HEADLINES
Geneva Talks Progress, Iran Gaps Persist
Smotrich Targets Oslo, Pushes West Bank Sovereignty
Likud Primaries Rocked by Payment Irregularities

The time is now 5:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In the conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, diplomats say progress was made but gaps remain as the second round of US-Iran talks in Geneva concludes. A US official described the discussions as productive, but with many details still to be threshed out, and the Iranians reportedly told negotiators they would return within two weeks with detailed proposals to bridge the remaining gaps with Washington. The update notes that despite momentum, key differences persist on core issues. The United States has also signaled its regional posture, with more than 10 F-22 fighter jets deployed to the area and the USS Gerald R. Ford leaving the region. In a separate regional assessment, former prime minister Bennett warned that Turkey is becoming the new Iran, citing Ankara’s growing influence in Syria, Gaza and other areas as tightening pressure on Israel. And the administration’s position remains focused on preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, with Vice President Vance underscoring that preventing nuclear proliferation is our primary interest.

In the Disputed Territories (Gaza, Judea and Samaria, East Jerusalem), Bezalel Smotrich announced that one of his goals for the next government term is the abolition of the Oslo Accords and the dismantling of the Palestinian Authority, moving toward full Israeli sovereignty over the area. Speaking at a conference with West Bank settlement leaders, Smotrich said the “destruction of the idea of an Arab terror state, the cancellation of the cursed Oslo Accords, and moving onto the path of sovereignty” should guide the next term, including the dismantling of the PA and the creation of a new military administration to govern the area. He also urged renewed Jewish settlement in the West Bank and Gaza and reintroducing Israeli military rule in Gaza, supplementing moves that reopened land registration in Area C for Jewish Israelis. The remarks come as the government approved a plan to resume land registration in Area C, reflecting a broader push for sovereignty in the contested territory.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, the Likud’s internal primaries face a shock as reports of irregular payments cast doubt on the process, with the party’s elections committee chair warning that the conference results could be at risk and the party’s attorney-general calling for involvement by the state comptroller to ensure integrity.

In Uplifting News, Egyptian archaeologists have uncovered a shelter containing rock art spanning nearly 10,000 years at the Umm Arak Plateau in southern Sinai. The site, extending more than 100 meters, holds red pigment drawings dating from about 10,000 to 5,500 BCE and newly documented grey drawings, along with engravings including a sunken relief of a hunter with a bow pursuing an ibex, aided by hunting dogs, and scenes of armed figures riding camels. Separately, Portugal returned three stolen archaeological artifacts to Mexico, marking the first restitution of its kind from Portugal. The pieces—identified as Mayan and Zapotec—were confirmed as part of Mexico’s heritage, with the handover taking place at the Portuguese embassy and the artifacts slated for formal repatriation via diplomatic channels in the coming weeks, a move celebrated by Mexico’s Culture Ministry as a reclamation of memory and identity and a stand against trafficking of cultural property.

Thank you for tuning in to this Israel Today: Ongoing War Report update.
I'm Noa Levi. Stay safe and informed.
Keep in mind that this AI-generated report may contain occasional inaccuracies, so consult multiple sources for a comprehensive view. Find the code and more details in the podcast description.

SOURCES
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-887013
https://worldisraelnews.com/former-pm-warns-turkey-is-the-new-iran/
https://t.me/JewishNews24/49688
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-887016
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1286146
https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1286142
https://www.jpost.com/archaeology/article-886957
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-886955