🛰️ ISRAEL THREATENED SYRIAN NUCLEAR SITE STRIKE; GOLAN RECOGNITION AND LIKUD LIST MOVES
🕑 Published: August 11, 2026 · 10:31 PM Israel time
🛰️ REPORT: ISRAEL THREATENED RENEWED STRIKE ON SECRET SYRIAN NUCLEAR SITE: Israel warned the Trump administration it could again strike Syria’s clandestine “Site 99” if nuclear material stored there was not removed or if there were indications that the Syrian government was attempting to gain access, Axios reported, citing Israeli and U.S. officials.
The site reportedly contains yellowcake uranium and other remnants connected to the Assad regime’s former Al-Kibar nuclear reactor project, which was destroyed in 2007 on the orders of then-Prime Minister Ehud Olmert. Israeli officials were also reportedly concerned Turkey could assist Syria in gaining access to the material.
The Trump administration asked Israel not to take military action and brought the International Atomic Energy Agency into the process. An agreement was subsequently reached between the IAEA and Syria to remove the nuclear material. The material has not yet been removed. U.S. officials told Axios the operation remains ongoing and that they expect removal to begin soon, with the goal of completing it before the end of the year.
🇮🇱 DIPLOMATIC MOVES: Colombia has recognized Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said Colombia’s president had demonstrated his leadership and commitment to Israel. Israel has also renewed consular relations with Venezuela, 17 years after they were severed.
🗳️ LIKUD RESERVED SLOTS TIGHTEN PRIMARY RACE: The Likud Secretariat will be asked to approve reserved electoral-list placements for Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, Defense Minister Israel Katz and Likud Central Committee Chairman Haim Katz, alongside Prime Minister Netanyahu’s other reserved slots.
Israel Katz will be guaranteed a place in the second five after the Likud tribunal ruled that a slot should be reserved for him so he can focus on security matters rather than party politics. Netanyahu’s request cited “an exceptional security situation that cannot be disclosed.” Sa’ar will be placed in the top 10 under the agreement merging his party into Likud, while Haim Katz will receive a place no lower than No. 18 by virtue of his position as Central Committee chairman.
The additional guaranteed placements further tighten the Likud primary race. Israel Katz represents the ninth reserved placement. After accounting for Sa’ar and Haim Katz, Netanyahu is left with four reserved slots in the top 15, including one designated for Duborinsky.