollah claimed that its drones had conducted “reconnaissance” operations “over Karish maritime gas filed in the disputable zone”, adding: “The mission was completed and the messages were delivered”. The following day, Prime Minister Lapid contended that “Hizbollah is continuing on the path of terrorism and is hurting Lebanon’s ability to reach an agreement on a maritime border. Israel will continue to defend itself, its citizens and its assets”.

Yair Lapid took office as Israel’s prime minister. The following day, he affirmed that “the Iranian threat is the gravest threat facing Israel. We’ll do whatever we must to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear capability, or entrenching itself on our borders”. “I… say to everyone seeking our demise, from Gaza to Tehran, from the shores of Lebanon to Syria: Don’t test us. Israel knows how to use its strength against every threat, against every enemy”, he warned. 

Israel’s defence minister disclosed what he described as “recent malign activities conducted by Iranian security institutions in cooperation with Hizbollah”, asserting: “They launched a cyber operation with the aim of stealing materials about UNIFIL [UN Interim Force in Lebanon] activities and deployments in the area, for Hizbollah’s use. This is yet another direct attack by Iran and Hizbollah on Lebanese citizens and Lebanon’s stability”. In a statement, UNIFIL indicated that it had “not received any direct information on the alleged incident”. Gantz further asserted that IRGC-linked units had “tried to carry out operation against international, including charities and government networks in the U.S.”, and additionally noted “research to damage ships, gas stations and industrial plants in several Western countries… under the direct instructions of Iran’s leadership”.

Israel’s National Security Council announced that “the travel warning for Istanbul will be lowered back [from Level 4] to Level 3, which constitutes an intermediate threat”, adding “Several Iranian initiatives to attack Israeli citizens in Istanbul were thwarted… [which] led to the lowering of the threat level”. The Counter-Terrorism Division cautioned that “the Iranian motivation is still high… There are still efforts to build infrastructures on the one hand and to locate potential Israeli and Jewish targets on the other”.

The U.S., Israel, Bahrain and other members of the Negev Forum Steering Committee convened an inaugural meeting in Bahrain “to further coordinate… [the members’] collective efforts and advance a common vision for the region”. In a joint statement, participants said the “meeting demonstrates the strength of our relations, our shared commitment to cooperation and the important opportunities unlocked by improved relations between Israel and its neighbours, showing what can be achieved by working together to overcome shared challenges”. 

Defence Minister Benny Gantz remarked that “with the expected or possible resumption of the nuclear talks, we will continue to work together with the U.S. and other countries in order to make our position clear and influence the crafting of the deal – if there is such… Israel does not oppose a nuclear deal in itself. It opposes a bad deal”.

Anonymous hackers operating under the name “Gonjeshke Darande” claimed credit for a cyberattack that targeted three Iranian steel companies. The following day, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett asserted that “just like there’s nuclear deterrence, there’s going to be cyber deterrence… My approach generally with our enemies, especially Iran, is, we don’t go around just wreaking havoc in Tehran. That’s never been our policy. Our policy is, though, that if you mess with Israel, you’ll pay a price. And you can no longer hit Israel indirectly through proxies, through Hizbollah, through Hamas, and think you’ll get away with it”. “If anyone attacks us on cyber, we’re going to attack back. We’re not going to be feeble”, he added.

Amidst reports of Turkish authorities having foiled Iranian plots against Israeli citizens visiting Turkey, and following a meeting with his Turkish counterpart, Foreign Minister Yair Lapid asserted: “Iran is behind these attempted terrorist attacks… We’re not only talking about the murder of innocent Israeli tourists, but also a clear violation of Turkish sovereignty by Iranian terror”. “We are confident that Turkey knows how to respond to the Iranians on this matter”, Lapid added. “For its part, Israel won’t sit idly-by when there are attempts to harm its citizens in Israel and around the world”. The following day, Iran’s diplomatic spokesperson rejected the claims as a “ridiculous fabricated scenario… The theatrics of this terrorist regime are not believed by anyone, and even if some parties seem to have a show of support based on fleeting expediency, in reality they know what a dangerous regime they are facing”.

Defence Minister Benny Gantz told the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee of a “Middle East Air Defence Alliance” being developed in coordination with the U.S., and asserted that “this program is already operative and has already enabled the successful interception of Iranian attempts to attack Israel and other countries”. He also asserted that “Iran’s refusal to cooperate with the IAEA is prove that it cannot be a partner to a new nuclear deal that will distance it from obtaining nuclear weapons… The entire world, under the leadership of our friend the U.S., must exert political economic and even military pressure on Tehran”. “I have raised with colleagues in the Pentagon the comprehensive plan of action, which we are preparing to bolster Israeli cooperation with others in the region with American support”, Gantz added.

Prime Minister Naftali Bennett remarked that “we are currently witnessing Iranian attempts to attack Israelis in various overseas locations. The security services of the State of Israel are working to thwart attempted attacks before they are launched. We will continue to strike those who send the terrorists and those who send those who send them. Our new rule is: Whoever sends – pays”. The following day, Bennett announced that “in a joint Israeli-Turkish effort, we thwarted a number of terrorist attempts, and numerous terrorists were arrested on Turkish ground… We are continuing to work together with the goal of bringing the situation in Turkey and Israeli tourism back to normal. We have to finish the counterterrorism operations”.

Israel’s embassy in Argentina stated that “Israel is particularly concerned about the activities of the Iranian airlines Mahan Air and Qeshm Fars Air in Latin America”, which it said were “engaged in arms trafficking and the transfer of persons and equipment operating for the Quds Force”.

Foreign Minister Yair Lapid contended that “the Iranian nuclear issue needs to return to the UN Security Council and all sanctions need to be reactivated… This is the next step in the diplomatic struggle against the Iranian nuclear program. The previous steps failed, and the IAEA decision says that they failed”. He further maintained that “the American decision not to remove the definition of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terror organisation is a victory of Israeli diplomacy”, while acknowledging that Israel and the U.S. had “a fundamental disagreement”, adding: “They still think the JCPOA is the right thing and we don’t… We want to isolate Iran in the international arena. We have tools, both multilateral and with the Americans”.

Defence Minister Benny Gantz contended that “in the face of Iranian belligerence... what is needed is not just cooperation, but also a regional force build-up, with American leadership, which would strengthen all parties involved. On this, we are working continually, for the sake of the security of Israel’s citizens”.

Foreign Minister Yair Lapid announced that “following the events of recent weeks in Turkey and after a series of attempted Iranian terrorist attacks against Israelis on vacation in Istanbul, we call on Israelis not to fly to Istanbul”, adding: “These terror attacks… have intentionally chosen Israeli citizens in order to kidnap them or kill them… It’s a real and immediate danger”. He further warned Iran: “Whoever harms Israelis will pay. We will find them, no matter where they are”. The following day, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett indicated that “in recent days, we have witnessed attempts to harm Israelis in various destinations abroad… Israel’s security forces are doing everything to thwart these attacks and to neutralise the attackers and their operators. We will not hesitate to use the power of the State of Israel anywhere in the world, for the protection of our citizens”.

Prime Minister Naftali Bennett contended that “Iran is enriching uranium at an unprecedented rate and moving dangerously close to getting their hands on nuclear weapons. Without pressure from the West, the Islamic regime in Iran could get their hands on a nuclear bomb very soon”. “The world must take a firm stance and tell the Islamic regime in Iran: no nukes, no sanctions. Iran’s nuclear program won’t stop until it’s stopped”, Bennett emphasised.

Syrian state media reported that Israel had conducted air strikes against “some post south of Damascus”, injuring one and causing material damage. Service at Damascus airport was halted, with the transport ministry asserting that the strike “caused heavy damages to the airport’s infrastructure”. Speaking with his Syrian counterpart, Iranian Foreign Minister Amirabdollahian condemned the attack and asserted Iran would “always stand with the government and people of Syria”.

U.S. Central Command announced that “coalition and regional partner air forces joined two U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortresses… on a presence patrol mission across the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility” the previous day. A senior U.S. commander highlighted that “these highly coordinated efforts demonstrate our combined ability to provide global reach and joint security to the region”.

Israel Prime Minister Naftali Bennett hailed an IAEA resolution urging Iranian cooperation on outstanding safeguard issues, calling it “a significant decision that exposes Iran’s face”. “Today’s IAEA vote is a clear warning light to Iran: If Iran continues its activity, the leading countries must bring the matter back to the UN Security Council”, Bennett asserted.

Prime Minister Naftali Bennett told the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee that there had been “a turning point in the Israeli strategy vis-à-vis Iran” during his first year in office, asserting: “The days of immunity, in which Iran attacks Israel and spreads terrorism via its regional proxies but remains unscathed – are over. We are taking action, everywhere, at any time, and will continue to do so”. He further contended that “in recent years, Iran has crossed a series of red lines, especially in enriching uranium at a level of 60 per cent without a response… Israel cannot – and will not – accept such a situation”. “[Israel] will continue to reserve the freedom to take such action against the Iranian nuclear program as may be necessary, at any time, with or without an agreement. Nothing will tie our hands”, Bennett underscored. He also called on the IAEA Board of Governors to “send a clear warning signal to the regime in Iran and clarify to it that if it continues with its policy of defiance in the nuclear sphere, they will pay a painful price for it”.

Syrian state media reported that Israel had conducted air strikes against “some sites south of Damascus City”, causing material damage.

Microsoft announced that it had “successfully detected and disabled attack activity abusing OneDrive by a previously undocumented Lebanon-based activity group”, evaluating “with moderate confidence that the observed activity was coordinated with other actors affiliated with Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence and Security (MOIS)”. “Such collaboration or direction from Tehran”, the company added, “would align with a string of revelations since late 2020 that the Government of Iran is using third parties to carry out cyber operations on their behalf, likely to enhance Iran’s plausible deniability”. Microsoft further revealed that “since February 2022, POLONIUM has been observed primarily targeting organisations in Israel with a focus on critical manufacturing, IT and Israel’s defence industry”.

A joint statement following the U.S.-Israel Strategic Consultative Group noted that senior officials from both sides had “committed to coordinate on efforts to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon and toward deterring Iran’s aggressive regional activities. They also discussed economic and diplomatic steps to achieve these goals and reviewed ongoing cooperation between the U.S. and Israeli militaries”. The statement went on to note a mutual commitment to “remain in close coordination on the full range of issues of mutual interests and to remain united against all threats to their national security”.

Foreign Minister Yair Lapid asserted that any deal with Iran would not “apply to us in any way, and we are going to do whatever is necessary to make sure Iran doesn’t become a threshold nuclear country”. He also asserted: “We have told the world we are not willing to take it anymore. Iran says we can bring the war to your doorstep, because you will never bring it to ours. This is not going to happen… If the Iranians are bringing war to our doorstep, then they’re going to find war at theirs. If they want to avoid it, then we will avoid it as well”.

Israel released a set of documents showing, according to Prime Minister Bennett, that Iran previously “stole classified documents from the UN’s Atomic Agency, Iran used that information to figure out what the atomic agency was hoping to find, and then created cover stories and hid evidence to evade their nuclear probes”. “Iran lied to the world, Iran is lying to the world again right now, and the world must make sure that Iran doesn’t get away scot-free”, Bennett warned.

Israel’s National Security Council issued a warning indicating that “for several weeks, especially since Iran has accused Israel in the [22 May] death of an IRGC officer… there is increasing concern in the security establishment regarding Iranian efforts to attack Israeli targets around the world”. The statement specified Turkey as “a country that currently has a high level of risk for Israelis”, adding: “The warning stems from a tangible threat”. “There is also a higher threat level in additional countries bordering Iran. Therefore, Israeli citizens should be alert and take care to show all due caution regarding travel to any of these countries”, the statement added.

Prime Minister Naftali Bennett told his cabinet that “for many years, the Iranian regime has carried out terrorism against Israel and the region via proxies but for some reason the head of the octopus – Iran itself – has enjoyed immunity. As we have said more than once, the era of immunity for the Iranian regime is over. Those who finance terrorists, those who arm terrorists and those who send terrorists – will pay the full price”.

Foreign Minister Yair Lapid conferred with Secretary of State Antony Blinken on, inter alia, “dealing with Iran and its terrorist proxies”. “We agreed to continue to cooperate and act to reduce tensions in the region”, an Israeli readout added.

The Israeli military indicated that it had “no concern of leaked information” after a crashed IDF drone was reportedly recovered by Lebanese forces. 

The U.S. State Department asserted that “the U.S. is deeply disturbed by the Iraqi Parliament’s passage of legislation that criminalises normalisation of relations with Israel”, adding: “The U.S. will continue to be a strong and unwavering partner in supporting Israel, including as it expands ties with its neighbours in the pursuit of greater peace and prosperity for all”. Israel’s foreign ministry denounced the decision, asserting that the “law puts Iraq and the Iraqi people on the wrong side of history” and urging “the Iraqi people not to support this extremist position”.

Reacting to reports on Iran having in the past “used secret UN records to evade nuclear probes”, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett stated that “the exposure of Iran's systematic program to deceive the IAEA – which was based around documents that Iran stole from the IAEA – is a wake-up call to the world. This is additional proof of Iranian efforts to advance toward achieving nuclear weapons… Apart from the deception, the documents attest to prohibited and ongoing nuclear activity, which reveals new issues that demand investigation”. “The time has come for the IAEA Board of Governors to issue a clear message to Iran: Enough!”, he added.

The U.S. sanctioned “a Hamas finance official as well as an expansive network of three Hamas financial facilitators and six companies that have generated revenue for the terrorist group”; one of the individuals blacklisted was described as having “managed Hamas’s operational expenses and oversaw the transfer of large sums of money on behalf of Hamas, including transfers from Iran and Saudi Arabia”.

Asked about reports about “a U.S. brokered deal involving [Saudi Arabia,] Egypt and Israel”, Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan maintained that “we always envisioned that there will be full normalisation with Israel… a full normalisation between us and Israel, between the region and Israel, will bring immense benefits – we won’t be able to reap those benefits unless we address the issue of Palestine”. On 26 May, the White House confirmed that two senior U.S. officials had been “in the region to follow up on conversations on a range of issues, including Iran’s destabilising activities, ensuring stable global energy supplies and other regional issues”.

Prime Minister Naftali Bennett praised what he described as “the decision by the U.S. Administration to keep Iran’s IRGC on the Foreign Terrorist Organizations list – which is where it belongs”.

The IRGC announced the death of a Quds Force colonel, identified as Sayad Khodai, who was shot in Tehran. President Raisi said he had “agreed for our security forces to seriously follow up on this matter and I have no doubt that revenge for the pure blood of our martyr will be taken”; Iran’s military chief of staff and IRGC commander Hossein Salami echoed the sentiment. The IRGC’s spokesperson warned that “thugs, rogue elements and remnants of terrorist groups affiliated with the global arrogance and Zionism [ie, the U.S. and Israel] will be punished for their criminal acts”. The same day as Khodai’s killing, the IRGC claimed to have arrested what was described as “a network of thugs affiliated with Israel’s spy services”.

The IDF announced that Israeli military officials had met with Lebanese and UN officials the previous day, and “highlighted the increase of hostile forces and illegal weapons along the Blue Line”.

Syrian state media reported three fatalities in what it said were Israeli missile strikes south of Damascus. 

Defence Minister Benny Gantz met with Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, underscoring “the importance of acting decisively against Iran’s regional aggression and strengthening our regional coalition under U.S. leadership”. According to a U.S. readout, the two conferred on, inter alia, the U.S.’s “commitment to preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and addressing Iran’s destabilising actions throughout the region”. Austin also praised “Israel’s deepening relationships with countries across the region and the increasing opportunities for military-to-military cooperation enabled by Israel’s transition into the U.S. Central Command Area of Responsibility”. Gantz held a separate meeting with U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan.

The Shin Bet exposed what was described as “an attempt by Iranian operatives to lure Israeli academics, business people and former defence officials abroad, in an effort to kidnap or otherwise harm them”. “It is a well-known method of operation of the Iranian intelligence and security bodies, headed by the Intelligence Organisation of the Revolutionary Guards, Quds Force and the Ministry of Intelligence”, the statement noted.

Referring to the transfer by Iran of what he described as “accurate munitions” to its regional allies, Defence Minister Benny Gantz declared: “Israel will continue to halt these efforts and prevent the threat to its citizens and the region”, adding: “The quantity of this strategic weapon in the hands of Iranian emissaries has increased significantly in the past year. In Iraq, there are hundreds of [munitions]; many dozens have been added this year. In Yemen, the number of [munitions] has increased in the past year, and the Huthis hold dozens of them”.

Israel’s military reported downing “a Hizbollah drone [that had] crossed from Lebanon into Israeli airspace”.

Defence Minister Benny Gantz asserted that “Iran continues to accumulate irreversible knowledge and experience in the development, research, production and operation of advanced centrifuges… It stands just a few weeks away from accumulating fissile material that will be sufficient for a first [nuclear] bomb, holds 60 kg of enriched material at 60 per cent, produces metallic uranium at the enrichment level of 20 per cent and prevents the IAEA from accessing its facilities”. Gantz went on to warn that “the price for tackling the Iranian challenge on a global or regional level is higher than it was a year ago and lower than it will be in a year”. “‘The cost of such a future war, which we hope will not happen, can be prevented or reduced’ with tougher negotiations by world powers”, he was cited as saying.

Visiting Northern Command, Defence Minister Benny Gantz asserted that “Israel will continue to act against any enemy that threatens it, and prevent the transfer of advanced capabilities from Iran that endanger the citizens of Israel and harm the stability of the entire region”. He further described the objective of a month-long military exercise as “preparing for various scenarios against our enemies in the various theaters, and against Hizbollah and Hamas, which also operates from Lebanon”.

Syrian state media reported Israeli missile strikes against “some points in the central region”, causing five civilian fatalities and injuries to seven to others.

Israel’s national security advisor stated that “we are not looking for a confrontation with Iran – we don’t consider that to be a solution... [Israel] does not want to drag the U.S. into a military confrontation”. He further warned that “the money Iran receives now [from a revived JCPOA] will fuel the assistance it provides to terror organisations… Nothing can be gained from [the old] agreement. There’s a better chance of reaching a good agreement without returning to the old one”.

Syrian state media reported Israeli missile strikes in Quneitra, causing material loss; there were further reports of artillery fire in the area.

Israel announced the arrest of “three suspects who approached the northern border between Israel and Lebanon in a weapon smuggling attempt”.

The Shin Bet announced that it had exposed an Iranian intelligence operation via a fake Facebook account, asserting: “Overtures over social media are known methods used by terror groups and Iranian intelligence to enlist Israelis and bring them to take action. In recent months, increased efforts to contact Israelis online have been made, using bogus covers in order to collect intelligence and carry out terror attacks”.

Media reports citing Israeli sources indicated that “the Mossad intelligence agency recently thwarted an Iranian assassination attempt on an employee of the Israeli Consulate in Istanbul”, adding that “a senior U.S. general in Germany and a journalist in France” were also on the target list. On 2 May, Israel’s prime minister office asserted that the plans “were ordered, approved and funded by the senior leadership of the Iranian regime and were intended to be executed by the IRGC”.

IRGC Quds Force Commander Esmail Qaani claimed that Iran had successfully conducted two drone operations over the Israeli territory, without specifying when.

Syrian state media reported Israeli airstrikes “targeting some sites in the vicinity of Damascus”, killing four soldiers and injuring three.

Israel’s military reported that “a projectile was launched from Lebanon into northern Israel… [falling] in an open area”, in response to which IDF Artillery forces targeted “the source of the launch”. An Israeli military spokesperson assessed that the attack was “linked to the Muslim holy month of Ramadan and the riots on the Temple Mount”, and said Israel’s reaction aimed “to make clear to all who are on the other side, whether it is Palestinian factions, Hamas, the government of Lebanon or Hizbollah that we won’t allow Israeli sovereignty to be violated”. Relatedly, Defence Minister Benny Gantz called upon “the Lebanese government [to] take responsibility for what happens on its territory”, warning: “If terrorism and violence continue, we will know to use the necessary force against the right targets”. The same day, the IDF reported firing warning shots as two individuals “attempting to smuggle two weapons and approximately 100 grenades into Israel” from Lebanon were spotted at the Blue Line.

The IDF reported that an Israeli drone had landed in Syrian territory during what it described as routine activity, with “no fear of information leak“.

President Biden conferred with Prime Minister Naftali Bennett on, inter alia, “shared regional and global security challenges, including the threat posed by Iran and its proxies”. According to an Israeli readout, the two discussed “the Iranian demand to remove the IRGC from the U.S. Foreign Terror Organisation (FTO) list”, with Bennett asserting: “I am sure that President Biden… will not allow the IRGC to be removed from the list… Israel has clarified its position on the issue: The IRGC is the largest terrorist organisation in the world”, Bennet asserted.

U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan told his Israeli counterpart that “the U.S. is attuned to Israel’s concerns about threats to its security, including first-and-foremost from Iran and Iranian-backed proxies”. According to a U.S. readout, the two sides “agreed to further enhance the ongoing coordination through the U.S.-Israel Strategic Consultative Group and strengthen security and diplomatic cooperation wherever possible with other regional partners”.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken conferred with Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid on, inter alia, “common efforts to confront global challenges, including those posed by Iran and its proxies”.

Syrian state media reported Israeli airstrikes near Damascus, causing material damage.

Israeli Defence Minister Benny Gantz indicated that “Israel is operating against weapons transfers and other Iranian threats. In the recent period, we are seeing more stability in Syria and I see that there is some activity between Syria and members of the Arab League. If Assad wishes to be part of the [near] region, he will have to [cut] his negative ties to Iran and the terror that emanates from Syria”.

Defence Minister Benny Gantz remarked that “Iran is continuing its uranium enrichment… and they are close to 90 per cent enrichment, once they decide to reach it. I understand the need for an agreement, but if an agreement [is not] reached, we must activate Plan B immediately”. He further asserted that intelligence cooperation would “make up for the lack of inspection in a possible agreement, since inspection should be ‘anytime, anywhere’”, adding: “I can also see the possibility for future cooperation in air defence”. Gantz further maintained that Israel would “have to increase offensive capabilities, intercept regional activities carried out by Iran in other countries, increase our defensive capacities and communicate with the Iranian society held hostage by the regime in the long run”.

Syrian state media reported Israeli airstrikes in the central region, causing material damage.

Syrian state media reported Israeli airstrikes in the central region, causing material damage.

Defence Minister Benny Gantz asserted “we are in a race against time” with regards to Iran’s nuclear program, and described the characteristics of a good deal as one “that doesn’t have an expiration date that gives Iran legitimacy to advance its nuclear program when it ends, with extensive monitoring everywhere at any time and monitoring the ballistic missiles Iran is developing”. Gantz also called for a Plan B in the event there was no agreement, saying “use force, use economic pressure, use diplomatic pressure”.

At the end of a 10-day joint maritime exercise with the U.S. 5th Fleet, the IDF noted that “for the first time, Israeli Navy missile ships practiced refueling from an American replenishment tanker in the Red Sea, which increases the Israeli Navy’s operational range and abilities”.

IDF Chief of Staff Aviv Kohavi assessed that Israeli strikes “had a decisive impact on preventing the entrenchment of Iranian forces in Syria, on preventing the establishment of Hizbollah forces in the southern Golan Heights, on preventing enemy intensification with advanced weapons systems, and on the direct and immediate thwarting of threats to infiltrate Israel”.

U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan noted that the Negev Summit participants had “agreed to form permanent working groups with an aim to improve security and livelihoods across the region”, adding: “We now aim to further expand this circle of like-minded states”. 

The U.S. and nine other countries, including Saudi Arabia and Israel, conducted a bomber task force mission across the CENTCOM area of responsibility. A U.S. Air Force commander stated that “this mission clearly signaled our ability to quickly bring forces to the theatre and operate seamlessly with our partners during a training event that signals our combined commitment to regional stability and defence”.

Top diplomats from Israel, the U.S., Bahrain, Morocco, Egypt and the UAE convened the Negev Summit which, according to Foreign Minister Yair Lapid would become “a permanent forum”. “This new architecture, the shared capabilities we are building, intimidates and deters our common enemies - first and foremost Iran and its proxies - they certainly have something to fear”, he asserted. Iran’s diplomatic spokesperson condemned the summit, cautioned against Israeli “sedition in the region” and expressed “Iran’s readiness to cooperate and expand bilateral relations with the countries of the region to counter the Zionist-American conspiracy”.

Speaking alongside Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid maintained that “we have disagreements about a nuclear agreement and its consequences, but open and honest dialogue is part of the strength of our friendship… Israel will do anything we believe is needed to stop the Iran