AGP Executive Report

Iran Funeral Watch: Iran’s weeklong state mourning for Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei entered its second day in Tehran, with mass prayers at Imam Khomeini Mosalla and huge crowds filling the capital; his coffin is displayed as ceremonies move to Qom, then Iraq, before burial in Mashhad on July 9. Succession Mystery: Reuters reports no public sighting or image of Mojtaba Khamenei, the son said to have been injured in the Feb. 28 strike that killed his father and other family members. Gaza Human Rights: Physicians for Human Rights alleges Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya’s health deteriorated after his transfer to Israel’s Nitzan Prison, citing severe injuries and repeated loss of consciousness, renewing calls for release. Sports & Solidarity: In World Cup coverage, Egypt’s coach Hossam Hassan dedicated a Round of 16 win to Egyptians and Palestinians after waving both flags; meanwhile, activists in Toronto staged a “red card” protest over FIFA and Israel. Beauty & Culture: Israeli audiences got a fresh dose of glamour as luxury cosmetics icon By Terry founder Terry de Gunzburg—now living in Israel—talked about her brand’s arrival.

Israel-Iran Intelligence & Nuclear Claims: Israeli intelligence reportedly pushed back on Netanyahu’s office request to declare Iran’s nuclear program “completely destroyed,” saying damage was “significant, but not complete,” with a remaining fissile stockpile. Tehran Funeral as Global Stage: Iran has begun week-long state funeral ceremonies for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with huge crowds, tight security, and foreign delegations as officials vow continuity and revenge. Arts & Hospitality in Tel Aviv: A review spotlights the Drisco Hotel’s 160-year legacy and its old-world George & John dining room in Jaffa’s American-German Colony. Sports as Solidarity: The Palestinian Football Association plans the “Thousand Martyrs Cup” across West Bank, Gaza, and Lebanon. Culture & Screen: Ridley Scott’s “Masterpiece Series” pick, “The Man in the High Castle,” gets a fresh reminder as a must-watch alternate-history dystopia. Charity Scrutiny in the UK: The Oxford Union ball faces investigation over a partnership tied to a group linked to alleged Hamas connections. Fashion/Identity: Prada faces online backlash over a Palestine-related brand ambassador/promo controversy.

Iran Funeral Watch: Iran has begun a days-long state mourning for slain Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with Tehran’s Grand Mosalla ceremonies drawing top officials and foreign delegations, and processions planned for Qom, Najaf and Karbala before burial in Mashhad on July 9; attention is on whether successor Mojtaba Khamenei will appear after staying out of public view. Diplomacy & Security: Multiple countries’ leaders are attending, while Iran warns the US and Israel against any disruption during the mourning period and says talks are likely to be delayed until after ceremonies. Cybersecurity: Google and the FBI disrupted the NetNut/Popa residential proxy network tied to millions of home devices, disabling accounts and infrastructure used for cybercrime. Arts & Culture (Israel): The Jerusalem Film Festival returns July 9–19 with international guests and Israeli premieres, including a tribute to director Sergei Loznitsa. Theater & Entertainment: US stage productions like “The Zionists” keep post–Oct. 7 family and identity debates in the spotlight, while streaming picks include Prime Video’s “World War Z” ahead of a confirmed sequel.

Iran Funeral Watch: Iran has begun a week of state mourning for slain Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with his body lying in state in Tehran’s Grand Mosalla as officials and foreign delegations arrive; his son and successor Mojtaba Khamenei is reportedly not expected to attend, citing injuries and security concerns. Armenian Genocide Recognition: Israel’s move to recognize the Armenian genocide is sparking fresh diplomatic questions, with critics calling it politically motivated amid Israel-Turkey tensions. Jerusalem & Film Picks: Jerusalem’s cultural calendar highlights English/Hebrew screenings including “Watch For the Love of a Woman” and classic “Some Like it Hot,” plus a jazz jam at Half Parrot. Tech & Security: The FBI and Google disrupted NetNut, a residential proxy botnet that allegedly hijacked around 2 million home devices. Sports & Culture: Palestinian football mourns the killing of goalkeeper Saleem Al-Ashqar, while FIFA faces renewed calls to act as Gaza’s sports community struggles to survive. Israel Entertainment: A new Tel Aviv schnitzel spot, Oscar’s, is drawing attention for its no-frills menu and TV buzz. Music Law: Bob Vylan says it will sue the BBC for defamation over its Glastonbury coverage. Poker: WSOP Main Event Day 1b saw early exits, including an Israeli player sent home by a runner-runner turn/river swing.

Gaza Humanitarian Plan: Israel is reportedly preparing to move Palestinian civilians into “fenced shelters” in southern Gaza within weeks, near Rafah, with aid and temporary housing inside controlled zones guarded by a multinational force—an idea already drawing sharp alarm from humanitarian groups. Iran Funeral Spectacle: Iran is gearing up for a week of mass mourning for slain Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, with his coffin arriving in Tehran and ceremonies spanning Tehran, Qom, Mashhad, and Iraq’s Shiite holy cities—framed by officials as a show of unity and defiance. Security Warnings: Iran’s top military commander warns Israel and the US against “miscalculation” during the funeral period, while reports say the US urged regional partners to discourage attacks on key Iranian negotiators to protect fragile talks. Arts & Tech: Israeli microdrama platform Shortical secured $100m financing to scale AI-driven shortform series, including its fully AI-generated fantasy hit “Bound by Fire.” Sports & Culture: The 22nd Maccabiah Games open in Jerusalem as a global celebration of Jewish pride, with opening-night performances and a torch relay that ties the event to the games’ early history. Fashion & Style: Drapers’ July coverage spotlights Manolo Blahnik’s award-winning journey and the latest SS27 menswear and salary survey for the fashion industry.

NGO Accountability & Antisemitism: A new report and interviews with former staffers allege deep, systemic antisemitism and weak accountability inside major international human-rights NGOs, challenging the idea that they’re always “infallible” moral authorities. Commemoration & Culture: Israel marked 1,000 days since Oct. 7 with nationwide vigils and a march to Hostages Square (“Memory Square”), while the IDF released figures on thousands of rockets, drones, and missiles fired at Israel over the period. Tel Aviv Nightlife for Newcomers: Shuk Olim at Layla Lavan put dozens of immigrant entrepreneurs in the spotlight at Givon Square, selling clothing, art, and accessories—each booth tied to an aliyah story. Film & Comedy: “Checkout,” the big-screen expansion of a beloved Israeli TV hit, is drawing crowds and selling out some showings, with a mockumentary-style look at life inside a fictional supermarket. Sports, Tragedy & Memory: Gaza’s goalkeeper Saleem Al-Ashqar was killed, prompting grief across football communities and renewed attention to how war is dismantling local sports life. Literary News: The International Booker Prize will be renamed the Bukhman International Booker Prize after a decade-long funding commitment.

Maccabiah Spotlight: The 22nd Maccabiah Games officially opened in Jerusalem’s Teddy Stadium, with President Isaac Herzog calling it “a display of Jewish strength” as thousands of athletes from 30+ countries kicked off the two-week event ahead of Israel’s 1,000-days-since-Oct.-7 milestone. Sports Tragedy: In Gaza, Palestinian goalkeeper Saleem Al-Ashqar, 32, was killed by Israeli forces; reports say he was married and expecting their first child, as the death toll for sports figures rises. Fashion/Tech for the Denim World: Brazilian textile giant Vicunha is investing in Israel’s Sonovia, backing sound-wave dyeing tech aimed at cleaner indigo denim production. Global Arts & Culture: Indie drama “Stationed at Home” expands to 40+ territories for international rent or purchase. Online Culture & Hate: Australia’s eSafety chief apologized to Jewish victims over limits in removing antisemitic content, saying platforms feel emboldened as guardrails weaken. Diplomacy Watch: US and Iran talks in Doha wrapped with “positive progress,” with Qatar saying discussions will continue after Khamenei’s funeral.

Maccabiah Spotlight: The 2026 Maccabiah Games opened in Jerusalem’s Teddy Stadium with about 5,000 athletes from some 35 countries, framed by the “More Than Ever” theme and performances by Yuval Raphael and other Israeli acts. Gaza Sports Tragedy: Palestinian goalkeeper Saleem Al-Ashqar was killed in Gaza during Israeli military fire, with the Palestinian Football Association saying more than 1,000 Palestinian athletes have died since Oct. 2023. Knesset Culture Clash: Israel’s parliament advanced a far-right bill to ban the Muslim call to prayer via loudspeakers in the occupied territories, moving toward further readings. Arts & Collecting: Christie’s Zabludowicz online auction underperformed badly, with less than half the lots selling, while a separate live sale earlier did far better. Wellness Science: A new review finds creatine shows mixed promise for depression, with benefits in some trials but major caveats and at least one safety concern. Music/Pop Culture: Canada confirmed it will debut at Eurovision in 2027, joining the contest for the first time since Australia’s 2015 entry. International Arts: Wole Soyinka university theatre in Nigeria continues to nurture new talent through productions that blend languages, music, and dance.

Strait of Hormuz Tensions: Iran says a foreign container ship ran aground after not using Tehran’s approved route, as US-Iran indirect talks in Doha continue but Iran refuses to meet top US envoys directly—keeping the 60-day peace process and shipping uncertainty front and center. Diplomacy vs. Deadlock: Reports say Trump weighed renewed strikes, while US officials insist they’re in a “great position” even if talks fail; UN rights experts also warn the MoU ignores human-rights concerns. Israel Politics: Netanyahu renewed his push to phase out American aid, framing it as “welfare,” and reiterated opposition to a Palestinian state. Arts & Culture (Israel-facing): Nova survivor documentary coverage highlights healing after Oct. 7, while a new plan aims to bring India’s Bnei Menashe to Israel by 2030. Sports: Belgium vs. Senegal headlines the World Cup Round of 32 with projected lineups and injury notes.

World Cup Culture in Israel: Tel Aviv’s Jaffa squares are turning into mini fan zones, with families adopting Portugal, Germany and other teams on big outdoor screens—football as a rare, shared escape shaped by roots, loyalties and war-era tensions. Antisemitism in Mainstream Media: Charlamagne tha God drew backlash for repeating antisemitic “puppet master” tropes on ABC’s The View without pushback. Remembrance & Community: Families of Oct. 7 victims and the October Council plan a 1,000-days march along the Gaza border, ending with a ceremony in Tel Aviv’s Hostage Square. Fashion & Identity: Prada named Palestinian rapper Saint Levant as a brand ambassador, reigniting debate over symbolism and politics in luxury campaigns. Film & Music: Köln 75 opens in Israel, spotlighting jazz, sexism in the arts, and the joy of organizing a concert. Security & Daily Life: Israel scrambled jets after a passenger plane transmitted a hijack emergency code mid-flight—an alert later withdrawn.

Arts & Culture: Palestinian diaspora communities are keeping identity alive through tatreez—traditional embroidery that turns needlework into a living archive of Nakba memory and resilience, from refugee camps to online classes. Sports & Society: The World Cup’s moral spotlight is back on, with critics arguing that some teams are treated as political symbols while others are allowed to be “just athletes,” and Iran’s run has been shaped by the US-Israel conflict and FIFA’s own ethics questions. Local Community (Israel-linked): Israeli and Hispanic cultures meet at a “Lunch for Unity” event featuring Israeli food, folk-dance lessons, and shared conversation. Health/Science: A new review asks whether creatine could help treat depression by supporting brain energy—promising but still mixed. Diplomacy & Security: Iran says it’s committed to the US MOU but warns against threats as US envoys head to Doha; meanwhile, Israel’s political friction with Turkey over Erdogan’s anti-Israel rhetoric is set to be raised with Washington. Humanitarian: Israel’s MFA and Home Front Command plan a disaster-response delegation to Venezuela after earthquakes.

Arts & Culture: Israeli drag history gets a spotlight in “The Legacy of Jewish Drag,” while Temple Israel in Detroit welcomes a new cantorial associate, Dan Iwrey, returning to the congregation that shaped him. Music & Media: DJ RAPHI (Raphael Nathan) hits 1 billion YouTube views and brings the milestone to U.S. stages, including Red Rocks. Film & TV: A reunion moment has Melissa McCarthy sharing dinner with Richard E. Grant, and Google argues in court that AI training should be treated as fair use, with copyright policed on outputs. Entertainment & Humor: Clive Davis’ star-studded funeral at Central Synagogue features speeches and performances, including Jennifer Hudson. Sports & Community: Hamilton Boys top Super 8 as rivals close the gap in New Zealand rugby coverage, while Ireland’s home match vs Israel is set for a behind-closed-doors neutral venue in Serbia. Israel in the News: Israel’s military says it killed senior Hamas and PIJ operatives in Gaza, as settlement expansion and Gaza displacement plans keep drawing global outrage.

Middle East Diplomacy: The US and Iran agreed to halt mutual strikes and resume talks in Doha Tuesday over the Strait of Hormuz, with officials saying both sides will “stand down” and ships can move freely while technical discussions continue. Regional Governance: Iran and Oman held the first meeting of a joint Hormuz committee in Muscat, focusing on future strait management and coastal-state sovereignty. Israel-Lebanon Tensions: Hezbollah says Israel keeps violating the Lebanon ceasefire, while Israel reports strikes against Hezbollah infrastructure and militants. Cyber Escalation: Israel’s cyber chief says Iran-linked cyber incidents tripled year-on-year, with thousands of hostile attacks targeting critical systems and everyday organizations. Arts & Culture: A new photo series, “Lois & Carey,” explores Jewishness, queerness, womanhood and family through intimate, sometimes shocking portraits. Music & Film: Editor’s Round-Up spotlights Ofra Haza and Afghan women’s folk traditions, plus a horror-leaning movie month. Business/Tech: Migdal is buying the Gindi family’s stake in Kenyon Hazahav (Golden Mall) in Rishon LeZion for NIS 840m.

Middle East Diplomacy Under Strain: Iran says it won’t join US technical talks, citing checks on unfrozen funds, while Washington insists talks are still on track—just as Iran launches drones and missiles at Bahrain and Kuwait and threatens a “complete halt” to negotiations. Strait of Hormuz Tensions: Tehran reiterates it alone controls shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, as the US expands routes off Oman and both sides trade accusations over ceasefire violations. Lebanon Crossfire: Israel reports strikes on Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon amid a fragile Israel-Lebanon framework push. Gaza Civilian Toll: Israeli attacks across Gaza kill at least three Palestinians, including a strike on a tent sheltering displaced people in Khan Younis. Arts & Dining (Israel): Rishon Lezion’s Picual turns the Land of Israel into a fine-dining “10-course tasting” experience built around the Achiya Farm olive. Film & Culture: The thriller “Tuner” gets a spotlight for its tense piano-tuning premise and crime twist. Sports (World Cup): Iran’s World Cup ends heartbreakingly on goal difference after a politically charged tournament. Media Regulation (Iraq): Iraq’s CMC bans two TV presenters for 90 days over alleged rule breaches.

Israel-Lebanon Deal Fallout: A new framework agreement is being framed as the “lesser evil,” but critics warn it won’t bring peace and could spark fresh escalation along the northern front. Gulf Escalation: Iran and the U.S. traded strikes again after a tanker was hit near the Strait of Hormuz, with Trump warning the U.S. may “militarily complete the job” and Iran vowing a forceful response. Ceasefire Under Strain: Both sides accuse each other of violating an interim deal signed less than two weeks ago, as Kuwait and Bahrain report missile/drone activity and air-defense responses. Art & Culture Spotlight: Tel Aviv’s Freshpaint Art Fair returns to the Kremenetski Technical Center with 60+ exhibitions, plus a “Greenhouse” incubator for emerging artists. Theater With Teeth: “Shards of Laughter” brings a permission-to-laugh approach to Shoah themes, starring Jerusalem performer Gabi Lev. Arts in Motion: James Turrell’s latest Skyspace installation at Mass MoCA is drawing attention for its immersive light-and-space experience. Sports & Entertainment: Iran is eliminated from the World Cup in a politically charged, last-second group-stage finish.

Israel-Lebanon Framework: Israel says its military has been ordered to prepare for an extended stay in the “security zone” in southern Lebanon, while Hezbollah vows it won’t disarm and protests the deal in Beirut. Regional Tensions: The US and Iran trade strikes again, with Hormuz shipping and a Bahrain drone response raising fears the fragile ceasefire is slipping. Politics & Culture Clash: A debate over Israel/Gaza spills into US progressive circles, with reports of harassment of San Francisco Sen. Scott Wiener by activists tied to “Free Palestine” politics. Arts & Design: Tel Aviv’s iconic Dizengoff fountain story returns as kinetic-art pioneer Yaacov Agam dies at 98, reigniting questions about public art and preservation. Entertainment: Fauda actor Rawad Azar opens up about the emotional strain of playing a Hamas terrorist, while FIFA’s World Cup logistics row continues to dog Iran’s campaign. Sports: England close out Group L vs Panama with Tuchel likely to rotate, and Cape Verde’s historic World Cup run continues into the knockout stage.