AGP Executive Report

Defense Tech & Capital Markets: UVision plans a Nasdaq IPO, targeting a $3–3.5B valuation as it readies an initial prospectus next month; the missiles-and-suicide-drones maker says it has a ~$370M backlog and sells to 30+ armies. Defense Tech Expansion: Anduril Industries is exploring an Israel operation to sell to the IDF/Defense establishment and R&D, weighing organic growth vs acquisitions. Air Defense Innovation: Rafael and SpearUAV are partnering on the “Iron Wasp” interceptor drone, built to counter loitering and high-speed munitions. Energy & Shipping Risk: Oil slid as US-Iran talks in Switzerland showed “progress,” but Iran again threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz; shipping data shows traffic whiplash and uncertainty over safe passage. Regional Trade Signals: The UAE is reopening ports to Iranian vessels, easing supply-chain disruption in southern Iran. Markets Watch: Israel-linked defense and tech headlines land amid broader Middle East-driven volatility across global equities and crude. Israel Business & Travel: EL AL launched “EL AL Travel,” adding hotel booking and loyalty redemptions to its digital platform.

US-Iran Deal Fallout: As US-Iran talks resume in Switzerland, Trump warns he’ll strike again if Hezbollah “causes trouble,” while Iran says it has closed the Strait of Hormuz—raising fresh energy and market jitters. Lebanon Front: Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire remains fragile as strikes continue and both sides trade accusations, keeping pressure on the diplomatic track. Energy & Shipping: Hormuz uncertainty is already feeding into oil-price expectations and bullion sentiment, with shipping companies exercising caution. Israeli Politics & Economy: Likud MK Dan Illouz warns the Likud-haredi partnership could endanger Israel, as draft and subsidy bills tied to ultra-Orthodox politics spark coalition friction. Business & Industry: Israir takes delivery of its first Airbus A330 for a New York launch, while Hamat halts loss-making sanitary ware operations in Turkey amid losses and boycott-linked demand shocks. Local Economy & Finance: Bank of Israel introduces bank-fees reform, adding to the week’s domestic financial agenda. Security & Human Impact: Israel detains Palestinian “Doctor of the Poor” Mazen al-Rantisi, triggering widespread West Bank condemnation. Regional Energy Shock: Iraq orders oil firms to ramp production toward pre-crisis levels after Hormuz disruption cut exports and revenue.

US-Iran Talks in Switzerland: US Vice President JD Vance and Iranian officials (including FM Abbas Araghchi and parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf) arrived in Burgenstock for technical talks, with an emergency session focused on the Israel-Hezbollah front; mediators include Pakistan and Qatar. Hormuz Shock to Markets: Iran again closed the Strait of Hormuz, citing alleged ceasefire breaches tied to Lebanon strikes, while US Central Command said dozens of ships still transited and warned it would enforce freedom of navigation—raising fresh risk for energy prices and shipping costs. Lebanon Ceasefire Under Strain: Despite reports of a Hezbollah ceasefire, Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon killed at least 16–20 people, with Hezbollah and Israel trading accusations of violations and rocket fire. Gaza Finance Crackdown: The IDF said it killed two Hamas-linked figures in a southern Gaza operation, alleging they ran a network that moved over half a billion shekels to Hamas’s military wing. Israel Business Pulse: Tel Aviv stocks slid as banks and insurance weighed; the shekel edged up to about NIS 2.957/$, with turnover near NIS 4.9b in equities. Crypto Update: Bitcoin reclaimed $64K amid the Switzerland diplomacy headlines, keeping traders focused on key support/resistance levels.

Israel-US political rift: Trump’s interim Iran deal has triggered fresh backlash in Israel, with Israeli outlets and analysts portraying Washington as abandoning Tel Aviv and reshaping the “big one/small one” power dynamic. Lebanon ceasefire under strain: Despite a Lebanon-Israel ceasefire framework, Israeli strikes killed at least 20–32 people in southern Lebanon as Hezbollah and Israel traded accusations of violations. Hormuz shock for markets: Iran says it closed the Strait of Hormuz over alleged ceasefire breaches tied to Lebanon fighting, while the US disputes any blockade and says shipping continues; the dispute threatens energy flows and raises uncertainty for US-Iran talks in Switzerland. US financial scrutiny: The US DOJ is investigating transactions linked to Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, including whether major banks such as JPMorgan and Citigroup were involved. West Bank raids: Israeli forces raided areas in Ramallah and al-Fawwar refugee camp near Hebron, with reports of house searches and detentions. Local economy/finance activism: Sacramento approved a socially responsible investment policy and divested from Lockheed Martin, adding to US BDS-linked divestment pressure.

Ceasefire Watch: Israel and Hezbollah agreed to a Lebanon ceasefire after heavy cross-border fighting killed 47 in Lebanon and four Israeli soldiers, with the truce taking effect around 4 p.m. local time; US-Iran Talks: the renewed fighting derailed planned Switzerland talks on the US-Iran MoU, but US envoy Steve Witkoff is now set to travel to Switzerland while VP JD Vance pulled out amid the escalation; Energy & Shipping: the MoU’s goal is to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and stabilize oil flows, but renewed strikes and Iran’s warnings keep supply-risk pricing in focus; EU Trade Pressure: Norway is moving toward a ban on trade with Israeli settlement goods in the occupied territories, signaling tighter European economic pressure; West Bank Friction: Israeli raids and settler-Palestinian clashes continued, including a reported Qalqilya raid and 22 confrontations logged in the West Bank; Labor & Boycott: UAW delegates voted to divest from “Israeli” bonds, adding another US institutional pressure point.

Israel-Hezbollah Ceasefire: Israel and Hezbollah agreed to a Lebanon ceasefire starting Friday at 4 p.m. local time after heavy strikes killed dozens on both sides, with the truce aimed at protecting a fragile U.S.-Iran framework. US-Iran Talks Disrupted: The planned Switzerland talks were postponed amid the Lebanon escalation, adding uncertainty to the 60-day path toward a wider Iran nuclear deal and Strait of Hormuz reopening. Strait of Hormuz Risk: Iran denied reports of a renewed closure but the market is still watching shipping conditions closely, as Hormuz remains a key lever for energy prices. US-Israel Rift: U.S. VP JD Vance delivered unusually blunt criticism of Israel over the Iran MoU, warning Israeli officials to stop “freakouts” and not undermine the only major ally left. EU Pressure on Gaza/West Bank: EU leaders urged Israel to allow full humanitarian access to Gaza and roll back West Bank settlement expansion, while stressing compliance with international law. Labor & Finance: The U.S. United Auto Workers voted to divest from Israel bonds, citing the Gaza war, a move that could ripple through other institutional investors. Israel Business/Training: Israel’s Ramat Negev agriculture center trained 740 Zambian students via a modern, water-efficient farming program tied to entrepreneurship and grants.

US-Iran Deal Fallout: JD Vance publicly rebuked Israeli ministers Smotrich and Ben-Gvir over criticism of the new US-Iran memorandum, warning Israel it must not alienate its “only powerful ally” as Lebanon fighting threatens the fragile framework. Lebanon Front: Israel carried out overnight strikes in southern Lebanon; Hezbollah reported intense clashes, with Lebanon’s state media putting deaths at least in the teens and Israel confirming four soldiers killed, raising doubts about ceasefire compliance. Diplomatic Friction: Israel’s foreign minister Gideon Sa’ar said he is severing contact with EU top diplomat Kaja Kallas after alleged “apartheid” remarks, as Europe presses for a two-state path and restraint. West Bank Pressure: Eight Muslim-majority countries including Pakistan condemned settler attacks on West Bank mosques and urged international action to halt escalation. Energy Markets: Strait of Hormuz reopening and improved shipping lifted oil sentiment, but analysts warn volatility remains if Lebanon violence resumes. Business/Tech: Perion launched “Ask Perion” agentic planning and insights tools for marketers, expanding its AI-native platform with Tel Aviv among its hubs. Africa Link: Israel’s Ramat Negev training center said it trained 740 Zambian students in agriculture via an 11-month internship program.

EU-Israel Diplomatic Fallout: Israel’s FM Gideon Sa’ar says he’s severing all contact with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas after reports she likened Israel to an “apartheid state,” while Brussels insists the EU’s official line rejects that framing. US-Iran Deal, Israel Pushback: US Vice President JD Vance publicly rebuked Israeli cabinet critics of the US-Iran MoU, warning they’re attacking Washington’s “only powerful ally” and urging Israel to respect the peace process as the Strait of Hormuz reopens and oil flows resume. Energy & Markets Angle: The interim accord includes phased access to about $6B in unfrozen Iranian funds for US goods, with shipping and energy prices reacting as tankers cross the strait. West Bank Violence & Trade Pressure: Gulf and other Arab states condemned escalating settler violence and mosque arson in the West Bank; in Europe, Ireland’s Taoiseach Micheál Martin said member states should be allowed to vote on restricting trade with illegal settlements, citing EU credibility. Gaza Still Hot: Despite renewed truce efforts, Israeli strikes in Gaza City killed at least three, pushing the death toll past 1,000 since the ceasefire. Business & Tech: Israel-Georgia business forum preparations in Jerusalem aim to spur new Israeli investment, including hotel projects with Wyndham.

US-Iran Deal & Israel’s Fallout: Trump signed a 14-point MoU to end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, while warning he could restart attacks if Iran doesn’t comply; Israeli officials and commentators say Israel was sidelined and that the accord leaves security gaps, with a former Israeli consul general calling Iran “exponentially stronger.” Lebanon Ceasefire Tensions: Iran accuses Israel of repeated Lebanon truce violations and demands Israel withdraw; Israel’s envoy to India says Israel won’t accept Iran’s nuclear program or proxy financing, as G7 pushes for Israel-Lebanon ceasefire hopes to ease oil prices. West Bank Settlement & Control: Israel approved 576 settlement units and issued demolition orders, while also expanding a Hebron Jewish school and stripping Palestinians of Hebron planning powers—moves UN warns could feed future blacklists over child-violation allegations. Business & Markets: PCB Technologies won ~EUR 8.6m in semiconductor PCB orders for 2026-27 supply; Brazil cut rates again amid inflation risks tied to the Iran war’s oil shock. Tech/Trade: Geely launched a new electric van in Israel; UAE opened retail access to government-backed sukuk via a Dh1,000 minimum. Energy/Finance Sentiment: Gold and Bitcoin diverged during the Iran conflict, with markets treating Bitcoin more like risk assets than a safe haven.

US-Iran Interim Deal & Israel’s Fallout: Trump defended a 14-point MoU that would end fighting, reopen the Strait of Hormuz and lift parts of sanctions, while warning he could restart attacks if Iran doesn’t comply—yet Israel faces mounting anger and political pressure as details stay murky and Netanyahu is widely seen as sidelined. Energy Markets: Oil prices slid toward three-month lows on expectations of Hormuz reopening and potential sanctions waivers, easing inflation fears and nudging stocks higher ahead of the Fed’s next moves. Hebron Power Shift: Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said Israel seized planning and construction authority around the Ibrahimi Mosque, stripping parts of the 1997 Hebron Agreement—sparking Palestinian and international condemnation. Gaza Ceasefire Death Toll: Gaza health officials said more than 1,000 Palestinians have been killed since the ceasefire began, with continued strikes and raids reported. Israel Business & Jobs: Pratt & Whitney is shutting its Nahariya blades plant after 50+ years, cutting about 600 jobs, citing losses and cost pressures. Tech & Growth: Israel’s AI push is being pitched as a construction game-changer, while Israel’s high-tech sector continues to attract global attention.

US-Iran Deal & Israel’s Lebanon Stance: A leaked 14-point MoU says Washington will lift sanctions and unfreeze/enable access to frozen Iranian assets, while Iran pledges not to build nuclear weapons and both sides seek an end to hostilities—yet Israel is still refusing to withdraw from Lebanon, keeping the truce fragile and straining US-Israel ties. Shipping & Energy Markets: Even as oil prices slide on hopes of reopening the Strait of Hormuz, shipping firms are waiting for safety assurances; tankers remain clustered and some drone activity is reported despite the MoU. Inflation Watch: Economists say the worst of US inflation may be over if the deal holds, but energy-infrastructure damage could keep price pressures lingering. Tech & Capital: Israeli chip-network firm Xsight Labs is raising $300m; Quantum Machines expands in Europe with a second acquisition in six weeks. AI Policy Shock: Anthropic’s Fable 5 shutdown for users outside the US highlights the growing push for sovereign AI access. Food Prices: Bread, maize flour and other staples are flagged for price hikes in July amid war-linked supply-chain strain. West Bank & Governance: Smotrich moves to strip Hebron municipal powers; settler violence escalates, while France shuts down Israeli defense booths at Eurosatory. Diplomacy & Trade: Israel opens further ties with Somaliland, while the UK, Australia and Canada launch a new Israel-Palestine peace fund.

Iran-US MoU and oil markets: Reuters reports the US will waive sanctions on Iranian oil sales after the MoU is signed, with exports potentially starting immediately; oil slid below $80 as traders bet on Strait of Hormuz reopening, though shipping firms still want security guarantees. Lebanon risk for Israel: Iran’s top diplomat says any US deal requires Israel to withdraw from Lebanon, while Israel’s defense leadership signals it will keep “security zones” and continue operations, keeping the peace fragile. Hebron governance shake-up: Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich moves to strip Hebron/Al-Khalil municipal powers tied to the 1997 Hebron Protocol; Israel’s Foreign Ministry denies the broader annulment claim, while Palestinian groups warn of escalating control. Tech & business: El Al signs a Starlink inflight internet deal starting 2027; Israel also approved a national AI plan to boost computing capacity and integrate AI across government and industry. Global macro spillovers: Bank of Japan lifts rates to a 31-year high, citing oil-price inflation risks tied to West Asia conflict.

US-Iran ceasefire & Hormuz reopening: The US and Iran signed a preliminary deal to end the war on all fronts and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, with a formal signing expected in Geneva Friday; markets cheered and oil slid, but details remain unclear and shippers say normal operations could take weeks. Israel’s pushback: Israeli officials say they are not bound by the US-Iran framework and vow to keep security deployments in Lebanon and other areas, even as Iran links “end of war” to ending Israel’s Lebanon occupation. Energy shock aftershocks: Analysts warn the conflict’s impact on shipping, insurance, logistics and commodities will linger into 2027 even if fighting eases, keeping global growth under pressure. Central banks tighten: The ECB, BoJ and RBA moved in days as energy-driven inflation risks rose; the BoJ lifted rates to a 31-year high. Israel tech & cyber: Meta filed a contempt action against NSO Group over alleged WhatsApp targeting in breach of a court injunction. Israel business diplomacy: Somaliland opened an embassy in Jerusalem, signaling new cooperation channels in politics, investment and technology. India policy spillover: India raised windfall export taxes on diesel and ATF while keeping petrol unchanged, reflecting ongoing West Asia volatility.

G7 & Iran-MoU: Prime Minister Mark Carney arrived for the G7 in France with no confirmed Trump meeting, as the US-Iran memorandum of understanding heads toward a Geneva signing and markets price in relief for energy flows. Energy & markets: Analysts warn the end of fighting won’t quickly unwind the broader shock to shipping, logistics and commodities, even as oil and stocks react to the prospect of reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Israel’s pushback: Israel’s government and opposition hardliners slammed the deal as a “strategic failure,” with officials signaling Israel won’t withdraw from Lebanon security zones and will keep acting against Hezbollah. EU trade pressure: Ireland’s Helen McEntee welcomed EU moves to restrict trade with Israeli settlements, while leaked EU legal guidance says the bloc can suspend the association agreement over international-law violations. West Bank funding & demolitions: Reports say Israel plans to fund the extremist Hilltop Youth with $1.89m, and investigative coverage describes “spatial restructuring” demolitions in West Bank refugee camps aimed at widening roads for military access. Business & tech: El Al signed with Starlink for in-flight high-speed internet; Tel Aviv’s TASE fell after the US-Iran deal; and Israel’s rehabilitation sector got a $390m boost for a new Tel Aviv hospital. Diplomacy & ties: Somaliland’s president met Netanyahu and signed a strategic cooperation declaration, including economy, security and technology. Global business backlash: Over 100 Stanford graduates walked out of Google’s commencement over its Israel-linked Project Nimbus cloud contract.

US-Iran Breakthrough: The US and Iran announced an interim deal to end hostilities and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, with a signing set for June 19 in Switzerland; markets reacted with oil sliding and stocks rallying, but details remain thin and Israel is already pushing back on any limits to its freedom of action. G7 in France: Trump heads to the G7 in Evian-Les-Bains amid awkward diplomacy and competing priorities on Iran, trade, Ukraine and energy. Israel-Lebanon Stance: Israel’s defense minister said there will be no withdrawal from Lebanon’s security zones, even as the ceasefire framework includes Lebanon and tensions with Hezbollah continue. West Bank Economy: A new report warns Israel’s movement, revenue and land restrictions are dismantling the West Bank’s economic future and driving instability. Detentions & Rights: A Palestinian-American student was detained in the West Bank over alleged terror links, while broader criticism continues over Israel’s detention practices. Tech, Protest & Business: Stanford graduates walked out during Sundar Pichai’s commencement over Google’s Project Nimbus cloud contract with Israel, adding fresh pressure to Big Tech’s Israel ties. Energy Shock Spillover: Analysts warn the wider energy, shipping and supply-chain disruption from the Iran war could linger into 2027 even if fighting eases. Corporate/Defense Deals: Vadzo Imaging announced a new embedded vision camera module for industrial and AI use, signaling continued Israeli tech momentum despite the regional turmoil.

Middle East Energy Shock: A new analysis warns the US-Iran conflict is turning into a wider energy, shipping, fertilizer, food and financial drag that could keep global growth under pressure through 2027. Beirut Escalation vs Deal Hopes: Israel struck Hezbollah targets in Beirut’s southern suburbs as the US-Iran memorandum nears; UN chief Guterres condemned the strikes and Trump said Israel’s move “should not have happened,” while Iran signaled talks could be suspended. Local Security & Politics: Opposition leader Yair Lapid says no security meeting has been held since April and argues Israel’s Iran strategy is failing. Gaza Ceasefire Strain: Gaza officials report deaths from strikes and shootings as mediators push to salvage the next phase of the ceasefire plan. Israel-Linked Business Abroad: In London, police arrested 14 during protests against a synagogue-hosted real estate event tied to West Bank property sales. Somaliland Opens Embassy Path: Somaliland’s president made a historic first state visit to Israel after recognition, signaling a new diplomatic and economic partnership. Crypto Infrastructure: Orbs launched Orbs Institutional, giving trading desks and treasuries direct access to its on-chain execution tech.