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The Ministry of Health reports a jackal infected with Rabies in the town of Kadita in the Upper Galilee. One person who was exposed to the jackal has been referred for preventive treatment against rabies. The notification about the infected jackal was received today, January 20, 2026.

We request that anyone who was in contact, or whose animals were in contact in the incident area with the infected animal or a stray animal, between the dates 03.01.2026 and 17.01.2026 inclusive, to urgently contact the Safed Health Bureau, telephone 04-6994257, 04-6994200, or the Health Bureau closest to their place of residence to consider receiving preventive treatment.

After working hours and during the weekend, please go to the emergency room at a hospital.

The Ministry of Health requests:

• Parents of children – inquire with their children if they have been in contact with suspicious animals and urgently contact the Health Bureau.
• Pet owners – contact the local veterinarian to verify their vaccination status.
• Disseminate information about the incident to travelers and vacationers in the area and in nearby towns.

The Ministry of Health reminds again that anyone bitten or scratched by an animal should immediately wash the area with running water and soap, disinfect with antiseptic agents, and go to the Health Bureau to check if preventive treatment against rabies is necessary.

• Guidelines after an injury by an animal suspected of having rabies

The ministry emphasized improving service to local authorities and strengthening cooperation between the ministry’s various units.

The ministry held a Design Thinking workshop, focused on the customer experience of local authorities. In addition, a professional panel was held, moderated by Shira Goldberg, Acting Senior Director of Strategy, with senior managers in the ministry, Anat Hannah Lanksner, Director of the Local Government Administration, Nadav Lachman Lazar, Director of the Economic Development Administration, Dror Soroka, Haifa District Commissioner and Acting Northern District Commissioner, and Yehuda Zemeret, Legal Advisor to the Ministry of Interior. The panel dealt with the topic of turning work plans into reality. Following this, a personal, down-to-earth interview was held with the Director General of the Ministry, Israel Ozana, moderated by Tami Nassa, Commissioner for Judea and Samaria.

The Director General of the Ministry of Interior, Mr. Israel Ozana, emphasized the importance of planning even in a complex reality: “Planning is the key to success. Not all planning is implemented – but without planning, nothing is implemented. As it is said: ‘Where there is no vision, the people perish.’ 

cooperation between units is not an ‘added value’ – it is a condition for success. When units manage to work together and present a unified concept, it indicates serious professional work. We are one organization, with shared responsibility.”

Shira Goldberg, Acting Director of the Senior Strategy Department: “During the conference, ministry employees practiced their ability to provide service and step into the shoes of local authorities. Likewise, from the analysis of successful reforms, it can be learned that agreements between regulators are a decisive factor for success, especially when the reforms are complex and generate opposition. As a conclusion – this year we placed a great emphasis on cooperation at the conference and in the implementation of work plans in 2026.”

Jerusalem, 20 January, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Israeli biotech CannaLean Biotechs announced the successful completion of its first-in-human study of CLC-01, a novel oral cannabidiol–chitosan (CBD–CHT) therapy for high LDL cholesterol. Conducted in partnership with Clalit Health Services, Israel’s largest healthcare organization, the 12-week study showed CLC-01 was well tolerated and led to an average 28% reduction in LDL levels among participants.

“These results validate our platform,” said Chief Scientific Officer Moshe Mittelman. CannaLean plans to advance CLC-01 into larger clinical trials, aiming to provide a safe, accessible alternative for patients who cannot tolerate statins, while exploring broader global commercialization.

By Kostis Konstantinou • January 20, 2026

Jerusalem, 20 January, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz was in Athens on Monday for talks with his Greek counterpart, Nikos Dendias, highlighting strategic defense ties between the two countries.

The visit builds on an already close defense relationship that includes joint military exercises, pilot training programmes hosted in Greece, and a recently agreed trilateral military work plan with Cyprus for 2026.

Dendias said cooperation between the two countries continues to deepen, particularly in counter-drone capabilities, cybersecurity, and the exchange of operational experience. He noted that discussions also addressed developments in the Red Sea and Yemen, as well as security challenges in the Balkans and the Eastern Mediterranean.

Speaking after the meeting, Dendias reiterated Greece’s condemnation of the October 7 attacks on Israel and reaffirmed Athens’ support for Israel’s right to self-defence. He added that Greece backs international initiatives aimed at stabilising Gaza and is prepared to contribute to broader efforts to promote peace and regional security. He also stressed the importance of protecting civilian populations and religious communities in Syria and Lebanon, with particular emphasis on Christian minorities.

In his remarks, Katz said Israel remains on heightened alert amid what he described as “a conflict fought across seven fronts,” warning that efforts to impose control through terrorism or regional destabilisation would face a coordinated international response. He also referred to Israel’s ongoing efforts to recover the remains of hostages and fallen soldiers held by Hamas, calling it both a moral and national obligation.

Greek media reported that the Athens talks were closely linked to wider discussions on advanced air and missile defence systems, counter-drone technologies, and maritime security. According to those reports, Israeli systems are being examined as part of Greece’s planned multi-layered air defence architecture, although no formal procurement decisions have been announced.

The trilateral cooperation includes the formation of an Eastern Mediterranean rapid response team, joint exercises and training, and working groups addressing shared security challenges — most notably Turkey.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has condemned the Israeli-Greek-Cypriot military cooperation, saying it threatens Ankara’s interests in the region.

The State of Israel and the United States,  (Friday, 16 January 2026), at the City of David in Jerusalem, signed a Joint Statement in the field of Artificial Intelligence. This follows Israel‘s joining last month of the Pax Silica initiative, which unites leading nations in the field of AI. Out of the nine leading nations in this sector, Israel was selected to be the first country to sign a Joint Statement with the U.S.The Joint Statement signed today is another step in advancing the State of Israel toward global leadership in Artificial Intelligence, as part of the flagship goals of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. 

The memorandum was signed by the Head of the National AI Directorate, Brig.- Gen. (Res.) Erez Eskel, and the U.S. Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg, in the presence of Foreign Affairs Minister Gideon Sa’ar and U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee.

Foreign Affairs Minister Gideon Sa’ar:

Today – as part of the Pax Silica initiative – Israel and the United States are issuing a Joint Statement on the launch of a strategic partnership: On A.I., research and critical technologies. This is another milestone in our unbreakable alliance. Under the leadership of President Trump, our relations are at historic heights. I commend Prime Minister Netanyahu for forming the National AI Agency – to address today’s challenges and opportunities. And I wish you, Erez, continued success. Keep up the good work. Today’s statement is further proof of the undeniable fact: Just as the United States is indispensable for Israel –  Israel is an indispensable asset for America and its National Security interests. Israel enables America to secure these interests in the dangerous Middle East.”

Head of the National AI Directorate, Brig.-Gen. (Res.) Erez Eskel:

“Since the establishment of the National AI Directorate under the Prime Minister, we have been working vigorously to create partnerships with the key nations leading the global AI industry, foremost among them our great friend, the United States. In this framework, about a month ago, we joined the Pax Silica group – a group of leading nations in the development of safe Artificial Intelligence.

This partnership with leading nations joins efforts to build high-power computing infrastructure and develop human capital for the AI industry in Israel, in deep collaboration with academia and industry.

I would like to thank the Prime Minister for his extensive efforts to support the Directorate, out of the understanding that leadership in the field of artificial intelligence will determine the national security of the State of Israel.”

US Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs, Mr. Jacob Helberg:

“With the launch of Pax Silica, the United States and Israel are uniting our innovation ecosystems to ensure the future is shaped by strong and sovereign allies leading in critical technologies like AI and robotics. Standing on the ancient foundations of the City of David, we are declaring that we are not creatures of circumstance, but the creators of history—building a new era of security and prosperity together.”                            

U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee: 

“I often say that America has many friends and allies, but we have only one true partner in Israel. This Strategic Partnership announcement is just the latest example of U.S.-Israel cooperation on the most important and challenging issues of our time – access to critical minerals, resilience of supply chains, the development of AI, quantum computing, and next generation technology that will benefit both America and Israel and fundamentally change the world.”

Israel and the United States and Israel intend to continue their deep, durable partnership through joint research, development, investment, and commercialization across a broad range of strategic sectors, including: artificial intelligence (AI), energy technologies and storage, advanced computing infrastructure, space, edge innovation, additive manufacturing, and semiconductors. This partnership includes renewed focus on protection of sensitive technologies and supply chains, strengthening a secure and trusted environment for investment and collaboration.
 

Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, Eli Cohen: “The delegation’s departure is an important step towards the development of the Aphrodite-Yishai field, following my meetings with the Cypriot Minister of Energy, Yiannis. Natural gas is a strategic asset of Israel, strengthening our position as a regional energy power, and we will continue to work to find and develop additional fields, which will increase natural gas production for the domestic market and for export, and will strengthen the Israeli economy.”

Continued efforts to advance the agreement for the development of the natural gas field jointly owned by Israel and Cyprus: A professional delegation from the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, in cooperation with representatives from the Ministry of Justice, will depart for Cyprus this evening, in order to continue negotiations for the implementation of the fundamental understandings regarding the Aphrodite-Yishai natural gas field, and to codify them in an intergovernmental agreement. 

As part of these understandings, the development of the field will be carried out by the rights holders on the Cypriot side, while the holders of the Yishai concession and the State of Israel will receive compensation for their share in the field, which will be determined by an international expert.

The delegation’s departure constitutes a continuation of the diplomatic and professional contacts between the countries, and follows the meeting between the Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, Eli Cohen, and his Cypriot counterpart, Yiannis, which took place in jerusalem last month. 

The agreement is important for strengthening the ties between the countries with a shared vision for the development of common natural resources. Reaching understandings is expected to strengthen energy cooperation between the countries and Israel‘s position in the regional arena, and may even contribute to the ability to export gas from Cyprus to Egypt. In addition, reaching an agreement is expected to allow progress on additional issues, such as the planned electricity cable between Israel and Cyprus.

Assistance to Southern Communities After October 7th and Following Operation “Am K’Lavi”

Following the events of October 7th, the Ministry of Construction and Housing continued to invest significant resources in rehabilitating affected communities and providing support to residents who needed housing and infrastructure solutions. The Ministry led focused professional staff work, assisted local authorities in developing rehabilitation plans, and implemented emergency measures for residents requiring immediate assistance. Throughout the year, the Ministry’s teams were in direct contact with the communities, identified gaps, and accompanied the rehabilitation process with the aim of optimally returning residents to routine.
Concurrently, the Ministry led significant field work as part of Operation “Am K’Lavi,” which included a professional tour by the Ministry’s Director-General in Be’er Sheva. During this operation, meetings were held with the Mayor and his team, deficiencies in public housing buildings damaged during the war days were presented, and focused rehabilitation plans were formulated. The Ministry translated the findings from the field into work processes, starting with rehabilitation work and extending to the expansion of social and community services around public housing complexes.

Extensive Government Investments in Be’er Sheva

Following a government decision approved this year, the Ministry of Construction and Housing led a strategic investment program aimed at strengthening the city of Be’er Sheva. The Ministry coordinated extensive planning and economic work, mobilized government resources, and built a multi-year plan for the establishment of new public institutions, the strengthening of existing neighborhoods, and the development of modern urban infrastructure. The urban vision was updated according to needs that arose from the field, and the Ministry worked to incorporate innovative planning and construction elements adapted to a developing metropolis.
One of the significant achievements of this initiative is the stabilization of infrastructure for comprehensive urban renewal in the city. The updating of the master plan, the publication of policy documents, and the expansion of personnel for the Government Authority for Urban Renewal in Be’er Sheva are all steps led by the Ministry of Construction and Housing with the aim of enabling urban renewal processes to proceed at an accelerated pace, while providing a high-quality and in-depth response to the older neighborhoods and their residents.

Roof Agreements as a Catalyst for the Growth of Southern Cities

During 2025, the Ministry of Construction and Housing led a significant strategic move to strengthen southern cities, culminating in the signing of a new roof agreement with the Dimona Municipality. The agreement, signed in the presence of the Prime Minister and led by the Ministry of Construction and Housing, includes an addition of approximately 17,000 new housing units alongside the development of infrastructure, public institutions, and employment and commercial areas. Billions of shekels will be invested within the framework of the agreement, including approximately NIS 3.5 billion for the development of new neighborhoods, approximately NIS 760 million for infrastructure, approximately NIS 700 million for public institutions, and approximately NIS 330 million for the upgrade of the old city. The agreement was formulated and advanced following professional staff work by the Ministry of Construction and Housing and continues Dimona’s development momentum as a leading regional city in the Negev. Concurrently, the Ministry is in advanced stages of signing another roof agreement in the city of Sderot, as part of the expansion of government investment in southern cities.

Promoting the Establishment of New Communities in the South

The year 2025 was a breakthrough year in promoting new communities in the Negev. The “Rosh Ha’ishonim” (First Settlers) district plan in the city of Menora (formerly Kasif) reached a significant stage this year, with the special committee approving its deposit. The Ministry of Construction and Housing has led the comprehensive planning of the city for years, conducting professional field work and creating modern planning intended to provide a response to a growing Haredi population. The continued promotion of the city is a central pillar in strengthening settlement in the eastern Negev.
Concurrently, the Ministry led in-depth processes to promote the settlement region along Highway 25, between Be’er Sheva and Dimona. The approval of the memorandum by the Southern District Planning Committee is the result of comprehensive planning work that the Ministry led in cooperation with the Settlement Division, and it continues to advance to the National Planning Council. In the approaches to Arad, at the Tze’elim junction, in the Yatir area, and in Ramat HaNegev, the Ministry also promoted the planning of new community settlements, based on a strategic concept aimed at attracting new populations and strengthening the southern region.

The Ministry’s Activity in the Rural Sector

In the rural sector, the Ministry worked to strengthen communities and enable balanced demographic growth. The government’s decision to support communities located 0-7 km from the Gaza border was largely shaped by planning and policy promoted by the Ministry, which provides increased subsidies for land development, aiming to reduce construction costs and make it easier for young families to choose to live in the area. The Ministry worked in coordination with the Resilience and National Reconstruction Administration to promote a call for proposals for community growth and accompanied local authorities in planning new neighborhoods.
Throughout the year, the Ministry was involved in promoting dozens of rural communities from the northern Negev to the Eilat region. The Ministry’s planning teams formulated plans for neighborhood development, infrastructure upgrades, and improvement of public buildings, and prepared the infrastructure for significant growth expected in 2026. The Ministry’s work in the rural sector ensures the strengthening of regional council communities, the creation of new communities, and the expansion of agricultural and community settlement.

Expanding Housing Supply: “Apartment at a Discount” Lotteries

The “Apartment at a Discount” program continued to be one of the Ministry of Construction and Housing’s main tools for providing housing solutions to the public this year. In January, the Ministry opened a large-scale lottery that included thousands of housing units in the South, and later in the year, the ninth lottery was managed, with nearly one hundred thousand households registering. The high numbers registered this year indicate significant demand and high public trust in the Ministry’s housing programs. The Ministry continues to promote additional marketing campaigns throughout the South, increase the actual supply of apartments, and accompany eligible individuals until they receive the keys, as part of the vision to provide higher quality and more accessible housing solutions.
Urban Renewal in the South

The Ministerial Committee for Interior Affairs approved a series of decisions this year, initiated and promoted by the Ministry of Construction and Housing, focusing on expanding urban renewal options in the South. The Ministry’s work contributed to the creation of a planning and economic foundation that allows for the construction of over 30,000 new housing units, with a focus on cities like Kiryat Malakhi and Netivot. These initiatives provide local authorities with significant tools to improve older neighborhoods and adapt them to the needs of the 21st century.

The Ministry continued to accompany local authorities in evacuation-construction processes and to push forward significant plans, including the massive renewal plan in Netivot, which will include 13,000 housing units and comprehensively upgrade the old city. In Kiryat Malakhi, initiatives were also promoted that will enable the construction of new neighborhoods, the development of commercial and employment areas, and the expansion of public buildings – all as part of the Ministry’s leadership in strengthening southern cities.

In conclusion, 2025 was a turning point year for the South, which received comprehensive planning and execution leadership from the Ministry of Construction and Housing. The totality of the moves – from the establishment of new communities to urban renewal, from investments in Be’er Sheva to the development of the rural sector, and from expanding housing supply to rehabilitating communities – created a real foundation for accelerated regional growth. The Ministry will continue to operate with full force in the coming years to ensure that the Negev develops, attracts new populations, and offers its residents a high quality of life, based on advanced planning, employment, infrastructure, and accessible housing.

By Pesach Benson • January 19, 2026

Jerusalem, 19 January, 2026 (TPS-IL) — The Israel Defense Forces reported a sharp decline in Palestinian attacks in Judea and Samaria last year, while incidents of violence by extremist Jews surged, according to figures released Monday by the IDF’s Central Command.

In 2025, the IDF recorded 57 attacks by Palestinians against civilians and soldiers, resulting in 20 deaths, compared with 258 attacks and 35 deaths in 2024. Two additional soldiers were killed in an attack originating from Jordan. “Sustained offensive activity in northern Samaria refugee camps, combined with ongoing security operations, contributed to the decrease in attacks,” an IDF spokesperson said.

The number of Palestinians killed by Israeli forces fell to 240, down from around 500 in 2024. The military said that roughly 96 percent of those killed were involved in attacks or clashes, while about 40 percent were armed with firearms or explosives. “Fewer than 4 percent of the casualties were uninvolved civilians,” the spokesperson added. Stone-throwing and Molotov cocktail incidents also declined, from 1,230 in 2024 to 1,015 in 2025.

The IDF also noted an increase in counterterror raids targeting Palestinians. According to the figures, 3,486 Palestinians were detained in 2025, up from 2,694 in 2024, and 37 homes belonging to terrorists were demolished or sealed. The military carried out 57 airstrikes in Judea and Samaria, killing 51 suspected terrorists. Officials said Iranian-backed groups and Hamas-linked cells abroad have helped organize armed units in northern refugee camps, including Jenin and Tulkarem.

Illegal crossings into Israel remain a concern. The army reported that 8,636 Palestinians entered the country without permits last year, with just under half captured. “Between 50,000 and 70,000 Palestinians now reside illegally in Israel,” the spokesperson said. The IDF is also reviewing border security along Jordan and monitoring potential weapons-smuggling routes.

Economic conditions are further fueling tensions. Before the Hamas attacks of October 7, 2023, unemployment in Judea and Samaria was roughly 12–13 percent. It spiked to 35 percent during the conflict and currently stands near 30 percent, with only about 26,000 Palestinians permitted to work in Israel or Israeli communities. Military officials said expanding legal work opportunities could help ease unrest.

Looking ahead, Central Command plans to maintain a strong presence in refugee camps and critical areas, even as troop levels in Judea and Samaria are reduced from 2,064 to 1,200 in 2026 due to budget constraints. “Our aim is to neutralize terrorist networks while preventing escalation on other fronts,” said Maj. Gen. Avi Bluth, head of Central Command. “We are focused on operational control, security, and stabilizing the region amid complex social and economic pressures.”

At the same time, the IDF and the Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) reported a sharp rise in violent acts by extremist Jews. Central Command data showed that 867 “nationalist crime” incidents occurred in 2025, an increase of 27 percent compared with 682 incidents the previous year. Severe attacks, including arson, shootings, and vehicle rammings, rose from 83 to 128 incidents.

“These acts are carried out by a small but organized group of about 300 individuals,” a senior IDF official said. “Of those, roughly 70 are considered hardcore extremists responsible for the most severe attacks.” Central Command has imposed restraining orders and house arrests on 39 of the most active extremists, with limited use of electronic monitoring.

The Director General of the Ministry of Interior, Mr. Israel Ozana, honored us with his presence. He emphasized the importance of the work of the Administration for local government and noted that direct connection to the field is critical, inviting participants to an open dialogue and to ask questions, and to translate the insights that arise in the meeting into operational steps to advance the Ministry’s activities. As part of the meeting, a panel was held with the participation of senior department managers in the Administration for Local Government, leading round tables in cooperation with the professional teams in the Administration on the topics of auditing, human capital, municipal corporations, and control and economics. Participants included Dr. Yossi Benishti, Senior Director of Control and Economics; Haim Yifrach, Senior Director of Human Capital Management in Local Authorities; Avi Agniahu, Senior Director of Auditing in Local Authorities; Tatiana Ilianov, Deputy Senior Director of Municipal Corporations; and Pazit Yitzhak, Director of Regulation Improvement.

The panel and the team round tables included discussions and dialogue on pressing issues on the agenda. To conclude, Nadav Lachman, Director of economic development at the Ministry of Interior and a member of the Ma’oz Network, delivered a fascinating lecture on the Administration’s 2026 development plans and the interfaces with the Administration for Local Government.

The Director of the Administration for Local Government, Ms. Anat-Hana Lenkser, stated that the aforementioned meeting is another step towards increasing trust between local government and central government for partnership, transparency, and streamlining services and responsiveness. According to Lenkser, these are often systems that speak “different languages,” and sometimes a third solution is needed to resolve intractable tensions stemming from the different systems that exist between central government and local government.

During the meeting, dialogue was created and an expectation for continuation was expressed, with an attempt to map barriers and formulate joint solutions to municipal challenges. The insights that arose during the meeting will be translated into operational steps to improve the response of the Ministry of Interior and strengthen cooperation with the authorities.

Thanks to the “Ma’oz” Network and the teams of the Administration for Local Government for a welcome initiative.