Jerusalem, 15 January, 2026 (TPS-IL) — President Isaac Herzog’s office said it opened 1,683 pardon requests in 2025, continuing a slight decline from 2024 but maintaining higher averages than the past five years. The President granted 456 positive decisions, primarily shortening criminal record periods, reducing fines, or easing sentences.

A notable focus was on special relief schemes for soldiers, reservists, and civilian war victims. Nearly half of all positive decisions were granted under these special frameworks.

Requests from sex offenders, domestic violence perpetrators, and serious traffic offenders continued to be systematically denied.

About two years ago, a framework for shortening the Working Hours of female and male doctors on shifts was implemented, with the aim of alleviating the workload and improving the working conditions of interns in the periphery.

From the date of the framework’s actual implementation, the Ministry has been examining its implications with all relevant parties in the healthcare system, with an emphasis on the hospitals where it is being implemented. As part of the learning and lessons-learned process conducted by the Ministry, it emerged that the framework has value in alleviating the workload as expected. However, claims were also raised by some parties in the system regarding damage to the quality of training and care, the continuity of treatment, and the functioning of the departments where it applies, creating significant gaps in these areas between departments in the periphery and those in the Center. Therefore, the need arose for a thorough and continuous examination aimed at reviewing the framework and updating the work method, while maintaining the alleviation of the workload for interns, so that it can be applied to the entire inpatient system in due course. 

The Director-General of the Ministry of Health, Moshe Bar Siman Tov, decided to establish a working team that will formulate an updated framework for doctor shifts. The team’s recommendations should address the aforementioned needs for both the medium and long term, taking into account the expected changes in the number of doctors in Israel in the coming years. The team will also formulate a recommendation for a sustainable systemic framework. 

The team, expected to submit its recommendations by May 1, 2026, will be headed by the Director of Soroka Medical Center, Prof. Shlomi Kodish, and its work will be coordinated by Adv. Yael Israeli Nevo. During the team’s work, the positions of all relevant field and headquarters personnel will be heard.

Director-General of the Ministry of Health, Moshe Bar Siman Tov: “We see shortening shifts for interns as an important step for the benefit of male and female doctors, patients, and the entire system. In the past two years, the healthcare system has worked day and night, in emergencies and routine, to save lives and provide care for the many injured in body and soul. Now, as a learning system, we are working to examine the need to update the work method, and to create a balance that will protect the interests of caregivers and patients. We request to examine how the change has affected medical response in hospitals, while placing the well-being of the patient and doctors at the Center. 

The long and exhausting working hours, 26 hours in a row, sometimes almost without a break, have not only harmed the intern doctors but could also harm the quality of medical care received by the public. The committee headed by Prof. Kodish will be required in the coming months to address this important issue, and I am confident that its findings and recommendations will assist us in formulating an updated framework.”

Dr. Sefi Mendlovic, Deputy Director-General of the Ministry of Health: “In recent months, we have thoroughly examined the framework for assessing the workload of interns. As part of the meetings we held and the extensive dialogue with the medical teams, we understood that adjustments are needed in the framework to ensure that working conditions are indeed improved and the level of training is maintained. 
The next step we are taking now reflects the overall responsibility we have to create a comprehensive framework that can be implemented in the field and that aligns with the needs of interns and the entire healthcare system.”

Director-General of Soroka Medical Center, Prof. Shlomi Kodish, Head of the Working Team: “We see great importance in promoting the working conditions of interns in hospitals, especially during shift hours. 
During the two years in which the framework for shortening the workday has been implemented, we have learned about the framework’s implications and its impact on team well-being and on systemic aspects of departmental activity. 
Now we will examine the issues that have arisen, hear from those involved, and together formulate recommendations for the future, so that they will strengthen our healthcare system and ensure continued professional and high-quality medical care for patients and their families. This is while being committed to female and male doctors – for their welfare and their ability to fulfill their mission responsibly, professionally, and humanely.” 

Jerusalem, 15 January, 2026 (TPS-IL) — The Ministry of Transportation and the Cross-Israel Railway Company have officially submitted the Southern Railway (Goral) Plan, marking a key step in connecting the Negev to central Israel.

The 13-kilometer railway, featuring a 4.5-kilometer double tunnel under the Goral Hills, will link the Tel Aviv–Beer-Sheva line to Ashkelon–Beer-Sheva tracks, improving passenger travel, freight transport, and safety by diverting hazardous cargo outside Beer-Sheva. A new accessible station with bus and bicycle facilities will serve the region.

Transportation Minister Miri Regev said the project “strengthens the Negev, encourages development, employment and growth, and provides residents with a quality connection to Israel’s economic centers.”

The Ministry of religious services, in cooperation with the Survey of Israel, is launching a unified national mapping project for eruvin. A Zoom training session will be held with professionals from the Survey of Israel.

Each council will receive editing permissions for the eruv lines within its jurisdiction.

Entities maintaining eruvin are requested to prepare a list of users and editors in their respective fields and to register on the government mapping website (govmap).

http://www.govmap.gov.il/register

After registration, please update the Religious Structures Department with the contact person’s details, the chosen username, and the email used for registration. Do not forget to specify the name of the entity.

The update should be sent to the department’s email address.

MivneDat@dat.gov.il

Record High in Public transportation: 912 Million Trips in 2025

Minister of Transportation Miri Regev: “The public is increasingly choosing public transportation. This is clear proof that the policy we are leading is changing the reality on the roads.”

Public transportation in Israel continues to break records. In 2025, 912 million trips were recorded on buses, light rail, and Israel Railways, compared to 904 million trips in 2024, a new all-time annual record for trips.

The data reflects a trend of recovery and continued growth after the Corona years, and subsequently against the backdrop of the challenges of the “Swords of Iron” war, during which transportation activity was reduced in large areas of the country, lines were suspended, and drivers and vehicles were mobilized for the national effort. Despite this, the public transportation system maintained functional continuity and quickly returned to growing operational volumes.

The increase in the number of passengers is a result of a clear policy led by the Ministry of Transportation and Road Safety: expanding the network of lines, increasing frequencies, opening and extending light rail lines, improving service on Israel Railways, and unprecedented investment in service additions. As part of the 2025 budget, hundreds of millions of shekels have been allocated specifically for expanding public transportation services.

The record figure for 2025 indicates growing public trust and a gradual shift from private vehicles to quality, available, and accessible public transportation as a basis for dealing with the problem of road congestion and improving quality of life.

Minister of Transportation and Road Safety, Brig. Gen. (Res.) Miri Regev: “We are connecting Israel through advanced public transportation – not with slogans but with actions. Every new line, every additional frequency, and every infrastructure project brings more passengers to choose public transportation.”

Director General of the Ministry of Transportation, Moshe Ben Zaken: “Since Minister Miri Regev took office, public transportation has been a top priority. The opening of new light rail segments, the expansion of the bus system, the advancement of the national rail network, and the ‘Transportation Justice’ fare revolution – all of these translate into an increase in the number of passengers and improved service for the public.”

Description: the ministry of Health reports a jackal infected with rabies in the town of Rosh Pinna in the Upper Galilee. As of now, there are no known individuals who have been exposed to the jackal.
Dates: 27.12.2025 to 10.01.2026 inclusive

Instructions:
We request that anyone who came into contact, or whose animals came into contact, in the incident area with the infected animal or a stray animal, between the dates 27.12.2025 and 10.01.2026 inclusive, to urgently contact the Safed Health Bureau, telephone 04-6994257, 04-6994200, or the Health Bureau closest to their place of residence, in order 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.

More on the same topic
Instructions after injury by an animal suspected of having rabies 

Record High in Public Transportation: 912 Million Trips in 2025

Minister of Transportation Miri Regev: “The public is increasingly choosing public transportation. This is clear proof that the policy we are leading is changing the reality on the roads.”

Public transportation in Israel continues to break records. In 2025, 912 million trips were recorded on buses, light rail, and Israel Railways, compared to 904 million trips in 2024, a new all-time annual record for trips.

The data reflects a trend of continued recovery and growth after the Corona years, and subsequently, against the backdrop of the challenges of the “Swords of Iron” war, during which transportation activities were reduced in large areas of the country, lines were suspended, and drivers and vehicles were mobilized for the national effort. Despite this, the public transportation system maintained functional continuity and quickly returned to growing operational volumes.

The increase in the number of passengers is a result of a clear policy led by the Ministry of Transportation and Road Safety: expanding the network of lines, increasing frequencies, opening and extending light rail lines, improving service on Israel Railways, and unprecedented investment in service additions. As part of the 2025 budget, hundreds of millions of shekels were allocated specifically for expanding public transportation services.

The record figure for 2025 indicates growing public trust and a gradual shift from private vehicles to quality, available, and accessible public transportation as a basis for dealing with the problem of road congestion and improving quality of life.

Minister of Transportation and Road Safety, Brig. Gen. (Res.) Miri Regev: “We are connecting Israel through advanced public transportation – not with slogans but with actions. Every new line, every added frequency, and every infrastructure project brings more passengers to choose public transportation.”

Director General of the Ministry of Transportation, Moshe Ben Zaken: “Since Minister Miri Regev took office, public transportation has been a top priority. The opening of new light rail segments, the expansion of the bus system, the advancement of the national rail network, and the ‘Transportation Justice’ fare revolution – all of these translate into an increase in the number of passengers and improved service for the public.”

prime minister Benjamin netanyahu spoke this evening with Tali and Itzik Guili, parents of the fallen abducted soldier Sergeant Major Ran Guili, may his memory be blessed.

The Prime Minister clarified that Ran’s return is our top priority and that the declarative move to establish a technocratic committee will not affect the efforts to return Ran to burial in Israel.

The Prime Minister clarified that the Israeli government insists that information provided to mediators by the POW Coordinator and his team will be immediately translated into effective actions on the ground.

Hamas is required to abide by the terms of the agreement and make a 100% effort to return all fallen abducted individuals, down to the last one – Ran Guili, hero of Israel.

Jerusalem, 15 January, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Israeli soldiers demolished the Hebron home of terrorist Imran al-Atrash overnight, the Israel Defense Forces said. Atrash was responsible for a November car-ramming and stabbing attack at the Gush Etzion Junction south of Jerusalem.

Seventy-one-year-old Aharon Cohen was killed in the attack and three others were injured.