⚠️ IRAN DEADLINE NEARS; HONDURAS PACT, LIKUD PRIMARY, JUDEA-SAMARIA SHIFT AND GAZA STRIKES
🕑 Published: August 16, 2026 · 11:19 PM Israel time
🔸 U.S.-IRAN NEGOTIATING WINDOW: The 60-day negotiating window established by the U.S.-Iran Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding reaches its deadline Monday, August 17. The framework allows an extension by mutual consent, but a senior Iranian source told Reuters there have been no talks on extending it and “absolutely no progress” on getting Washington to return to the interim agreement and set a timetable for its commitments. Messages continue indirectly through Pakistan and Qatar.
The June agreement had called for a final deal within 60 days, but the framework quickly unraveled. President Trump declared the pact “over” on July 7, while Tehran accused Washington of violating its commitments. Disagreements 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 defense delegation’s official visit to Israel. The sides discussed shared strategic and security challenges, including lessons from Israel’s recent multi-front campaign and evolving regional threats.
The delegation was briefed on Israel’s defense establishment, operational capabilities and defense industries, with both countries examining areas for expanded cooperation. Israel’s Defense Ministry described Honduras as an important Central American partner that has consistently supported Israel internationally. The agreement is part of Israel’s broader effort to strengthen defense partnerships with friendly countries and expand international cooperation involving Israeli defense industries.
🗳️ LIKUD PRIMARY AND POLLING: Prime Minister and Likud Chairman Benjamin Netanyahu said ahead of Monday’s Likud primary: “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 falling one seat to 23, again tying Gadi Eisenkot’s Yashar party at 23. Bennett strengthened, while Eisenkot returned to the lead over Netanyahu in the poll’s prime-minister suitability question.
🚔 JUDEA AND SAMARIA POLICE AUTHORITY: Following Katz’s directive for the IDF to prepare the transfer of 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 expanding police authority.
“The growth of the Israeli population in Area C and the farms that have developed outside the communities require adjustments and the delegation of the necessary powers to the police. At the same time, the joint task force for addressing and preventing incidents of extremist violence in the West Bank, involving Central Command, the police, and the Shin Bet, should be institutionalized. These are significant measures needed to thwart terrorism — and to free up the IDF to focus on its primary missions.”
🎯 IDF STRIKES GAZA TERROR OPERATIVES: The IDF said it targeted two terrorists who were advancing attacks in separate aerial strikes within about an hour. An Islamic Jihad terrorist was targeted in the Khan Yunis area in 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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