Politics

By Kostis Konstantinou • January 20, 2026

Jerusalem, 20 January, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz was in Athens on Monday for talks with his Greek counterpart, Nikos Dendias, highlighting strategic defense ties between the two countries.

The visit builds on an already close defense relationship that includes joint military exercises, pilot training programmes hosted in Greece, and a recently agreed trilateral military work plan with Cyprus for 2026.

Dendias said cooperation between the two countries continues to deepen, particularly in counter-drone capabilities, cybersecurity, and the exchange of operational experience. He noted that discussions also addressed developments in the Red Sea and Yemen, as well as security challenges in the Balkans and the Eastern Mediterranean.

Speaking after the meeting, Dendias reiterated Greece’s condemnation of the October 7 attacks on Israel and reaffirmed Athens’ support for Israel’s right to self-defence. He added that Greece backs international initiatives aimed at stabilising Gaza and is prepared to contribute to broader efforts to promote peace and regional security. He also stressed the importance of protecting civilian populations and religious communities in Syria and Lebanon, with particular emphasis on Christian minorities.

In his remarks, Katz said Israel remains on heightened alert amid what he described as “a conflict fought across seven fronts,” warning that efforts to impose control through terrorism or regional destabilisation would face a coordinated international response. He also referred to Israel’s ongoing efforts to recover the remains of hostages and fallen soldiers held by Hamas, calling it both a moral and national obligation.

Greek media reported that the Athens talks were closely linked to wider discussions on advanced air and missile defence systems, counter-drone technologies, and maritime security. According to those reports, Israeli systems are being examined as part of Greece’s planned multi-layered air defence architecture, although no formal procurement decisions have been announced.

The trilateral cooperation includes the formation of an Eastern Mediterranean rapid response team, joint exercises and training, and working groups addressing shared security challenges — most notably Turkey.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has condemned the Israeli-Greek-Cypriot military cooperation, saying it threatens Ankara’s interests in the region.

The National Road Safety Authority launched this morning the “Youth in Motion” project – a new educational and informational initiative, which constitutes a collaboration between the Education Department, which leads the Road Safety Authority’s youth movement program, and the Information Department.

As part of the project, short videos were produced featuring young men and women from the main youth movements in Israel: The Scouts, Bnei Akiva, Maccabi Tza’ir, HaNoar HaOved VeHaLomed, the Agricultural Union, and Machanot HaOlim. The videos bring to the forefront the perspective of the youth themselves, reflecting an open and honest dialogue around key dilemmas in the world of road safety.

In round table discussions, the youth discussed issues such as mobile phone use while driving, alcohol and driving, speed, and taking personal and social responsibility. The dialogue allows a glimpse into how youth perceive risks, cope with social pressures, and define their place as those at the beginning of a significant journey in the world of driving.

The choice to collaborate with youth movements stems from the recognition of their central role in educating for values, responsibility, and social involvement. The Road Safety Authority emphasizes that the youth participating in the project seek to influence, make their voices heard, and be an active part of changing the driving culture in Israel – as part of the national effort to save lives on the roads.

The President’s Residence:

Yesterday (Monday), we visited the National Center for Forensic Medicine in Abu Kabir, which has been operating for many years with dedication and professionalism in the sacred task of identifying deceased individuals and casualties and verifying legal facts. From the very first hours of the October 7th disaster, the institute’s employees were required to cope with unprecedented workload and challenges, working around the clock to identify casualties, handle bodies, and resolve unbearable doubts for thousands of families. With exceptional professionalism and sensitivity, and combining advanced capabilities, the institute’s staff succeeded in identifying 100% of the casualties, including hostages who were returned to us. For all this and more, the institute and its employees are recognized with world-renowned professional esteem.

During our visit this morning to the Institute of Forensic Medicine, at the invitation of the Director-General of the Ministry of Health, Moshe Bar Siman Tov, we thanked all the female and male employees for their sacred work with true grace, and recalled how the entire nation’s heart skipped a beat every time they identified another abducted brother or sister returned to us from Gaza. I emphasized to them my gratitude for their work during the difficult war years – the ability to provide proper burial and commemoration, and to allow families and loved ones certainty amidst unspeakable pain. All of this is in addition to the crucial and vital ongoing work with all law enforcement and judicial systems.

Thanks to the management of the Ministry of Health, to the institute’s team headed by the Director of the Institute, Dr. Chen Kugel, and to all the female and male employees.

Photography: Maayan Twaaf/GPO

Looking for the best candidate for the role of Policy and Strategy Leader in the Eshkol Regional Council. It’s not every day that applications open for a program aiming to prepare the next generation of welfare leaders in Israel.
 Applications for the flagship program “Cadets for Welfare” are now open! A unique program for social workers with experience who want to take a significant step forward.

What awaits the suitable candidates?
▪ Full funding for a Master’s degree
▪ Broad professional support
▪ Career development and management training
▪ Integration into the management reserve of the Social Services Departments

If you are social workers with at least 3 years of experience – now is the time to check if you are a good fit.

For details and to submit an application
 

Public tender No. 137360, for the position of Air Leader Operations Supervisor.

Application deadline 02/02/2026

Here is a link to submit an application 
 

The voting is taking place in 338 polling stations, which as mentioned, opened this morning for voting from 07:00 until 22:00, and they also include special accessible polling stations where voting is done using a double envelope.

Names of candidates for mayor (in alphabetical order)

Bitton Yosef

Molnar Tali

Makhlouf Amos

Salama Avi

Please note: In accordance with the law, election day is not a holiday!! As part of the Ministry of Interior’s preparations for holding the elections, adjustments were made to minimize disruption to routine as much as possible, while maintaining the required democratic process.

Information on the elections and polling station locations can be found on the Local Authorities Elections Portal, Special Elections for Mayor of Netanya, Ministry of Interior.

Following the retirement of Rabbi Dr. Ratzon Arusi, chief rabbi of Kiryat Ono, the Committee for the Selection of a Rabbi for the City convened today (Monday) at the Ministry of religious services, with the aim of advancing the process for appointing a spiritual leader who will serve as the city’s rabbi.

The committee is headed by Rabbi Yitzhak Elmalich, a member of the Great Rabbinical Court (retired). During the discussion, the committee members held an initial discussion and set the election date for Tuesday, the 7th of Adar, 5786 (February 24, 2026).

Alongside the committee chairman, the committee members include: Rabbi Dror Twil, Rabbi of Sderot, Mr. Sharon Keren, Ms. Dganit Greenbaum, and Ms. Yunit Gisspan. The committee is coordinated by Mr. Tzuriell Porat.

Director-General of the Ministry of religious services, Mr. Yehuda Avidan, entered to greet the committee members at the start of their work and stated: “I welcome this important convening. There is much work ahead of us, and I wish success in advancing the process. We have a long way to go, but the residents of Kiryat Ono are awaiting a spiritual shepherd, and we in the Ministry are committed to fulfilling this much-needed and essential requirement for the city. I want to thank Mayor Ms. Michal Rosenstein and the members of the City Council for their cooperation in the success of the election process.”

The Director General of the Ministry of Interior, Mr. Israel Ozana, honored us with his presence. He emphasized the importance of the work of the Administration for local government and noted that direct connection to the field is critical, inviting participants to an open dialogue and to ask questions, and to translate the insights that arise in the meeting into operational steps to advance the Ministry’s activities. As part of the meeting, a panel was held with the participation of senior department managers in the Administration for Local Government, leading round tables in cooperation with the professional teams in the Administration on the topics of auditing, human capital, municipal corporations, and control and economics. Participants included Dr. Yossi Benishti, Senior Director of Control and Economics; Haim Yifrach, Senior Director of Human Capital Management in Local Authorities; Avi Agniahu, Senior Director of Auditing in Local Authorities; Tatiana Ilianov, Deputy Senior Director of Municipal Corporations; and Pazit Yitzhak, Director of Regulation Improvement.

The panel and the team round tables included discussions and dialogue on pressing issues on the agenda. To conclude, Nadav Lachman, Director of economic development at the Ministry of Interior and a member of the Ma’oz Network, delivered a fascinating lecture on the Administration’s 2026 development plans and the interfaces with the Administration for Local Government.

The Director of the Administration for Local Government, Ms. Anat-Hana Lenkser, stated that the aforementioned meeting is another step towards increasing trust between local government and central government for partnership, transparency, and streamlining services and responsiveness. According to Lenkser, these are often systems that speak “different languages,” and sometimes a third solution is needed to resolve intractable tensions stemming from the different systems that exist between central government and local government.

During the meeting, dialogue was created and an expectation for continuation was expressed, with an attempt to map barriers and formulate joint solutions to municipal challenges. The insights that arose during the meeting will be translated into operational steps to improve the response of the Ministry of Interior and strengthen cooperation with the authorities.

Thanks to the “Ma’oz” Network and the teams of the Administration for Local Government for a welcome initiative.

By Pesach Benson • January 19, 2026

Jerusalem, 19 January, 2026 (TPS-IL) — A Knesset committee session on a government-backed bill establishing a commission of inquiry into the failures of October 7, 2023, was marked by protests from bereaved families and boycotts by opposition lawmakers on Monday.

Only two coalition members attended the Constitution, Law and Justice Committee meeting: committee chairman Simcha Rothman of Religious Zionism and MK Ariel Kallner of Likud, who introduced the bill. Members of the bereaved families’ Law and Justice Forum, which opposes the establishment of a state commission of inquiry, were also present. Due to the protesters, Rothman limited the number of people admitted into the hearing room.

“Investigating the October 7 massacre is important to the bereaved families, but also to the entire people of Israel, to soldiers, to civilians, and to anyone who wants to prevent the next disaster. The issue is not the exclusive property of anyone in Israel,” Rothman said. “We will allow the discussion to proceed, but I will not allow outbursts intended to disrupt the legislative process, regardless of positions or personal opinions.”

In an adjacent room, opposition lawmakers and members of the October Council organization—comprising victims of the October 7 massacre and their families—held a parallel discussion criticizing what they called the governing coalition’s politicized probe.

The controversy centers on Kallner’s bill, which proposes an alternative to a state commission of inquiry. Under the bill, a six-member investigative committee and its chair would ideally be appointed by a supermajority of 80 out of the Knesset’s 120 members. If no agreement is reached within two weeks, the coalition and opposition would each select three members. The panel would also include four supervisory representatives of bereaved families.

Critics argue that the structure effectively guarantees coalition control. The legislation allows the Knesset speaker to appoint committee members if either side refuses to cooperate. With the opposition now pledging a boycott, Speaker Amir Ohana, a member of the governing coalition, would likely make the appointments himself.

“The people sitting in the room next to us are not the investigators—they are the ones being investigated. The opposition will not cooperate with this,” opposition leader and Yesh Atid chairman Yair Lapid said, flanked by Einav Zangauker, mother of released hostage Matan Zangauker. “In the first month of the next government, we will establish a state commission of inquiry to ensure that this never happens again.”

Democrats chair Yair Golan also denounced the process. “The Israeli government does not want to investigate and does not intend to investigate. And if it does investigate, it will be a false investigation and a national disaster,” he said. “The struggle to establish a state commission of inquiry is part of a broader struggle. If we do not replace the government, Israel’s revival is in danger—an existential danger.”

Rafi Ben Shitrit, father of soldier Shimon Alroy Ben Shitrit, who was killed on October 7, added: “The demand for a state commission of inquiry is a moral and ethical demand of the highest order. The same government that led the country during its greatest massacre continues to hang on for dear life. All they are promoting is just a pathetic and pitiful attempt to evade the truth.”

Outside the Knesset, dozens of protesters called for a nonpartisan state commission.

Also on Monday, Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara submitted the state’s response to petitions before the High Court challenging the political commission of inquiry. “The government is seriously undermining the ability to uncover the truth about the events of October 7,” she wrote, urging the court to schedule a hearing. “Under existing law, a state commission of inquiry is clearly the appropriate and designated legal instrument for investigating the events of October 7 and the war.”

In November, the High Court issued a provisional order asking the government to justify why it is not establishing a state commission of inquiry, following petitions filed after the cabinet approved a “state-national commission of inquiry.” The government responded that the proposed committee is intended to ensure “a full, thorough, and independent investigation” and that the court has no legal basis to intervene.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has resisted calls for a formal state commission of inquiry, calling it “politically biased.” Such commissions, led by senior Supreme Court justices, can summon witnesses, collect evidence, and make recommendations, though the government is not required to follow them.

The Israel Defense Forces has released a series of detailed internal probes examining how roughly 5,000 terrorists from Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad were able to storm Israeli communities and overrun military positions. However, the military probes only address issues of operations, intelligence, and command—not decisions made by the political echelon.

Around 1,200 people were killed, and 252 Israelis and foreigners were taken captive by Hamas during the October 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel. Most were freed in a series of exchanges with Hamas as part of a ceasefire, though soldiers recovered the remains of others in Gaza. The body of Israeli Police Master Sgt. Ran Gvili remains in Gaza.

Israel’s last commission of inquiry investigated the deaths of 45 people in a 2021 stampede at Mount Meron. That commission ultimately held Netanyahu personally responsible in 2024.

On January 12th, facilitators and instructors from the “Breathing” network across the country met for an inspiring day of connection, learning, and shared thinking at the Mosaic Museum in Lod.

It was a day to pause from routine, for face-to-face meetings, and for open and genuine dialogue about the challenges, dilemmas, and opportunities in field work.

During the day, the Ministry of Welfare’s action plans and work programs and the “Breathing” network for the coming year were presented, alongside a look ahead at future trends that will affect the work of the social services departments.

Lively discussions took place around round tables, connecting professional knowledge, accumulated experience, and voices from the field. Subsequently, a significant process undertaken by a local authority was presented, and in conclusion, a broad reflection was offered on the past decade of the network and on the goals for the future.

This day strengthened the sense of partnership and meaning, emphasized the central role of the facilitators and instructors in leading change, and charged them with energy, commitment, and the desire to continue and deepen the network’s work across the country together.

Another course for community facilitators and instructors in the “Breathing” network programs will begin in a few months. The course is intended for those with rich experience in training social workers.

For more details, please contact Keren Tzafrir, by email: kerent@plev.org.il