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.

Jerusalem, 22 January, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Israeli medical device startup Trisol Medical reported positive results from an FDA-approved U.S. Early Feasibility Study of its transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement system for patients with severe to torrential tricuspid regurgitation.

The Yokneam-based company said 22 high-risk patients were treated at leading U.S. medical centers, showing a favorable safety profile and significant functional improvements. At 30 days and up to 12 months, patients demonstrated reduced valve leakage, improved quality of life, better heart failure status, and gains in right ventricular function. Fewer than 5 percent required a permanent pacemaker.

Trisol has completed enrollment using a trans-jugular approach and is advancing enrollment with a newly developed transfemoral delivery system.

Jerusalem, 22 January, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Israel’s Defense Ministry ordered the immediate enforcement of a tougher security measure targeting illegal waste fires in Judea and Samaria, following a directive by Defense Minister Yisrael Katz. Residents of Judea and Samaria have long complained about pollution from fires originating in illegal Palestinian Authority garbage dumps.

Israel Defense Forces’ Central Command chief Maj. Gen. Avi Bluth signed an amended security order that defines waste fires as a national security violation. The measure authorizes the seizure and administrative confiscation of vehicles and equipment used for illegal dumping and burning. Israeli officials say the move aims to deter offenders, dismantle criminal infrastructure, protect public health and reduce environmental hazards threatening Israeli communities.

Jerusalem, 22 January, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Base AI has acquired EverAfter AI in a move aimed at creating what the Tel Aviv-based companies call the first AI-powered Engagement OS for post-sale customer growth.

The two companies develop software that helps businesses onboard customers, guide them in using products, and encourage renewals and upgrades. EverAfter was founded in 2020 by former Israeli Air Force technology unit veterans Noa Danon and Tal Shemesh. All EverAfter employees will join Base AI as the combined company expands its customer engagement platform.