⚓ ISRAEL DIGEST: REGIONAL DIPLOMACY, ISRAEL’S POSITION AND HAMAS ACTIVITY ABROAD
🕑 Published: August 5, 2026 · 11:10 PM Israel time
⚓ U.S., IRAN AND OMAN DISCUSS STRAIT OF HORMUZ ARRANGEMENT: The United States, Iran and Oman are reportedly nearing an interim framework intended to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, restore the U.S.-Iran ceasefire and restart nuclear negotiations. Reuters separately reported that Washington lifted sanctions on three entities linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
According to regional sources cited by Axios, one proposal would establish a renewable 60-day arrangement. Inbound vessels would use a northern lane through Iranian waters, while outbound vessels would travel through Omani waters in coordination with Tehran. No transit fees would be imposed during the temporary period.
The parties would also seek to clear naval mines from the strait’s central lane within 30 days. That route could later support two-way traffic under a permanent Iranian-Omani arrangement, giving Tehran greater influence over maritime traffic than it held before the war.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said Tehran and Muscat had reached “fundamental agreements” on nearly all aspects of a bilateral framework. IRNA described a separate two-to-four-month model that would replace the existing navigation system, close temporary routes near Larak Island and in Omani waters, and exclude third-party participation.
Gharibabadi said reopening the strait and advancing to “phase two” depended on U.S. conduct and approval from Iran’s senior leadership. He denied direct negotiations with Washington, saying messages were being exchanged through Oman.
A Gulf official told CNN that the prospects for a provisional agreement were approximately even, with approval from Iranian hardliners still uncertain. A senior Israeli official told Channel 12: “Trump wants a deal at any cost.”
Iran’s Foreign Ministry said Pakistan and Qatar remained involved in efforts to reduce tensions, but denied that senior Iranian officials had finalized visits to either country.
🇮🇱 NETANYAHU SAYS ISRAEL’S EXISTENCE IS NOT NEGOTIABLE: Speaking at the reburial ceremony for the remains of Theodor Herzl’s grandparents, Netanyahu said Israel was navigating simultaneous military and diplomatic developments.
“Trump is our greatest friend, but I want to make one thing clear: Israel’s existence is not negotiable,” he said. “With or without an agreement, we will do whatever is necessary to secure our future.”
🛰️ REPORT: HAMAS TRANSFERRING OPERATIONS TO TURKEY: Gazan sources told The Jerusalem Post that Hamas was moving organizational units, covert activities and cybersecurity operations to Turkey. Qatar would reportedly continue hosting the organization’s leadership and public-facing activities.
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