🌐 IRAN DEADLINE, ISRAEL-HONDURAS DEFENSE TIES, LIKUD POLLING, JUDEA AND SAMARIA POLICING, GAZA STRIKES
🕑 Published: August 16, 2026 · 11:37 PM Israel time
⏳ U.S.-IRAN NEGOTIATING WINDOW: The 60-day negotiating period established by the U.S.-Iran Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding expires Monday, August 17. Although the framework permits an extension by mutual consent, a senior Iranian source told Reuters there have been no extension talks and “absolutely no progress” toward Washington returning to the interim agreement or setting a timetable for its commitments. Indirect messages continue through Pakistan and Qatar.
The June framework called for a final agreement within 60 days but quickly unraveled. President Trump declared the pact “over” on July 7, while Tehran accused Washington of violating its commitments. Disputes include the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran says will remain closed until the U.S. changes course and meets Iranian conditions.
🤝 ISRAEL-HONDURAS DEFENSE COOPERATION: Defense Minister Israel Katz and Honduran Defense Minister Enrique Rodríguez Burchard signed an MOU establishing a framework for deeper, long-term defense cooperation during a senior Honduran delegation’s visit to Israel.
The sides discussed shared strategic and security challenges, lessons from Israel’s recent multi-front campaign and evolving regional threats. The delegation also received briefings on Israel’s defense establishment, operational capabilities and defense industries as both countries examine expanded cooperation. Israel’s Defense Ministry described Honduras as an important Central American partner that has consistently supported Israel internationally.
🗳️ LIKUD PRIMARY AND POLLING: Ahead of Monday’s Likud primary, Prime Minister and Likud Chairman Benjamin Netanyahu said: “Tomorrow, I will vote in the Likud primaries for a winning slate that will ensure that Eisenkot and Yair Golan do not form a narrow government with the Arab parties, as they have promised. I trust you, Likud members, to choose your representatives wisely and according to your own judgment. I am not intervening in the national slate—and I wish everyone the best of luck!”
A new Kan News poll showed Likud slipping one seat to 23, again tying Gadi Eisenkot’s Yashar party. Bennett strengthened, while Eisenkot returned to the lead over Netanyahu on the question of suitability for prime minister.
🚔 JUDEA AND SAMARIA POLICE AUTHORITY: Following Katz’s directive for the IDF to prepare transferring civilian law-enforcement responsibilities concerning Israelis in Judea and Samaria to the Israel Police, the commander of the police’s Judea and Samaria District backed expanded police authority.
He said population growth in Area C and farms established outside communities require adjustments to police powers, while calling for the joint Central Command, police and Shin Bet task force addressing extremist violence to be institutionalized. He described the measures as necessary both to thwart terrorism and allow the IDF to focus on its primary missions.
🎯 IDF STRIKES GAZA TERROR OPERATIVES: The IDF said two terrorists advancing attacks were targeted in separate aerial strikes within about an hour. An Islamic Jihad terrorist was targeted in the Khan Yunis area of southern Gaza, while a Hamas terrorist was targeted in Nuseirat in central Gaza.
“The terrorists advanced terror attacks and were struck in precise aerial strikes to remove the threat,” the IDF said.
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