Jerusalem, 4 January, 2026 (TPS-IL) — The IDF (Israel Defense Forces) reported that Sunday afternoon it attacked a terrorist from the Hezbollah terrorist organization in the Jmaijmeh area in southern Lebanon.

No details were provided as to who was attacked, what the results of the attack were or why he was attacked.

Jerusalem, 4 January, 2026 (TPS-IL) — The Israel Police established a new security sub-district within its Southern District – the Rotem (juniper brush) Area – in the Negev it said to “strengthen the security of southern residents.” It will have hundreds of officers in the fields of patrol, investigations, intelligence, anti-terror, and surveillance, with the allocation of all of its resources to combat crime in general and in Arab communities in particular, including arms trafficking and shooting incidents, extortion of protection money, illegal construction, the phenomenon of polygamy that harms social order, and any criminal activity that undermines the security of southern residents.

It includes the Arad, Dimona, Ar’oer, and other cities, and a central regional unit, with the aim of providing a rapid response to the unique threats faced by southern residents.

The Rotem Area began operating during the past week, during which time its forces carried out economic enforcement valued at approximately four million Shekels ($1.25 million) along with the seizure of weapons and ammunition.

Jerusalem, 4 January, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Earlier today, Sunday, police fighters from the Jerusalem Envelope Border Guard District operated in the village of Al-Ram near Ramallah to arrest a suspect who was documented on video about two weeks ago as he lifted a young girl to the top of the separation barrier wall in Jerusalem, tied her with a rope, and lowered her down to the other side of the wall, posing a real risk to her life.

The suspect, a 29-year-old resident of the area, was arrested on suspicion of smuggling infiltrators through the separation barrier and abusing a helpless person, and was transferred for further investigation at the Jerusalem Envelope Border Guard District Central Unit.

Today, the swearing-in ceremony for the Commander of the Jerusalem District of the Israel Police was held, in the presence of the Minister of National Security, MK itamar ben-gvir, the Inspector General of the Israel Police, Commissioner Danny Levy, the Mayor of Jerusalem, Mr. Moshe Lion, the incoming District Commander, Superintendent Absalom Peled, the Rabbi of the Western Wall and Holy Sites, Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz, partners from security, emergency, and rescue bodies, heads of local councils, representatives of the National Staff Forum of the Israel Police, officers and police officers of the Jerusalem District, additional guests, and family members. 

The Jerusalem District of the Israel Police is responsible for security and public order in the capital city of Jerusalem and throughout the Jerusalem hills region, including the city of beit shemesh, and the communities and councils of Mevaseret Zion, Abu Ghosh, Kiryat Ye’arim, Har Adar, Givat Ze’ev, Givon, and Mateh Yehuda. Over a million residents, Jews, Muslims, and Christians, live in the district, coexisting in a unique human fabric.

The district faces a complex set of challenges, including: maintaining stability and the delicate balance in the Old City and the holy sites of the three religions, dealing with terror threats and security incidents, securing the state’s central government institutions, and continuously dealing with the characteristics of a large city, various types of crime, public disturbances, and numerous and diverse protests.

All of these require the Jerusalem District to operate with professionalism, determination, and sensitivity, with a deep commitment to the security of residents and the upholding of the rule of law.

The outgoing District Commander, Superintendent Amir Arzani, held a variety of key positions throughout his years of service in the Israel Police, and especially in the Jerusalem District: commander of various stations, head of operations, deputy district commander, and Jerusalem District Commander. At every stage of his career, he demonstrated professionalism, responsibility, and dedication. As one who grew up in the district and carries Jerusalem in his heart, he led the district with confidence and achieved significant accomplishments, combining operational determination with human sensitivity. His commitment to the residents, to the policewomen and policemen, and to the entire Israel Police, has left a strong, professional district ready for future challenges.

The incoming Commander of the Jerusalem District, Superintendent Abshi Peled, said at the ceremony: “The significance of commanding the Jerusalem District requires me and the officers and police officers of the district to maintain sovereignty and governance firmly and uncompromisingly, to strengthen deterrence against criminals, and to increase the security and sense of security of Jerusalem’s residents and those who enter its gates. I am aware of the weight of responsibility placed upon me and am ready to bear it with a sense of faith and mission. The Jerusalem District is strong and ready for any task it will be called upon to perform and will prevail in every arena to which it is summoned.”

 Police Commissioner, Superintendent Danny Levy, said at the ceremony: “Dear Abshi, today you are taking command of the Jerusalem District, and there is no one more worthy and suitable than you. In the Jerusalem District, more than anywhere else, the public’s trust in the police, its professionalism, and its ability to act with determination and responsibility are tested daily.

“The Israel Police is facing a challenging period, fraught with missions and threats, but also with a mission, meaning, and responsibility. I believe and am confident that in your loyal hands, you will continue to lead the district to impressive successes and achievements. Your extensive experience, skills, and abilities will enable you to successfully cope with the many tasks and to utilize the excellent human resources at your disposal. We will continue to stand by your side and work for you, so that you can perform your duties in the best possible way.

“On this occasion, I wish to express my appreciation and thanks to the police officers, combatants, and commanders of the Jerusalem District for their strenuous efforts, determination, dedication, and professionalism. I will not conclude without wishing for the return of our last captive from Hamas captivity, the hero of Israel, Ran Guili.”

The Minister of National Security, MK Itamar Ben-Gvir, said at the ceremony: “Today we are marking the entry of Superintendent Absalom Peled into the role of Commander of the Jerusalem District – one of the most complex, sensitive, and influential positions in the internal security system of the State of Israel. Jerusalem is more than just a district: it is the heart of the nation, a city of history, faith, identity, and emotion.

“Managing this district requires an excellent and professional officer, with command seniority and rich experience in police work, and this is exactly what Superintendent Abshi Peled brings with him from the many roles he has held over the years, along with a clear, value-based, and uncompromising national and Zionist worldview.

“I am confident that he will lead the district with confidence, discretion, and determination, and will continue to strengthen the security of Jerusalem and its residents, and to preserve the sovereignty of the State of Israel in all parts of the city.”

The incoming Commander of the Jerusalem District, Superintendent Absalom Peled (64), is married, has three children, and lives in Moshav Zacharia. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in History and a Master’s degree in Jewish Studies. In his recent roles, he served as Deputy Commissioner and Head of the Training Division. Superintendent Peled also served as Acting Commissioner for several months.

Minister Regev: “Israel Railways is a cornerstone in the ‘Connecting Israel’ vision for connecting the periphery to the center, shortening travel times, strengthening the economy, and improving quality of life.”
The Ministry of Transport and Israel Railways conclude a record year in demand for travel on Israel Railways. In 2025, 71.8 million journeys were made on Israel Railways – an all-time record, and a 10% increase compared to 2024, when 65.4 million journeys were made.
Tel Aviv HaShalom station leads the list of active stations, with 17.2 million passengers passing through it during the year. It was followed by Tel Aviv Savidor Center station with 13.4 million passengers, Jerusalem Yitzhak Navon with 9.5 million, Tel Aviv University Expo with 6 million, Tel Aviv HaHagana with 5.4 million, Herzliya with 4.9 million, ben gurion Airport with 4.7 million, Haifa Hof HaCarmel with 4.4 million, Binyamina with 4 million, and Netanya station, which closes the top ten most requested stations with 3.6 million passengers in 2025.
According to the year’s summaries, demand in 2025 was the highest ever. During the year, the five days with the highest number of passengers were recorded, three of which were in the past December. On Sunday, December 21, 2025, an all-time daily travel record was broken with 375,916 passengers, after on Thursday, December 18, 2025, a previous record of 366,253 passengers was recorded.
In October, an all-time record was set for the average daily travel, with approximately 298,000 passengers per day. In December, an all-time record was set for the monthly number of journeys, with 7.3 million journeys, compared to the previous record set in August 2023, which stood at 6.9 million monthly journeys.
The sharp increase in the number of journeys is a direct result of the ministry of Transport’s policy led by Minister Regev, which includes unprecedented investment in rail infrastructure, procurement of new carriages, extension of trains, acceleration of electrification, and integration of many high-capacity electric trains carrying up to 2,000 passengers. These steps have enabled a significant improvement in the level of service and response to high demand.
Minister of Transport and Road Safety, Brig. Gen. (Res.) Miri Regev: “The 2025 data is clear proof that when investing in national infrastructure and acting with determination – the public responds enthusiastically. Israel Railways is a cornerstone in the ‘Connecting Israel’ vision for connecting the periphery to the center, shortening travel times, strengthening the economy, and improving quality of life. The Ministry of Transport continues to lead a revolution in public transportation, with modern trains, advanced infrastructure, and quality service, for the benefit of Israeli citizens throughout the country.”
Director General of the Ministry of Transport and Road Safety, Moshe Ben Zaken: “The record year for Israel Railways is a direct result of Minister Regev’s policy, and the vision she set for strengthening public transportation and connecting the country through an advanced rail network. The Ministry of Transport is working to implement the Minister’s policy through long-term planning, extensive investments, and professional cooperation with all parties, with the aim of expanding service, improving reliability, and responding to growing demands.”
Chairman of the Board of Directors of Israel Railways, Adv. Moshe Shimoni: “We thank the traveling public for their trust and choice of Israel Railways and its rail service, and we are already preparing for the expected growth in the coming year, with service additions and expansions throughout the country. The welcome increase in travel numbers is a result of the Ministry of Transport’s vision, through the company’s board of directors, management, and employees, for developing rail infrastructure, procuring advanced trains, and upgrading all aspects of service. I thank all parties for their contribution to the development of rail transportation and the improvement of the quality of life for the country’s residents.”
Acting CEO of Israel Railways, Avi Elmaliach: “I thank the train passengers for expressing their trust and preferring rail transportation over alternatives. The growth in rail service is made possible by continuous and dedicated work that leads to an increase in available rail infrastructure, expansion of the rail fleet, and the integration of modern electric trains, alongside investments in technology and many service aspects. I thank the Ministry of Transport, government officials, and all partners, and of course, the employees of Israel Railways for their dedicated work.”

Under the leadership of Minister of Construction and Housing Yoav Gallant, a comprehensive development agreement was signed today between the ministry of Construction and Housing and the local council of Beit Dagan. Under this agreement, the construction of 2,531 new housing units will be promoted, of which 2,321 will be on state land, including 270 sheltered housing units. The agreement also includes an addition of approximately 40,000 square meters of employment and commercial areas in the Etrog neighborhood, which is expected to be a new growth center for the settlement.

Beit Dagan, which currently has about 7,700 residents, is expected to double its population as part of the agreement, which was formulated through close cooperation between the Ministry of Construction and Housing and the local council. The agreement emphasizes long-term planning, improvement of urban services, development and upgrading of old areas, and preparation for the absorption of new residents.

The total investment within the framework of the agreement is estimated at approximately 430 million NIS, of which:

• Approximately 100 million NIS will be allocated to infrastructure, including transportation, drainage, water, electricity, and more.
• Approximately 20 million NIS will be directed to the establishment of public institutions.
• Approximately 7 million NIS will be invested in upgrading existing urban infrastructure.

Minister of Construction and Housing, Yoav Gallant: “The agreement signed today in Beit Dagan is part of a broad wave of agreements we have been signing in recent months from north to south. Beit Dagan’s population will double with a large investment in infrastructure, quality planning, and addressing the real needs of residents, both new and old. We continue to remove barriers and enable authorities to grow and develop, through tools for effective marketing that will increase housing supply and improve quality of life.”

Head of the Beit Dagan Local Council, Eli Dadon: “The agreement for the construction of 2,500 housing units will enable hundreds of millions in investments in the old neighborhoods, in parks, in educational institutions, and will elevate the settlement physically and humanly.”

Yehuda Morgenstern, Director General of the Ministry of Construction and Housing: “The comprehensive development agreement in Beit Dagan joins a series of agreements the Ministry has been leading recently, as part of the steps to increase housing supply. We are promoting agreements at an accelerated pace and in close cooperation with local authorities, with the aim of adding tens of thousands of new housing units in the coming years. Only by continuing the rapid promotion of new neighborhoods and balanced planning can we maintain the trend of declining prices in the housing market and ensure diverse housing solutions for families across the country. The agreement in Beit Dagan represents a correct combination of developing new neighborhoods and strengthening the existing fabric, with investment in infrastructure, public institutions, and community services, thus ensuring proper growth for the settlement.”
 

The Economic Enforcement Unit – North Lahav 433, in cooperation with the Tax Authority’s Haifa and North Investigation Officer.

Following an audit by the National Books Management Unit of the Tax Authority, in recent months a covert investigation was conducted by the Haifa and North Investigation Officer of the Income Tax and the North Lahav 433 Unit against 2 suspects for committing serious money laundering offenses, and income tax offenses by managing a business for the sale of alcoholic beverages and tobacco and omitting income in the amount of tens of millions of NIS.

Today, in the early morning hours, the 2 suspects were detained for investigation by Police and income tax investigators. Searches were conducted at their homes and businesses, during which a large amount of property was seized, including, among other things: real estate assets, a large sum of money, and documents, with a total value of seized assets of approximately 8.5 million Shekels.

The suspects will be investigated during the week regarding the offenses attributed to them.

The Israel Police and the Tax Authority work every day to locate offenders who harm the state’s treasury, through money laundering and failure to report income, all in order to increase enforcement, governance, and the rule of law in the State of Israel.
 

The Execution Officer Assaf Avni from the Rishon LeZion court dismissed a request to charge a receiver with damages, filed by the heir of a deceased debtor, and ruled that the receiver acted professionally and properly throughout the asset realization process.

The request was filed by the heir of the debtor, of blessed memory, against the receiver appointed to realize a shop. Within the request, it was claimed that the receiver was negligent in his duties, attempted to sell the property for a price lower than its real value, did not report rental income, and was responsible for fines imposed on the applicant.

In his decision, Registrar Avni rejected all the applicant’s claims and ruled that no breach of duty by the receiver was proven. “In order to establish grounds for charging a receiver under Section 58 of the Law, it is necessary, therefore, to prove 3 cumulative conditions: First, a breach of duty by the receiver under Chapter E of the Execution Law… Second, it must be proven that the breach was done without “reasonable justification” on the part of the receiver.
Finally, it must be proven by admissible evidence, damage caused due to the alleged breach. The burden of proof in the request rests on the applicant – the plaintiff, from the beginning of the proceedings to its end, as one who seeks to extract from another. However, the burden of persuasion rests on the receiver, to prove “reasonable justification” for his conduct.”

The registrar ruled that no breach of duty by the receiver was proven. The receiver acted in accordance with the registrar’s instructions, reported regularly and orderly, and the sale of the property was carried out at an appropriate price of ₪1,520,000 plus VAT, after it was approved by the registrar.

“The receiver acted in this case in a high-quality, professional, and impeccable manner, ensuring to report regularly to the registrar and obtain his prior approval for every action,” the decision stated. “The satisfaction with the receiver’s performance in this proceeding was expressed by two judges (Judges Passo and Ego and the undersigned) who awarded the receiver the maximum fee in light of his professionalism, diligence, proper fulfillment of his role, his successes, and achievements in the proceeding. Note: The receiver acted in this proceeding far beyond that of a reasonable receiver, and had to contend with intensive and extensive legal opposition, a significant part of which was unjustified and frivolous (according to the rulings in the appeals, all of which were rejected).

The registrar also addressed the applicant’s conduct and noted that she was represented throughout the proceedings, objected to every action of the receiver, and raised inaccurate claims. “It emerges from the file, even from a review of the parties’ summaries and subsequent submissions, that the applicant made abusive use of legal proceedings… The applicant unnecessarily complicated and prolonged the proceedings and hindered their progress and conclusion from the very beginning. The vast majority of the applicant’s claims against the receiver were raised towards him in bad faith and contrary to the actual facts, without any basis.”

At the end of the proceedings, the applicant was ordered to pay legal expenses in the amount of ₪39,000 plus VAT.
 
For the full decision click here
 

For the first time since its establishment, this year the Authority collected over NIS 2.33 billion in direct collections in the enforcement system, compared to NIS 1.76 billion in 2024 – a 32% increase in collections.
At the Center for Collection of Fines, Levies, and Expenses in the Enforcement and Collection Authority, debts totaling NIS 1.31 billion were enforced in 2025, compared to NIS 1.08 billion in 2024 – a 21% increase in collections.
The Authority succeeded in all this, despite no proceedings being taken this year against debtors in reserve service, against citizens injured in the “With the Lion” operation, and while protecting other unique populations.
In 2025, 1.74 million cases were opened at the Authority’s Center for Fine Collection, of which 1.15 million were for traffic fines, of which 41% were for speeding and 10% for mobile phone use.

The Enforcement and Collection Authority, responsible for managing the enforcement system, the Center for Collection of Fines, Levies, and Expenses, the Government Collection Administration, and the Insolvency and Economic Rehabilitation units, is now summarizing extensive activity for 2025. At the beginning of 2026, the Authority continues to show a downward trend in the inventory of open cases in the enforcement systems, from 1.965 million cases in 2024 to an inventory of 1.948 million cases in 2025. In 2025, 359 thousand new enforcement cases were opened at the Authority, a similar magnitude to previous years, and 387 thousand cases were closed.

These impressive results were achieved, among other things, because in 2025 the Authority led active efforts to make its services accessible to the public. The Authority worked with models of “proactive collection” for unique populations, including those affected by the Swords of Iron War and the young debtor population, expanded its remote services, including regular telephone service meetings, implemented technological improvements in the personal areas of enforcement and fine collection, while using artificial intelligence tools. It expanded service stations within certain communities to provide services to the Arab population in the north, increased arrangements within the framework of insolvency and economic rehabilitation proceedings, promoted regional trends whereby enforcement registrars will discuss cases at the debtor level, so that one registrar in each district handles all of the debtor’s cases, seeing the person themselves and the whole picture concerning them. Discussion at the debtor level is also more sensitive and efficient, but no less importantly, it provides a better collection advantage for the creditors.

The Director of the Enforcement and Collection Authority, Mr. Uri Wallerstein, noted on the occasion of summarizing the Authority’s activity data for 2025, stating: “The Enforcement and Collection Authority continues and will continue to operate with professionalism, fairness, efficiency, innovation, and important initiatives, as it did in 2025, while dealing with the implications of the war of resurgence, for debtors and creditors. The Authority concludes 2025 as a record year since its establishment 16 years ago, with a dramatic increase of an additional NIS 800 million in civil and governmental collection. The dedicated service work of the Authority’s managers and employees leads to results that speak for themselves and are a badge of honor for us as a government organization. The Authority will continue, alongside effective action, to show compassion and responsibility, and to assist debtors who find it difficult to pay their debts as much as possible. Thus, the Authority will continue to balance creditors and debtors, streamline governmental collection, and lead further initiatives that will increase the collection rate and also lead to more debtors exiting the debt cycles.”