Jerusalem, 22 January, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Israeli Space Week will be celebrated from January 25-29, with dozens of events, space fairs, exhibitions, conferences, stargazing and experiential activities for the whole family. The highlight of the week – the Ilan Ramon International Space Conference, which will host an international team of nine astronauts from around the world, senior figures in the global space industry, NASA leaders, researchers, and space industry professionals.

During the week, dozens of conferences and performances, unique technology exhibitions and interactive content for the whole family will take place throughout the country. Space Week is a central meeting point for Israeli space activities and connects 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 pinnacle of the local space industry, attracting senior figures from the international industry, astronauts, researchers and entrepreneurs to Israel. Held close to the anniversary of the Columbia shuttle disaster, the week reflects the development of the Israeli space industry and its ongoing commitment to international collaboration and action.

Jerusalem, 22 January, 2026 (TPS-IL) — In recent months, the IDF (Israel Defense Forces) eliminated ten Hezbollah terrorists in nine different villages in the South Lebanon area. The IDF said this is Hezbollah’s modus operandi: taking over and exploiting civilian space in southern Lebanon for terrorist purposes

The terrorists who were eliminated served as the operational arm of the terrorist organization in the villages of southern Lebanon, said the IDF.

As part of their role, the terrorists deliberately operated from within and through the civilian population in the areas of rehabilitation, education, welfare, and infrastructure, which was exploited to promote terrorist activity.

In the meantime, they took control of civilian space and private property, promoted the transfer of weapons and operatives, and embedded terrorist infrastructures in the heart of the civilian population, while cynically and systematically exploiting the residents of the villages to advance the terrorist goals of the terrorist organization Hezbollah.

“The terrorists’ actions constitute a violation of the understandings between Israel and Lebanon,” said the IDF.

Jerusalem, 22 January, 2026 (TPS-IL) — President of IsraelIsaac Herzog met with Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi at the World Economic Forum being held this week in Davos, Switzerland.

“I welcome the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two nations and look forward to deepening our bilateral cooperation for the benefit of both our peoples,” said President Herzog.

Israel was recently the first country to establish formal diplomatic ties with Somaliland, which declared its independence from Somalia in 1991.

Jerusalem, 22 January, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Israel’s Ministry of Tourism is participating this week in the FITUR fair in Madrid – the main tourism fair for the Spanish-speaking market, which includes Spain, Portugal and many countries in Latin America. This is as part of an activity to encourage tourism entering Israel, while focusing on sympathetic audiences and those with religious motives.

Some 156 countries are exhibiting at the fair, which is attended by some 9,500 exhibitors and is expected to attract over 250,000 visitors, including 155,000 professionals from the international tourism industry. The fair, which is opened annually by the King of Spain, is a focal point for meetings with decision-makers, airlines and travel agencies from the Spanish and Latin markets.

In the Israeli pavilion, tourism videos will be shown on giant screens and visitors will be able to receive a personal caricature against the backdrop of the country’s landscapes, which will be drawn on site by an artist. A festive Shabbat reception will also be held at the pavilion.

At the fair, Director General of the Ministry of Tourism, Michael Yitzhakov will hold meetings with large tourism wholesalers, including the AVORIS Group, which deals with spiritual tourism and attracted over six million passengers last year and operates about 3,000 points of sale, Air Europa, and representatives of tourism offices from around the world. This is with the aim of promoting marketing collaborations, pilgrimage packages, and strengthening air connectivity to Israel.

My wife Sara and I, along with all citizens of Israel, extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of reserve soldier Sergeant Major Assael Babad z”l, who was seriously wounded in Rafah 3 months ago, and passed away today from his wounds after a prolonged struggle.

His heroism and courage will be preserved in our hearts forever.

May his memory be blessed.

Jerusalem, 22 January, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Israeli venture fund TLV Partners led a $4.4 million Seed round for CareBestie, a U.S.-based AI-driven, voice-based patient engagement platform for home health and hospice. The startup, co-founded by serial entrepreneur Daniel Haven, uses automated calls in patients’ preferred languages to track wellbeing and alert human caregivers only when necessary, increasing operational visibility without adding staff.

“CareBestie is building critical infrastructure that supports physical and mental wellbeing while reducing reliance on scarce human resources,” said TLV Partners’ Shahar Tzafrir. The company currently works with agencies serving over 55,000 daily patients and aims to reach 250,000 by 2026.

The Tax Authority – through the investigating tax officer of the central District, is conducting an investigation against Galah Luib, who is suspected of operating in a foreign virtual currency trading arena on a large scale, without reporting to the tax authorities. The total deposits of funds to the exchange were approximately NIS 23 million, a similar amount was withdrawn, and the total sales activity stands at approximately NIS 7 million.  

From the covert investigation concerning him, it emerged that the suspect owns and uses two apartments in Kikar HaMedina in Tel Aviv, with a combined value of approximately NIS 13.5 million, as well as an additional penthouse apartment in Rishon LeZion. In addition, he owns luxury vehicles. The arrest request indicates that the suspect is only reported as an employee with income that does not match the aforementioned standard of living. In 2023 (the last reported year), the suspect was reported by his employer as an employee earning approximately NIS 240,000, and in previous years even less than that. This fact strengthens the suspicion of income concealment by the suspect.  

It should be noted that the suspect has never opened a file with the Tax Authority, has not filed reports, and has not reported his virtual currency dealings, whereas according to the Income Tax Ordinance, he was obligated to do so and report virtual currency sales.  

This morning, an overt investigation was opened against the suspect. A search was conducted at his home, and various documents and computer materials were found. In addition, virtual currency wallets, hundreds of thousands of NIS in cash, and diamonds with an initial estimated combined value of over $200,000 were also found in his home.  

Today, the suspect was brought before the Magistrate’s Court in Bat Yam, and it was decided to release him under restrictive conditions. The investigation is ongoing.  

Jerusalem, 22 January, 2026 (TPS-IL) — A new deep‑tech investment firm linking israeli innovation with U.S. infrastructure needs has emerged from stealth, unveiling a $150 million fund to address bottlenecks slowing the global AI boom. Deep33 Ventures, which has already secured a $100 million first close, seeks deep-tech companies capable of transforming industries and advancing from post-research stages to commercial breakthroughs.

With offices in Tel Aviv, New York, and Los Angeles, the firm aims to build an “allied infrastructure corridor” between the two countries. Led by Lior Prosor and Michael Broukhim, the fund will support founders in navigating government collaborations, regulations, and large-scale deployments.

Jerusalem, 22 January, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Israeli dietary supplement manufacturer TopGum Industries has signed a binding letter of intent to acquire U.S. operations specializing in pharmaceutical and dietary supplement gummies. The deal marks TopGum’s entry into the pharmaceutical domain and includes a U.S. facility with FDA-compliant production lines for pharmaceutical-grade gummies containing active pharmaceutical ingredients.

The acquisition combines cash and equity valued at up to $37 million, including contingent consideration.