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The IDF eliminated senior Hezbollah weapons dealer Muhammad Awacha and struck four Syrian-Lebanon border crossings, disrupting illicit arms smuggling routes.
Jerusalem, 21 January, 2026 (TPS-IL) — The IDF (Israel Defense Forces) Wednesday night attacked four crossings on the Syria-Lebanon border in the Al-Harmel area that are used by Hezbollah to transfer weapons.
In another attack in the Sidon area earlier today (Wednesday), the IDF eliminated terrorist Muhammad Awacha, a major weapons dealer and smuggler in the Hezbollah terrorist organization.
As part of his role, Awacha promoted and managed transfers of weapons to the terrorist organization Hezbollah, including through a shell company that ordered and transported prohibited goods from various countries, including Iraq, Syria, and Gulf states, said the IDF.
In addition, Awacha operated numerous smugglers responsible for transferring weapons from Iraq to Syria and Lebanon.
Southern District police seized an MP-5 submachine gun in Bir Hadaj, Israel, as part of ongoing efforts to combat illegal weapons and violence, bolstering.
Rotem District police in the Southern District continue their operations against shooting incidents, violence, and illegal weapons possession, which could endanger human lives, with the aim of strengthening public security and maintaining the peace of law-abiding citizens.
During the week, police officers from the Shagav Shalom station, in cooperation with National Guard fighters and the K9 unit, conducted a search in the area of the town of Bir Hadaj, during which an MP-5 submachine gun was seized.
The seized weapon was transferred for further treatment and investigation at the Shagav Shalom police station.
Earlier this month, during an initiative operation in the town of Ar’ara in the Negev, detectives from the Ar’ara station identified a Honda Accord vehicle driving dangerously. After stopping the vehicle, it was found that the driver was driving without a license and without a valid insurance policy. During a search, a Glock pistol, loaded with a full magazine, was seized from the driver.
The suspect and the weapon were transferred for further treatment and investigation at the police station. Upon completion of the investigation and gathering of all evidence, a serious indictment was filed this week against the suspect by the Southern District Prosecutor’s Office.
The operational activity against crime perpetrators and criminal targets in the Bedouin sector will continue as needed, all with the aim of enforcing against any party acting in violation of the law, using a variety of investigative and intelligence means against those involved in crime and deepening governance in the South.
Israel's goods exports totaled $59 billion in 2025, with European countries accounting for 33% of the $188.3 billion Shekel total. The trade deficit reached $41.
Jerusalem, 21 January, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Israel’s Central Bureau of Statistics reported that in 2025, the exports of goods (excluding diamonds) amounted to 188.3 billion Shekels ($59 billion). Of the total exports of goods, exports to European countries accounted for 33%, exports to American countries 31%, exports to Asian countries 22%, and the remaining 14% to the rest of the world.
Imports of goods (excluding diamonds) amounted to 320 billion Shekels ($101 billion). 46% of imports were from European countries, 33% from Asian countries, 12% from American countries, and the remaining 9% from the rest of the world.
The trade deficit in goods trade (excluding diamonds) amounted to 131.7 billion Shekels ($41 billion).
Trend data in recent months (October – December 2025)
Exports of goods to the European Union increased by 38.1%.
Imports of goods from China fell by 5.4%.
The trade summaries published by the Central Bureau of Statistics show that exports of goods to European countries decreased by 14.7% – 11.4 billion Shekels ($) – exports of goods to the American countries decreased by 10.3% – 7.6 billion Shekels ($3.5 billion) – and exports of goods to the rest of the world group decreased by 5.9% – 1.5 billion Shekels ($470 million) -. In contrast, exports of goods to Asian countries increased by 1.2%, 0.5 billion Shekels ($156 million).
New immigrants to Israel will receive professional licenses and job offers before arriving, boosting employment absorption. Over 100 licenses granted in France.
Jerusalem, 21 January, 2026 (TPS-IL) — The Ministry of Labor continues initiatives to promote quality employment absorption for new immigrants, with another project of its kind in collaboration with the Jewish Agency and the Ministry of Aliyah and Absorption, which is designed to grant professional licenses and job offers to immigrants even before they immigrate to Israel.
As part of the project, potential immigrants from france are identified in advance by the Jewish Agency and the Ministry of Aliyah and Absorption, based on areas of occupation and relevant professional experience.
After preliminary mapping, candidates are invited to participate in a licensing and employment project at the Jewish Agency offices in Paris, where frontal expert committees are held by the Senior Division for the Regulation of Occupations at the Ministry of Labor.
Within the framework of the committees, the immigrants’ compliance with the professional requirements is examined, and after their approval, they are presented with job offers by the participating employers – including the Electric Company and the Air Conditioning Contractors Association – according to their specialization and the needs of the Israeli labor market.
So far, in the past year, more than 100 professional licenses have been granted to new immigrants in their country of origin, France, and in total, in the last five years, more than 1,500 professional licenses have been granted in their countries of origin and in Israel to new immigrants.
Israel's Space Week 2026 launches in late January, marking the 13th annual event to promote the nation's space sector with conferences, exhibitions.
The Israeli Space Week, the central national event for promoting the space sector in Israel, will be held for the 13th year, during the last week of January 2026. Throughout the week, dozens of conferences and performances, unique technology exhibitions, and interactive content for the whole family will take place across the country. Space Week serves as a central meeting point for Israeli space endeavors, connecting industry, research, government, education, and culture, making the achievements of the global and Israeli space industry accessible to the general public.
Space Week marks the peak of the local space industry, attracting senior figures from the international industry, astronauts, researchers, and entrepreneurs to Israel. The week is held close to the anniversary of the Columbia shuttle disaster, reflecting the development of the Israeli space industry and its ongoing commitment to endeavors and international cooperation.
Space Week 2026 is led by the Israel Space Agency in the Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology, and the Rakia Mission – H.A.L.C., in coordination with all space entities in Israel, academia, research institutes, industry, and cultural centers in Israel. The event marks an impressive milestone at the end of two years of complex national challenges, and it signifies Israel’s significant position in the international space exploration arena.
Between January 25-29, Israel will host an unprecedented series of events bringing to the country senior figures from the global space industry, NASA, and representatives of international space agencies, including Amit Kataria (Global Senior at NASA), Jeffrey Manber (Voyager Technologies), Tom Shelley (Vast).
Led by Israeli astronaut Eitan Stibbe and in coordination with the Astronauts Association (ASE) management, 8 international astronauts will arrive this year, including the Association’s CEO – Canadian astronaut Julie Payette, and two members of Eitan’s Ax-1 mission crew – Mike Lopez-Alegria from the US and Mark Patti from Canada.
Among the prominent participating astronauts who will strengthen Israel’s international ties and deepen collaborations with industry and academia are: Charlie Bolden from the US (former NASA Administrator), Randy Bresnik from the US (active NASA astronaut), Dr. Andre Kuipers (Netherlands), Professor Dr. Garrett Reisman (USA), Dr. Sian “Leo” Proctor (USA).
The flagship event of the week is the 21st Ilan Ramon International Space Conference, held in partnership between the Israel Space Agency in the Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology, and the Rakia Mission – H.A.L.C. The conference brings together the Israeli space community with astronauts, senior figures, and leading speakers from around the world, serving as Israel’s central professional platform for dialogue on the future of space, global collaborations, and human capital development in the industry. This year, the conference will focus on human spaceflight, addressing topics such as training the next generation, commercial space stations, and the Artemis missions and the human return to the Moon.
Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology Gila Gamliel: “Israeli Space Week 2026 is a statement of strength and resilience. The fact that senior figures from the global space industry and an unprecedented selection of astronauts choose to come to Israel attests to the centrality of Israeli technology and the international trust in the power of the local industry. The space industry is not only an economic growth engine and vital for our security; it is our bridge to the future. I invite the entire public to look up at the sky and be filled with Israeli pride.”
Astronaut Eitan Stibbe: “Space is the common heritage for the benefit of all humanity, and an astronaut is an envoy of humanity – as agreed in the UN Outer Space Treaty. Indeed, fruitful cooperation between countries and people from all over the Earth takes place in space, and this is a prerequisite for success. During Israeli Space Week, we will emphasize the importance and potential of Israeli participation in international ventures, and for this purpose, representatives of industries, the president of the International Space University, and astronauts from around the world will arrive. Special events will be held to open opportunities in research, technology, and education, and to encourage personal meetings and introductions. We are very excited about the first time Space Week is coordinated and organized by the Rakia Mission team.”
Among the main highlight events:
Sunday to Thursday, 25-29.1 | Across the country – Space fairs for the whole family including performances, exhibitions, and free interactive activities. Among the focal points: The central event at Planetanya – Netanya Planetarium, Madatech Haifa, The Bloomfield Science Museum in Jerusalem, Ofakim Science Center, and Solaris Observatory in Iksal.
Sunday, 25.1 | Tel Aviv – Closed event for senior figures in the Israeli space industry: CEO and key personnel discussion, as part of the Israeli Space Forum, to discuss challenges and strategic action directions for the coming years.
Sunday, 25.1 | Eretz Israel Museum (Moi), Tel Aviv) – Open cultural event for the public: “A Look at Space” – A multidisciplinary creative evening with the participation of leading artists and creators (Yaniv Biton, Avishag Shar Yeshuv, Tamari’s Project, and more), examining the concept of space through stage, musical, and visual interpretations.
Sunday to Thursday, 25-29.1 | Across the country – An enriching astronomical experience combining science, hands-on activities, and activities for children and youth at 15 observatories and space centers nationwide.
Monday, 26.1 | Jerusalem – Opening of the “Beyond the Horizon” exhibition at the Bloomfield Science Museum in Jerusalem. The exhibition is open to the general public, alongside an opening event and a VIP event with the participation of senior figures from around the world.
Tuesday, 27.1 | Tel Aviv – An exclusive investor event by prior invitation , during which Israeli space startups and companies will present their activities and innovations to an international judging panel of astronauts and senior space industry figures.
Wednesday, 28.1 | Tel Aviv University – The 21st Ilan Ramon International Space Conference: The week’s flagship professional event, with the participation of astronauts, senior figures, researchers, and speakers from around the world, with an emphasis on human spaceflight and international collaborations.
Wednesday, 28.1 | Air Force House, Herzliya – The 14th Rona Ramon Space Education Conference, which serves as the annual meeting for the Israeli space educators community and connects science, technology, values, and inspiration.
Thursday, 29.1 | Tel Aviv – International Space University Alumni Event with the participation of the University President and Chancellor, Israeli astronaut Eitan Stibbe, senior figures from the global space sector, and Israeli and international alumni.
In addition, throughout the week, lectures and open meetings with astronauts and international guests will be held at universities and academic institutions across the country.
Israel ends security deposit on Chinese aluminum imports, returning all paid deposits. The decision protects the construction industry & lowers living costs.
Jerusalem, 21 January, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Israel’s Import Administration announced that, in accordance with applicable laws and in accordance with the announcement of the Minister of Finance, the collection of the temporary security deposit on the import of aluminum profiles and aluminum tubes in bulk from China has been discontinued. Any security deposited already paid will be returned.
Earlier this month, Minister of Finance Bezalel Smotrich informed the Minister of Economy Nir Barkat of his opposition to imposing an anti-dumping duty on aluminum imports from China and decision to block the move. The decision, said Smotrich’s office, was made after examining the macroeconomic implications, and with the understanding that the duty would severely damage the construction industry, delay the delivery of thousands of apartments, and increase the cost of living.
Aidoc's Israeli AI receives FDA clearance for a multi-condition solution, speeding up emergency care by analyzing over 100 million patient cases and improving.
Jerusalem, 21 January, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Aidoc, a Tel Aviv-based medical AI company, has received FDA clearance for the first clinical AI that can handle multiple acute conditions at once. The solution combines 11 new and three existing indications, helping hospitals spot critical findings faster, ease imaging backlogs, and improve patient flow in busy emergency departments. Built on Aidoc’s aiOS platform, which has analyzed over 100 million patient cases, the system reduces false alerts while supporting real-world clinical use.
CEO Elad Walach said the approval “marks a new era for clinical AI.”
Israel's IDF eliminated Hezbollah officer Abu Ali Salameh in Lebanon's Yanouh on Jan 21, 2026 for enabling terror infrastructure and weapons smuggling in.
By Ehud Amiton • January 21, 2026
Jerusalem, 21 January, 2026 (TPS-IL) — The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the targeted elimination of Abu Ali Salameh, a Hezbollah liaison officer operating in the village of Yanouh in southern Lebanon, on Wednesday.
According to the IDF, Salameh managed Hezbollah’s activities in Yanouh with the aim of embedding terrorist infrastructure within civilian areas and exploiting local residents to advance the group’s goals.
“The terrorist managed Hezbollah’s activities in the village of Yanouh, enabling the organization to operate in civilian areas and embed terrorist infrastructures in the heart of the population,” the IDF spokesperson said.
The operation follows an incident on December 13, 2025, when the IDF requested the enforcement of a Hezbollah weapons warehouse in Yanouh. Salameh allegedly received the report from the Lebanese Army and relayed it to Hezbollah operatives, who subsequently blocked the army’s attempt to dismantle the warehouse and moved the weapons to avoid seizure.
He later agreed with the Lebanese Army to document the property as empty, while suspicious materials were reportedly removed from the site, the IDF said.
The IDF stressed that Salameh’s actions violated the understandings between Israel and Lebanon and said it would continue taking measures to neutralize threats.
Israel is enforcing a ceasefire reached in late 2024. The IDF reported killing around 380 Hezbollah operatives and striking roughly 950 to 1,000 targets in 2025. These included launchers, weapons depots, military structures, and underground shafts. The IDF also accused Hezbollah of violating the ceasefire about 1,920 times during the year.
The ceasefire requires Hezbollah to withdraw its armed forces from southern Lebanon and prohibits it from operating south of the Litani River.
Immigrants to Israel secure jobs before arrival as Ministry of Labor, Jewish Agency, and Aliyah Ministry grant over 100 professional licenses to French.
The Ministry of Labor continues its initiatives to promote quality employment for new immigrants, with an additional project of its kind in cooperation with the Jewish Agency and the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, which aims to grant professional licenses and job offers to immigrants even before their immigration to Israel.
As part of the project, potential immigrants from France are identified in advance by the Jewish Agency and the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, based on relevant fields of occupation and professional experience.
Following an initial mapping, candidates are invited to participate in the licensing and employment project at the Jewish Agency offices in Paris, where face-to-face expert committees are held by the Senior Division for the Regulation of Occupations in the Ministry of Labor.
Within the framework of the committees, the immigrants’ compliance with professional requirements is examined, and after their approval, job offers are presented to them by participating employers – including the Electric Company and the Air Conditioning Contractors Association – according to their specialization and the needs of the labor market in Israel.
So far, in the past year, more than 100 professional licenses have been granted to new immigrants already in their country of origin, France, and in total over the last five years, more than 1500 professional licenses have been granted in countries of origin and also in Israel to new immigrants.
The project is part of a comprehensive national policy within the framework of the policy of the former Minister of Labor, Yoav Kisch, the current Minister of Labor and Deputy Prime Minister, Yariv Levin, and the Minister of Aliyah and Integration, Ofir Sofer, to encourage the absorption of immigrants through quality employment.
The project joins a series of similar initiatives led by the Ministry of Labor in cooperation with the Jewish Agency and the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, with the aim of addressing the challenges of professional immigrants, especially after Operation “Swords of Iron” and against the backdrop of strengthening antisemitism in Europe.
What does the initiative include?
In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of immigrants seeking professional licenses. These figures highlight the significant potential of professional immigrants for rapid integration into the Israeli economy – and the importance of initiatives that promote such integration even before immigration.
Israel showcases its tourism recovery and safety at FITUR 2026, featuring 30 companies and aiming to attract global visitors to its pavilion.
Director General of the Ministry of Tourism, Michael Yitzhakov: “In accordance with the policy of the Minister of Tourism, Haim Katz, we are working to increase tourist traffic with a focus on audiences with a connection to Israel. Indeed, tourism is in a distinct recovery trend, and the Ministry of Tourism sees international exhibitions like FITUR as an integral part of the effort to return Israel to the global tourism map. So far, we are witnessing great interest and are happy to be here, to leverage it and convey a clear message: Israel is safe and invites the world to come and visit.”
Director General of the Ministry of Tourism Michael Yitzhakov inaugurated the Israeli pavilion today (Wednesday), with the participation of the Acting Ambassador of Israel to Spain, Ms. Dana Erlich. The Israeli pavilion, spanning an area of 400 square meters, includes 30 Israeli companies, among them 19 incoming tourism organizers, 9 major hotel chains, including Africa-Israel; Dan; Fattal; Canada-Israel, and others, as well as El Al and Israir.
Approximately 156 countries are exhibiting at the fair, which is attended by about 9,500 exhibitors, and is expected to attract over 250,000 visitors, including 155,000 professionals in the international tourism industry. The fair, which opens annually under the patronage of the King of Spain, serves as a focal point for meetings with decision-makers, airlines, and tourism agencies from the Spanish and Latin American markets.
At the fair, Director General Yitzhakov will hold meetings with major tourism wholesalers, including the AVORIS group, which deals with spiritual tourism and transported over 6 million passengers in the past year, operating about 3,000 points of sale, Air Europa, and representatives of tourism ministries from around the world. This is in order to promote marketing collaborations, pilgrimage packages, and strengthen air connectivity to Israel.
At the Israeli pavilion, tourism videos will be displayed on giant screens, and visitors will be able to receive a personalized caricature against the backdrop of the country’s landscapes, drawn on-site by an artist. Additionally, a festive Kabbalat Shabbat reception will be held at the pavilion.
Tourism to Israel is in a recovery trend, with 1.3 million visitors entering Israel in 2025. Spain is a Catholic country with a population of 49 million residents who make over 21 million trips abroad annually. The Ministry of Tourism office in Madrid is in contact with dozens of Spanish wholesalers who sell packages to Israel and is working to realize the potential.
