AGP Executive Report

US-Iran Deal Watch: Pakistan’s PM Shehbaz Sharif says a US-Iran framework peace deal is close, with an electronic signing expected within 24 hours—though Iran is already tempering the timeline; the reported package would reopen the Strait of Hormuz, extend a ceasefire, and phase economic rewards tied to nuclear steps, keeping Israel and markets on edge. Energy & Growth Shock: A new analysis warns the Iran-driven disruption is bigger than oil—hitting shipping, fertilizer, food and finance—and could weigh on global growth through 2027. Security & Espionage: Israel says it dismantled an alleged Iranian-linked spy network and indicted a Haifa man over intelligence work for Iran. Shelter Readiness: Israel’s home-front update highlights a looming civil defense gap, with millions lacking standard protection as rocket threats persist. West Bank Violence & Settlements: Reports describe intensified settler attacks under army protection, alongside approvals for new settlement funding and housing units. Lebanon Escalation: Airstrikes and evacuation orders continue in southern Lebanon despite ceasefire talk, while Hezbollah claims drone and rocket attacks. Israel Business Angle: The Eastern Mediterranean Energy Center is set to be launched by the US, Cyprus, Greece and Israel, aiming to strengthen regional gas and LNG cooperation. Travel/Health: Israel restricts travel from several African countries over Ebola risk. UK Political Pressure: UK lawmakers push to cancel a London real-estate event tied to settlement land sales.

Global Growth Hit by Iran War: The World Bank warns global growth may slow to 2.5% in 2026 (down from 2.9% in 2025), with energy, food and shipping disruptions from the US-Iran conflict dragging markets and raising inflation and food insecurity. Energy/Trade Corridors: Turkey and Saudi Arabia are reportedly pushing an overland Gulf-to-Europe corridor via Syria and Jordan that could bypass Israel and challenge the India-Middle East-Europe route. Regional Energy Cooperation: Israel, Greece, Cyprus and the US launched the East Med Energy Center to boost energy security, tech and cyber protection for critical infrastructure. AI and Elections: Israeli startup Chatoptic says some voters are consulting chatbots before elections and mapped how leading AI models “recommend” parties across Israeli voter personas. London Settlement Property Clash: London Mayor Sadiq Khan backed calls to ban a “Great Israeli Real Estate” event tied to West Bank settlement listings, saying such sales are illegal under international law. UNRWA Under Fire: Countries at the UN Security Council condemned Israel’s moves against UNRWA, citing an “unprecedented campaign” and the impact on aid operations. West Bank Pressure on Livelihoods: Reports describe intensified bulldozing and olive-tree uprooting around Marda as settlement expansion tightens access and threatens farmland. Israel-Linked Defense Activism in UK: Four Palestine Action activists were jailed for a Bristol Elbit Systems raid, with the court treating the disruption as terrorism-related due to intent to halt production. Gaza Humanitarian Risk: UN OCHA says civilians and civilian infrastructure in Gaza remain at risk from strikes, while water and sanitation access is increasingly restricted.

EU-India Trade Tensions: The EU’s next Russia sanctions package reportedly targets 50 companies and includes undisclosed Indian entities, raising the stakes for an EU-India trade deal still awaiting ratification. Defense & Tech: InspireMD approved inducement grants under Nasdaq Rule 5635(c)(4), while Israeli defense and cyber firms remain in the spotlight amid allegations of election meddling abroad. Two-State Push at G7: Israeli and Palestinian civil society groups met in France to urge G7 action, calling for a ceasefire, a halt to settlements, Gaza reconstruction, and stronger backing for civil society as the “window” narrows. UK Arms-Factory Case: A London judge sentenced four Palestine Action activists for a 2024 Elbit Systems raid, branding the act as having a “terrorist connection,” after major equipment damage. Payments & World Cup: Dejavoo partnered with Blokko to enable real-time international payments with instant conversion and USD settlement. Israel-Palestine Coverage Friction: Israel deported a French journalist over Gaza/West Bank reporting, while Amnesty renewed calls for a boycott over alleged West Bank ethnic cleansing. Global Markets Mood: Reports of renewed Iran-related deal chatter lifted risk sentiment, with ripple effects across oil and equities.

West Bank Humanitarian Alarm: Amnesty and Oxfam say Israel’s West Bank campaign is escalating, with Amnesty alleging state-led ethnic cleansing and Oxfam citing sharp rises in killings and displacement since 2023. Markets & Energy Shock: Oil slid toward a three-month low as hopes for a US-Iran deal eased Strait of Hormuz fears, lifting stocks, while the World Bank cut global growth to 2.5% and warned of a deeper slowdown if disruptions persist. Diplomacy vs. Friction: Reports say Trump abruptly paused planned Iran strikes, while Israel says any US-Iran deal must include limits on enriched material and missiles—keeping Israel central to negotiations. EU/UK Pressure on Settlements: UK, Australia and Canada launched a $4.2m peace fund, as rights groups push for tougher sanctions tied to settlement violence. Cross-border Business Moves: Cyprus, Greece, Israel and the US agreed a roadmap to expand Eastern Mediterranean energy cooperation, including cybersecurity for critical infrastructure. Press Freedom Clash: Israel deported a French journalist after entry was denied, drawing renewed international scrutiny. Tech & Defense: A report claims Israel is expanding AI-controlled drones for intelligence and strike missions. Immigration & Labor: Israel plans to relocate the remaining Bnei Menashe community from India over four years, while India’s Madhya Pradesh opened recruitment for caregiving jobs in Israel.

AI & Infrastructure: Foresight won Datacloud’s 2026 Best AI Innovation for its Predictive Project Delivery platform, aiming to cut schedule overruns across data centers and other capital projects. Crypto Payments: Castle Pay launched a crypto-to-fiat “Crypto ACH payment card” so merchants get local currency via existing banking rails. Defense & Markets: The World Bank cut global growth to 2.5% on Iran-war spillovers, warning of higher inflation and borrowing costs if energy disruptions worsen. Israel-Iran De-escalation: Trump said he canceled planned Iran strikes after talks reached top Iranian leadership, while the ceasefire’s durability remains unclear. West Bank Settlements: Peace Now says Israel allocated NIS 152m ($51m) for plans for 69 illegal settlements, with a larger $338m tranche reportedly postponed. EU Policy Shift: Slovenia’s new government lifted entry bans on Netanyahu and ministers and revoked its arms restrictions. Transport Disruption: Ultra-Orthodox protests blocked major roads and halted trains, snarling highways and Ben Gurion Airport. Press Freedom: Israel denied entry to French journalist Alice Froussard, drawing French and media watchdog criticism. Tech/Defense Business: Tel Aviv stocks rose, with defense names like Elbit Systems jumping on collaboration news.

Israel Tech & Markets: Israel’s high-tech sector logged a landmark 2025, with output up 8.2%, record exits and $85B exports, even as R&D headcount fell for the first time in a decade. Aviation & Travel: Wizz Air net profits plunged 99% year-on-year to €1.3M, blaming “significant headwinds” tied to cancellations of Tel Aviv and other Middle East routes after the Iran war. Media & Finance: TV10, an Israeli financial news channel, topped 100,000 subscribers across Telegram, X, YouTube and WhatsApp, positioning itself as a global hub for Tel Aviv Stock Exchange and shekel coverage. West Bank Trade & Policy: Saudi Arabia lifted a nearly five-year ban on Lebanese exports, a potential relief for regional commerce. Settlements & Human Rights: Oxfam says more Palestinians were killed in the West Bank since 2023 than in the prior 17 years combined, while Amnesty alleges state-backed “ethnic cleansing” aimed at annexation. Settlement Funding: Israel’s cabinet is set to approve $350M to fund 61 new West Bank settlements. Peacebuilding Funding: UK, Australia and Canada launched a new International Peace Fund to support long-term peacebuilding between Israelis and Palestinians. US-Iran-Israel Spillovers: Fresh US-Iran strikes continued amid fragile ceasefire tensions, with global energy and trade risks rising.

Iran War Spillovers: The World Food Programme warns the US-Israel campaign against Iran is starving millions by driving up food and fuel costs and disrupting trade, with funding cuts forcing rationing. AI & Defense Tech: A report says Israel is expanding AI-controlled drones for intelligence and strike missions across fronts, reducing real-time human oversight. West Bank Under Pressure: Amnesty accuses Israel of state-led “ethnic cleansing” of Bedouin and herding communities in Area C, linking displacement to annexation aims. Settler Violence & Firefighting: Reuters reports settlers obstructed Palestinians trying to fight a blaze near Taybeh, with the army temporarily stopping firefighters. Lebanon Escalation: Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon killed at least 12, as ceasefire efforts remain fragile. Corporate/Jobs: Teva plans to cut 250 jobs at its Ramat Hovav plant as part of global API restructuring. Tech Funding: Israeli startups raised $8.6B in H1 2026, up 45%—but deals are getting smaller. Security in the US: Federal prosecutors indicted eight University of Michigan-linked activists over a campaign of threats and vandalism aimed at pressuring Israel ties. Markets & Crypto: Bitcoin erased CPI gains as renewed Iran-threat headlines pushed risk-off trading.

Sanctions & settlement pressure: France banned Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich from entering the country, joining a coordinated push with the UK, Canada, Australia, Norway and others targeting people and networks tied to West Bank settler violence; the UK also issued new guidance telling businesses to avoid economic involvement in settlements. Jerusalem real estate crackdown: A new AP report says Israel’s east Jerusalem demolitions and evictions are intensifying, with 260+ structures demolished in 2025 and at least 116 so far this year, raising fresh alarm over displacement and control of holy sites. War’s economic spillovers: The World Food Programme warns the US-Iran war is quietly starving millions via higher food and fuel costs and disrupted trade, with funding cuts forcing rationing. Tech & defense industry: A report claims Israel is expanding AI-controlled drones for intelligence and strike missions, while Meta says NSO-linked phishing attempts targeted WhatsApp users despite court limits. Business & markets: Markets leaned cautiously higher as Iran-Israel tensions eased at points, but oil and inflation worries stayed in focus. Corporate news: Vadzo Imaging launched HDR MIPI CSI-2 embedded cameras aimed at drones/UAVs.

West Bank Sanctions Wave: Britain, Canada, France, Norway (plus others) announced coordinated sanctions on individuals and networks they say finance and enable settler violence, while France also imposed entry bans on Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and others tied to settlement expansion. Diplomatic Pushback: Israel called the measures “disgraceful,” arguing they’re political and not about curbing violence. Gaza Medical Access: Gaza’s Health Ministry says Israel is blocking more than 16,500 Palestinians from leaving for medical treatment despite a ceasefire framework, with crossings reportedly limited to a few days a week. Iran Deal Talk vs Market Mood: Trump again said an Iran nuclear deal could be reached in “two or three days,” as oil prices slid and traders watched whether the Israel-Iran ceasefire holds. Energy/Trade Spillovers: Japan signed a $312m concessional loan for Bangladesh energy security, citing Middle East conflict strain on finances and supply. Global Shock Costs: The IMF warned leaders to strengthen economic foundations against frequent geopolitical disruptions, with the Iran war adding pressure via food and fuel. Corporate/Legal Alerts: Multiple U.S. class-action investor alerts (Sleep Number, Matrix Service, Sigma Lithium, SES AI, LKQ, Graphic Packaging, ChampionX) flagged alleged securities issues.

Israel-Iran Ceasefire Watch: Israel and Iran paused tit-for-tat strikes after a Trump appeal, but both warned they could resume if attacks—especially around Lebanon—continue; oil slid as the immediate risk premium eased, while markets stayed jittery. Energy & Shipping Shock: Houthis declared a full ban on Israeli-linked vessels in the Red Sea, threatening logistics and adding pressure to already strained routes as the Strait of Hormuz remains a key flashpoint. Markets: Wall Street and Asian equities bounced on the pause in hostilities, with tech-led sentiment helping; gold held steady as traders weighed ceasefire durability and upcoming US inflation data. Israel Business/Policy: The government approved a NIS 72,000 grant for new teachers and psychologists in the Gaza border area through 2028, aiming to strengthen local education capacity. AI & Defense Scrutiny: A report says Israel is expanding AI-controlled drones for intelligence and strike missions, while separate coverage highlights growing international concern about AI-enabled surveillance and cyber risks. Tech/Finance: OpenAI filed confidentially for an IPO, keeping AI as the main Wall Street driver.

Middle East De-escalation (Israel-Iran): After the first direct missile exchange since April, Israel and Iran signaled a pause in hostilities following Trump pressure, with Netanyahu saying strikes are “on hold” but warning of force if Iran attacks again. Regional Shipping & Energy Risk: Yemen’s Houthis declared a total ban on Israeli-affiliated shipping in the Red Sea, raising fresh pressure on global trade routes and oil markets. Markets & Inflation Watch: Oil and metals swung on the flare-up and the subsequent pause; copper rebounded as Iran said operations ended, while investors tracked renewed geopolitical risk. Local Economic Stress Signals: In northern Israel, residents largely kept routine shopping rather than stockpiling, but the conflict still disrupted daily life and school schedules. UN Legal/HR Fallout: The UN placed Israel on a sexual-violence blacklist tied to alleged abuse of Palestinian detainees, citing verified incidents in 2025. Water Infrastructure: Israel approved a long-term desalination plan that opens the door for private firms to build large plants, targeting major output growth by 2050-2075. Sports Diplomacy: Ireland’s football federation reportedly seeks a neutral venue for an October Nations League match against Israel, with Budapest among candidates.

Middle East Risk-Off: Israel and Iran traded retaliatory strikes again, with Israel hitting targets in western/central Iran (including the Karun petrochemical complex in Mahshahr) after Iranian missile waves; sirens sounded across Israel and the West Bank as the April ceasefire teetered, while Trump urged Netanyahu to hold fire but said “I call the shots,” raising the odds of a wider regional pullback failure. Red Sea Shipping Shock: Yemen’s Houthis declared a “complete and total ban” on Israeli maritime navigation and warned of attacks on Israeli-affiliated ships, adding pressure to already strained trade routes. Markets & FX: The flare-up rattled global equities and lifted oil; Bitcoin slipped under $63K on geopolitical stress, while the shekel and regional currencies moved with the risk mood. Security & Espionage: Israel Police and Shin Bet arrested a Bat Yam man accused of working with Iranian intelligence, with an indictment expected. Business Impact Watch: Old Mutual’s OM Bank update showed customer growth in South Africa, but flagged that costs tied to the Israel-Iran conflict could weigh on earnings and insurance margins. Policy Signals: Bank of England policymaker Alan Taylor said rates can stay restrictive without hikes unless the “worst-case scenario” hits, as inflation pressures tied to the Iran war linger.

Middle East Escalation: Israel struck Beirut’s southern suburbs despite a US-brokered Lebanon ceasefire, killing two and wounding 20, and Iran retaliated by launching missiles at Israel—the first such barrage since April—raising fears the fragile truce is collapsing. Ceasefire Fallout: Iran’s parliament speaker warned US bases and Israeli assets are “legitimate targets,” while Hezbollah has rejected the Lebanon deal, keeping mediation efforts in limbo. West Bank Violence: A seven-month-old Palestinian baby was killed and his parents wounded after Israeli troops fired at a car near Hebron; Israel opened a military police criminal investigation. Security on the Home Front: A Palestinian citizen of Israel carried out a multi-site shooting in central Israel near the West Bank border, killing one and wounding five before police killed the attacker and arrested a suspected accomplice. Sanctions & Diplomacy: European countries, including France, are preparing new national sanctions tied to West Bank settler violence, as EU-level consensus stalls. FX & Economy: The Bank of Israel bought $801m in May to slow a sharp shekel rise, responding to exporter concerns. Business/Industry: Netafim’s Nefatim unit inaugurated a major precision-agriculture factory in Mexico, aiming to expand supply and create about 200 jobs.

West Bank & Gaza Violence: Israel strikes and ground operations killed at least seven Palestinians in Gaza City, while a seven-month-old baby (Sam Fahd Abu Haikal) was shot dead near Hebron and his parents were wounded, as Israel said it fired after a vehicle accelerated toward troops. EU Sanctions Push: France is coordinating with other countries on national asset freezes and travel bans for individuals linked to West Bank violence, after EU unanimity stalled. Israel’s War Cost Pressure: Bank of Israel Governor Amir Yaron put the multi-front war bill at 405 billion shekels ($138b) and warned defense spending is squeezing social programs. Iran War & Shipping Risk: US forces shot down Iranian drones near the Strait of Hormuz; Washington is also weighing using frozen Iranian assets to fund Gulf reconstruction, keeping a deal in doubt. Israel Business & Markets: Tel Aviv stocks rose Friday but the TA-35 is down 4.5% for the week; shekel weakened to about NIS 2.908/$; defense and retail led gains. Corporate Distress: Simad Holdings filed for Chapter 11 in New Jersey after owners allegedly emptied cash, suspending bond trading. Innovation Ecosystem: Jerusalem’s FourWard platform links universities, hospitals, and industry to commercialize medical and high-tech research. Diplomacy & Image: Slovenia’s president raised a Palestinian flag at her palace after a new government removed it from parliament, amid renewed international scrutiny of Israel.

West Bank Violence: A seven-month-old Palestinian infant, Sam Fahd Abu Haikal, was killed and his parents wounded after Israeli troops opened fire on their vehicle near Hebron; the IDF says it fired after perceiving a threat and is reviewing the incident. Diplomatic Pressure: Ireland banned far-right Israeli ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir, citing inflammatory rhetoric and pushing for EU-wide sanctions; France is coordinating national asset freezes and travel bans tied to West Bank violence. UN Accountability: A new UN report blacklists Israeli forces for sexual violence in conflict zones, including treatment of Palestinian detainees—Israel denies the claims. Security & Tech Risk: The NYT reports the Pentagon raised its counterintelligence threat assessment for Israel to “critical,” describing Israeli intelligence collection on Trump officials as “unhinged,” and notes software found on US personnel phones. Lebanon Infrastructure: Lebanon began rehabilitating its second airport in Qlayaat, aiming to reopen within months as fighting with Israel continues. Gaza Ceasefire Talks: Hamas says Cairo talks focus on implementing the first Gaza ceasefire phase and planning second-phase arrangements.

West Bank Violence: A seven-month-old Palestinian baby, Sam Fahd Abu Haikal, was killed and his parents wounded after Israeli forces fired at their vehicle near Hebron, according to the Palestinian health ministry; Israel said soldiers fired single shots after perceiving a vehicle accelerating toward them. EU Sanctions/Travel: Ireland imposed entry bans on far-right Israeli ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, citing their role in Gaza unrest and comments about Palestinians. Security & Institutions: Netanyahu’s opponents warn he’s politicizing state bodies after a week of loyalist appointments, including Roman Gofman as Mossad chief and Michael Rabello as state comptroller. Defense Tech: Esh-Tech unveiled a low-power laser counter-drone system, aiming to neutralize threats in seconds. Israel Economy Outlook: The OECD forecasts Israel growth of 3.3% in 2026 and 5.6% in 2027, with war costs widening the deficit. Tech/Markets: Wall Street slid sharply after a strong US jobs report rattled chip and tech stocks. Privacy & AI Startup: Former Tinder privacy executive Ron De Jesus joined Tel Aviv-Boston startup Mine to lead trust, privacy strategy, and AI governance.