Jerusalem, 12 January, 2026 (TPS-IL) — In a new reform, the Ministry of Finance is offering Israel’s dairy farms quota redemptions – the opportunity for individual farmers to sell off their designated quotas for production limits – worth over one billion Shekels (more than $320 million).

As part of the implementation of the reform, dairy farms that choose to sell their milk quotas, as part of the progressive quota redemption program as part of the implementation of the dairy industry reform, will receive compensation of millions of shekels. Thus, dairy farm owners who are interested will be able to receive capital not only from the sale of cows and dairy equipment, but also on the quotas.

The program, said the Ministry, is designed to allow dairy farmers flexibility and choice in light of the structural changes in the industry, while providing a significant economic response to those who choose to exit the industry, along with strengthening the efficiency of dairy farms and increasing competition in the milk market for the benefit of the public.

Each dairy farm that sells its milk quotas will receive financial compensation in the amount of millions of shekels, depending on the size of the dairy farm and the scope of the quota. In addition, assistance will be provided in converting dairy farms to alternative uses, including agricultural tourism, industry or commerce.

As part of the reform’s implementation, dairy farms that choose to sell their milk quotas, within the framework of the quota redemption program advancing as part of the milk industry reform, will receive compensation of millions of shekels. Thus, dairy farm owners who are interested will be able to receive capital not only from the sale of cows and farm equipment, but also for the quotas.
The program is designed to allow dairy farmers flexibility and choice in light of the structural changes in the industry, while providing significant economic support to those who choose to exit the industry, alongside strengthening efficient farms and increasing competition in the milk market for the benefit of the public.
Quota Redemption Program – Significant Compensation for Dairy Farmers:
The state will advance a quota redemption program with a total scope of over one billion shekels. Within the framework of the program, the state will purchase the milk quotas of dairy farmers who choose to sell them and exit the industry.
The Highlight of the Move:
Every dairy farm that sells its milk quotas will receive financial compensation in the amount of millions of shekels, depending on the size of the farm and the scope of the quota. In addition, assistance will be provided in converting the farms for alternative uses, including agricultural tourism, industry, or commerce.
Safety Net for Efficient Farms – Stable and Adjusted Protection Price:
Alongside the redemption program, an “protection price” will be maintained for efficient farms that choose to continue operating, a fixed mechanism that provides long-term certainty regarding quantity and price. The protection price will be competitive and will reflect the production costs of efficient farms, with the aim of ensuring economic stability and continued sustainable operation in the industry.
Program to Strengthen Dairy Farms – Investment in Upgrading and Expansion:
As part of the reform’s implementation, the state will invest in upgrading and expanding existing dairy farms, and will provide significant assistance to dairy farmers interested in improving production capacity, in the scope of hundreds of millions of shekels.
A More Competitive, Stable, and Efficient Milk Market:
The overall move is expected to reduce dependence on large dairies, improve competitiveness in the milk industry, and strengthen local production. In the medium and long term, the reform is expected to contribute to lowering the cost of living for consumers, improving the availability of dairy products, and ensuring stable supply capacity both in routine and in emergency situations.

During December 2025, reports were received of three cases of armed robbery at supermarkets on Ha’Busem Street and Kiryati Street in Tel Aviv. According to the reports, a masked individual threatened the sellers with a handgun, robbed them of thousands of shekels, and fled the scene.

detectives and investigators from the Tel Aviv South station opened an investigation, during which, using advanced technology, they managed to identify the suspect.

Yesterday, detectives, along with combatants from the Tel Aviv branch of the Border Police, arrived at the suspect’s home, arrested him, and conducted a search under a court order. During the search, an airsoft pistol was seized, which, according to suspicion, the suspect used to threaten and rob the sellers. Several knives, unique clothing items, and mobile phones were also seized.

The suspect, a 41-year-old resident of Tel Aviv, was transferred for investigation at the Tel Aviv South station and will be brought to the Tel Aviv Magistrate’s Court for a hearing regarding the extension of his arrest.
 

Jerusalem, 12 January, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Palestinian Authority President mahmoud abbas was released from a hospital in Ramallah after undergoing “routine medical tests,” according to the P.A.-run Wafa News Agency.

Arab media reports earlier in the day said he had been hospitalized.

The 90-year-old Abbas is in the 21st year of a four-year term as P.A. President.

Under the direction of the Minister of Transportation and Road Safety, Miri Regev, the Director-General of the Ministry, Moshe Ben Zaken, held a preparedness meeting with all subsidiary companies in anticipation of the expected storm tonight. During the meeting, it was decided to raise the alert level across all land, sea, and air systems.

Roads and Infrastructure: Full Readiness on Routes

Netivei Israel: Field teams have been reinforced, snow plows and salt spreaders have been deployed in the north, and the advanced sensor system for real-time monitoring of flash floods in streams has been activated for the safety of road users.

Netivei Ayalon: Flood hotspots in the Gush Dan area have been mapped, pump operations and the “bioviot” (likely referring to drainage systems or water pumps) have been reinforced, and patrol teams have switched to continuous round-the-clock operation.

Moriyah (Jerusalem): Work has been carried out to strengthen fences and elements at construction sites, drainage systems have been cleared to prevent blockages and flooding, and municipal maintenance teams have been reinforced.

חוצה ישראל (Cross Israel): Heavy machinery and emergency teams have been put on alert at all company projects.

Trains and Public Transportation:

Israel Railways and NTA (Metropolitan Mass Transit System): Scaffolding and infrastructure have been secured, drainage systems at stations and along routes have been cleaned, and drivers have been briefed on driving in poor visibility conditions.

Jerusalem (Public Transport and Light Rail): The Transportation Management Center has been moved to an emergency mode. Drainage and proactive pruning operations have been carried out along the light rail route.

Aviation and Ports

Israel Airports Authority: Preparations for schedule changes due to weather conditions.

Raspan (likely referring to a maritime authority): A directive has been issued to the public to avoid maritime activities and surfing on beaches until conditions stabilize.

Road Safety (Ralp”ad – National Road Safety Authority)
Guidelines have been published for the public, emphasizing adjusting speed, maintaining distance, and prohibiting crossing flooded roads. A severe warning to motorcyclists due to the risk of skidding.

Minister Regev: “Paving the Afula Bypass will relieve the city of traffic jams, improve safety, and provide residents with a new, safe, and accessible lifeline.”

The Ministry of Transportation and Road Safety and the Ministry of Finance have approved a significant budget addition of 10 million shekels for 2025 for the Eastern Afula Bypass project. With the approval of the additional budget, the total government participation in the project, carried out through Netivei Israel, stands at approximately 351 million shekels.

The approved budget is intended for the completion of the project’s planning, which includes the traffic light at the junction – an essential engineering and safety measure that will allow, among other things, a regulated exit from the neighborhood towards the center of the country.

The Eastern Afula Bypass is a large-scale national infrastructure project, representing a crucial step towards removing transportation “bottlenecks” that limit the development of the entire region. The initiative aims to create a strategic transportation artery that will enable controlled diversion of heavy traffic and intercity traffic flows from Afula’s residential and business center to a modern, high-engineering-standard route. 

The bypass road is expected to bring immediate relief to traffic congestion, improve road safety, and strengthen the full connectivity between northern settlements and the national rail and road network.

Minister of Transportation and Road Safety, Maj. Gen. (Res.) Miri Regev: “We continue to renew and strengthen Israel’s infrastructureas part of the ‘Connecting Israel’ vision we have been leading in recent years. Paving the Afula Bypass is a strategic breakthrough that reflects responsible policy of developing advanced infrastructure throughout the country. This is a project that shortens distances, strengthens the periphery, and provides the residents of the valley with a strong, stable, and connected transportation system that will serve future generations.”

Director General of the Ministry of Transportation and Road Safety, Moshe Ben Zaken: “The budget approval is a vital component in the national effort to strengthen transportation continuity in the north. This is professional management that translates vision into precise execution on the ground, including the regulation of junctions and access to neighborhoods, with full cooperation from all parties to meet national goals. Israeli citizens and the residents of Afula deserve to enjoy strong and efficient infrastructure, and this is the commitment of the Ministry of Transportation under the leadership of Minister Regev.”

Mayor of Afula, Avi Elkabetz: “Thank you very much to Transportation Minister Miri Regev and Netivei Israel CEO Nissim Peretz for the cooperation with the Afula Municipality and the budget approval. For many years, Road 65 caused traffic congestion at the entrances and roads within the city. Since the opening of the new road and interchange about a year ago, city residents and visitors have felt the relief in congestion. The budget, now approved, for the establishment of a traffic-lighted junction connecting to the ‘Afula HaYeruka’ neighborhood will also ease the city’s residents’ exit towards Tel Aviv and the central region, and will effectively serve as an additional component in improving accessibility to and from the city.”

The office of the Chief Scientist of the Ministry of health is pleased to invite you to a webinar on the topic: “Calls for proposals in collaboration with Europe in the fields of medicine and health and Ministry of Health databases accessible by Timna” 

The webinar will take place on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, between 11:00-12:00 in TEAMS.
 Please reserve the date.

Registration at the following link:  European Calls for Proposals 

For further clarifications and questions, please contact Ms. Netta Koren at  netta.koren@moh.gov.il
 

Jerusalem, 12 January, 2026 (TPS-IL) — President Isaac Herzog met with Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu in Jerusalem, on Monday, where they discussed the implementation of U.S. President Donald Trump’s peace plan for Gaza.

Herzog called for the urgent return of the last hostage held in Gaza, Police Staff Sgt. Ran Gvili, and stressed the need for regional stability and disarming Hamas.

The two also discussed advancing bilateral cooperation in technology, science, security, and tourism.

Jerusalem, 12 January, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Israeli security forces have arrested the suspect in a Palestinian shooting attack that wounded a soldier during a counterterror operation Shechem (Nablus).

The suspect, identified as Hamas operative Zaid Haraz, was arrested on Monday morning following a day-long manhunt. Additional suspects who assisted Haraz’s escape were also detained.