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) — 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.

Jerusalem, 22 January, 2026 (TPS-IL) — The IDF (Israel Defense Forces) reported that one of its surveillance units identified last night (Wednesday) a drone that crossed from the east into Israeli territory in an attempt to smuggle weapons.

After identification, IDF forces intercepted the drone, which was carrying ten pistols.

The ceremony was attended by the Director General of the Ministry of Construction and Housing, Yehuda Morgenstern, Natanel Lapidot, Director of the Housing Division, Yossi Haddad, Director of the Old Neighborhood and Building Reinforcement Department, and the Mayor of Safed, Yossi Kakon.
As part of the project, the building at 100 Remez David Street, which includes 24 housing units, was reinforced and renovated with an investment of approximately NIS 3.6 million.
In addition, the building at 101 Remez David Street, which also includes 24 housing units, was reinforced and renovated with an investment of approximately NIS 3.6 million.
During the works, the buildings’ skeletons were reinforced to improve their resistance to earthquakes, alongside upgrading the buildings’ appearance and improving the living environment. Both projects are part of the Ministry of Construction and Housing‘s program to strengthen old neighborhoods, improve the living conditions of public housing residents, and strengthen local authorities in the north, with an emphasis on communities located near the Syrian-African Rift.

Yossi Kakon, Mayor of Safed:
“I welcome the completion of the reinforcement and renovation of public housing buildings, with an investment of millions of shekels, a move that gives the residents here a safe and stable home. Safed is located in an earthquake-prone area, so reinforcing buildings is not a luxury but a life-saving responsibility. I thank the Minister of Construction and Housing, Chaim Ketz, the Director General Yehuda Morgenstern, and the Amidar company for their partnership and professional execution in the field, and I look forward to the continued expansion of the program in the city and in the north, along with strengthening the tools and budgets for local authorities so that we can accelerate more projects for the benefit of the residents.”

Yehuda Morgenstern, Director General of the Ministry of Construction and Housing: “The project in Safed is part of our commitment to public housing residents, to take care of them through actions. The reinforcement of buildings, the improvement of the environment, and the investment in old neighborhoods are intended to provide residents with a better and safer quality of life. The residents of the north deserve a safe and high-quality living environment, and the Ministry is committed to continuing to invest and strengthen communities as part of an overall policy to strengthen local authorities.”

Shahar Schwartz, Deputy CEO of Operations at Amidar: The completion of the project in Safed, which was made possible by resources allocated by the Ministry of Construction and Housing, constitutes another layer in the fulfillment of Amidar’s national missions.
For us, upgrading buildings is a tangible expression of our commitment to improving the quality of life and well-being of public housing residents. The company will continue to fulfill its assigned missions together with the Ministry of Construction and Housing professionally for the benefit of the residents and their safety.

Yossi Haddad, Director of the Old Neighborhood and Building Reinforcement Administration at the Ministry of Construction and Housing:
“Safed is located along the Syrian-African Rift, therefore reinforcing buildings in the city is a vital mission for the safety of the residents. In these projects, we reinforce old buildings, extend their lifespan, and upgrade the living environment to meet current safety and quality standards.
I would like to thank the Minister of Construction and Housing and the Director General of the Ministry for their leadership and professional support, the staff of the Old Neighborhood and Building Reinforcement Administration for their dedicated work, Amidar company and the Safed Municipality for their close cooperation, and all the parties involved in planning, coordination, and execution – a partnership that allows for significant action that actually improves the lives of the residents.”

The project, carried out by Amigur, a subsidiary of the Jewish Agency and the Ministry of Construction and Housing, led by the Administration for Old Neighborhoods and Building Reinforcement in the Ministry and in cooperation with the Migdal HaEmek Municipality, included the reinforcement of two residential complexes in the city:

• Vered 2 complex, 22 housing units, with a budget investment of approximately NIS 3.3 million.
• Givati Golani 7 complex, 24 housing units, with a budget investment of approximately NIS 3.6 million.

As part of the works, the building structures were reinforced using concrete and steel, to improve their resistance to earthquakes, alongside upgrading the buildings’ appearance, developing gardens, and rehabilitating public spaces for the benefit of residents and the community. Both projects are part of the Ministry of Construction and Housing‘s program to strengthen old neighborhoods and improve the living conditions of public housing residents in Migdal HaEmek and to strengthen local authorities in the north.

Yaki Ben Haim, Mayor of Migdal HaEmek:
“This is an important and significant move for the residents of Migdal HaEmek, strengthening both their personal safety and their quality of life. Reinforcing and renovating public housing buildings is an expression of deep commitment to the residents and to reducing social gaps. I thank the Minister of Construction and Housing, the Director General of the Ministry, and all the partners for their cooperation and investment in the city, and we will continue to work together to renew old neighborhoods and strengthen the city for the benefit of all residents.”

Director General of the Ministry of Construction and Housing, Mr. Yehuda Morgenstern:
“The project in Migdal HaEmek is part of our commitment to public housing residents, to take care of them through actions. Reinforcing buildings, improving the environment, and investing in old neighborhoods are intended to provide residents with a better and safer quality of life. Residents of the North deserve a safe and quality living environment, and the Ministry is committed to continuing to invest and strengthen settlements as part of an overall policy to strengthen local authorities.”

CEO of Amigur, Erez Shani:
“The project in Migdal HaEmek expresses our deep commitment to the safety, welfare, and quality of life of public housing residents, and I thank the Ministry of Construction and Housing for choosing us to carry it out. Alongside reinforcing buildings against earthquakes and rehabilitating the urban space, Amigur continues these days to work on rehabilitating damaged buildings and establishing protected spaces (Mamadim) in northern settlements, as part of an overall concept of resilience, social responsibility, and the development of public housing in Israel.”

Yossi Haddad, Director of the Administration for Old Neighborhoods and Building Reinforcement at the Ministry of Construction and Housing:
“Building reinforcement projects promoted by the Ministry of Construction and Housing along the Syrian-African Rift are a national project to save human lives during an earthquake. Within this framework, significant projects are being promoted in Migdal HaEmek to reinforce buildings and renew old neighborhoods, leading to a tangible improvement in the residents’ quality of life. The Ministry systematically works to reinforce old buildings, upgrade infrastructure, and ensure a safe and maintained living environment, with a long-term vision for strengthening cities and communities.
I would like to thank the Minister of Construction and Housing, the Director General of the Ministry, Amigur company, and the staff of the Administration for Old Neighborhoods and Building Reinforcement for their professional work and commitment to the success of the projects.”

The year 2025 was one of the most significant for the North, a year in which the Ministry of Construction and Housing led a wide array of development, rehabilitation, and strategic planning programs that placed the region at the center of national activity. The Ministry launched unprecedented construction projects, advanced some of the largest “roof agreements” in the North’s history, accelerated the planning of tens of thousands of new housing units, and strengthened civilian and security infrastructures in the confrontation line communities. The scope and intensity of the activity changed the region’s development trajectory, proving that focused government intervention can create deep and rapid change on the ground.
The ongoing involvement of the Ministry of Construction and Housing was also evident in the level of public trust, which was reflected in high demand for government housing programs and the return of young families to view the North as a viable place to live. From “Apartment at a Discount” lotteries, through the rehabilitation of educational and public institutions, to the development of new communities, all the moves made this year indicate a consistent policy aimed at building the future of the North. This activity made 2025 a year in which the Ministry reshaped the region’s development map.
 
Apartment at a Discount: High Demand in the North Continues to Break Records
The tenth lottery of the “Apartment at a Discount” program in the North was the largest lottery in the region since the program’s launch. As part of the Ministry of Construction and Housing’s efforts to expand housing supply in the North and strengthen settlement, 1,950 housing units were allocated in eight communities – Nof HaGalil, Afula, Kiryat Bialik, Tiberias, Acre, Kfar Vradim, Ma’alot, and Iksal. For these lotteries,
70,526 applicants registered – a clear figure indicating the impact of the Ministry’s development initiatives and the growing public trust in national housing programs being promoted in the North as well. Investments in infrastructure, planning, and community upgrades are what enable families to see the North as a real destination for residence.
Joining this lottery is the ninth “Apartment at a Discount” lottery, in which approximately 4,000 additional apartments were allocated in the North. The high demand in both lotteries is a direct result of the Ministry of Construction and Housing’s actions to increase housing supply, develop communities, and make affordable housing programs accessible to young couples and families. Together, these two lotteries are creating significant demographic momentum and establishing the North as a developing and strengthening region, a process that the Ministry of Construction and Housing is systematically and continuously leading.
 
Development Momentum Through Roof Agreements and Urban Development
During 2025, under the leadership of Minister of Construction and Housing Haim Katz, the Ministry promoted a series of strategic “roof agreements” that changed the development course of the northern cities and laid the groundwork for rapid growth in the coming decade. One of the key achievements is the new “roof agreement” in Safed, developed by the Ministry and signed with a scope of over 3.4 billion shekels. The agreement includes the establishment of new neighborhoods, development of roads and main traffic arteries, rehabilitation of old areas, and the construction of a new southern interchange – a move initiated and led by the state through the Ministry, which re-establishes Safed as a central hub in the Galilee. This unprecedented investment represents a turning point for the city and its demographic future.
In addition to the agreement in Safed, the Ministry promoted significant development agreements in the cities of Nahariya, Yokneam, and Karmiel. Under the Ministry’s leadership, hundreds of millions of shekels were allocated for the rehabilitation and upgrading of infrastructure in Nahariya; in Yokneam, a planning process was completed to double the city’s housing reserves with the planning of over 6,000 new housing units; and in Karmiel, extensive planning was initiated with the aim of doubling the city’s population in the coming years. The agreements provide a framework and tools for local authorities for accelerated development.
 
New Settlement and Expansion of Communities in the Galilee
This year, the Ministry of Construction and Housing promoted the planning and establishment of new communities in the Galilee, as part of the effort to expand settlement and strengthen the northern periphery, including in rural areas. As part of this activity, the community settlement “Shibolet” was established, adjacent to Beit Rimmon, which integrates a regular population with a population with special needs, and promotes an innovative model of community living. The establishment of the community of Kedorri is also underway, intended for a second government decision. All these moves are managed and led by the Ministry of Construction and Housing, with the aim of positioning the North as a strategic and established development hub.
In addition to developing new communities, the Ministry also promoted the expansion of existing communities by allocating budgets for the development of public buildings, infrastructure, and access roads.
Concurrently, in July 2025, the recommendations of the Ministry of Construction and Housing were approved by government decision to deepen the subsidy for land development costs in 24 communities adjacent to the border in the North. It was decided that a reserve soldier would pay 50,000 NIS for development, and a non-soldier resident would pay only 100,000 NIS, while the actual development cost typically reaches half a million shekels. Each of these communities is also allocated 2 million NIS for public institutions and infrastructure rehabilitation, and local councils will be allocated half a million shekels for public buildings in each community. This year, approximately 20.8 million NIS were budgeted for the funding of these public institutions, and the deepening of subsidies in northern communities is planned to begin in mid-2026. The Ministry is handling all communities and expansions that are on the national priority map, as part of an overall policy to strengthen the region and ensure a high quality of life for residents.
 
Strengthening Buildings and Rehabilitating Damaged Areas
This year, extensive activity was required for the strengthening and rehabilitation of buildings due to the security situation, and the Ministry of Construction and Housing fully led these efforts. In Kiryat Shmona, one of the most extensive strengthening operations in recent years was implemented, including infrastructure rehabilitation, upgrading residential buildings, and constructing protected spaces, professionally and in full coordination with local authorities.
In the cities of Beit She’an, Migdal HaEmek, and Tiberias, the Ministry of Construction and Housing also led strengthening work and investments. In Beit She’an, targeted rehabilitation of high-priority buildings was carried out; in Migdal HaEmek, a central phase of the program to strengthen old buildings was completed; and in Tiberias, a broad initiative to improve the resilience of the city’s buildings progressed. These steps, led by the Ministry, strengthen civilian resilience and form the basis for long-term development and safer living for residents.
Furthermore, as part of Operation “With the Lions,” the Ministry of Construction and Housing worked in cooperation with the defense establishment to restore infrastructure, protect damaged buildings, and support local authorities in the process of returning to routine. These initiatives, at the Ministry’s behest and in coordination with security bodies, strengthened the sense of security and laid the foundation for continued civilian, community, and demographic development in the North.
 
Rehabilitation of Public and Educational Institutions
During the year, the Ministry of Construction and Housing led the rehabilitation and upgrading of schools, community centers, and public buildings that were damaged or required security adaptations due to war damage. In Shlomi and Kiryat Shmona, the Ministry invested over 20 million shekels in the rehabilitation of educational institutions, including adapting protected spaces and improving the learning environment, a move that enabled a safe and stable return to educational frameworks.
Additionally, in Misgav, the Ministry of Construction and Housing led the establishment of four new public institutions – a council building, a public library, a daycare center, and a cultural center – which serve as a basis for strengthening community and educational life in the village. These initiatives, led by the Ministry of Construction and Housing, are part of an ongoing effort to improve public services in the eastern and western Galilee communities and to strengthen local communities.
Adoption of Ministry of Construction and Housing Recommendations in the National Program for the Rehabilitation and Development of the North
 
This year, the Ministry of Construction and Housing formulated a national strategic plan for the rehabilitation of the North and the promotion of demographic growth, the core of which was adopted by government decision. The plan includes infrastructure development, strengthening communities on the northern border, establishing a planning reserve of approximately 125,000 housing units, and planning long-term solutions for growth and community resilience. It was decided to adopt large parts of the plan, and many of them are led and managed by the Ministry with the aim of ensuring that the North becomes a strategic development hub in Israel.
 
Vision for the North: The Ministry of Construction and Housing’s Activity Continues with a Forward-Looking Perspective
This year was filled with extensive activity by the Ministry of Construction and Housing in the North, which included initiating and leading strategic plans for the development of new communities, expanding existing communities, strengthening and rehabilitating buildings and public institutions, and responding to needs in light of the changing security reality. These steps strengthened the region’s community and demographic resilience, enabled a safe return to routine, and laid the foundation for the North’s long-term growth, while maintaining a high quality of life and modern infrastructure for the local population.
 
The Ministry continues to deepen its activity in the North, with plans to expand existing communities, establish new communities, and plan public infrastructure that will support demographic growth. In the coming years, emphasis will be placed on continued subsidies in northern communities, improving educational systems, establishing employment centers and leisure areas, and ensuring a high quality of life for residents. All moves are implemented in coordination with local authorities and the defense establishment, to ensure that the North remains a strategic and safe development hub for young families and for community resilience.

Jerusalem, 21 January, 2026 (TPS-IL) — In an operation carried out by Israeli security forces this week, the terrorist Fadi Bahati, who served as a central explosives manufacturer in terrorist organizations in tulkarm, was arrested.

Jerusalem, 21 January, 2026 (TPS-IL) — The IDF (Israel Defense Forces) Wednesday night attacked four crossings on the Syria-Lebanon border in the Al-Harmel area that are used by Hezbollah to transfer weapons.

In another attack in the Sidon area earlier today (Wednesday), the IDF eliminated terrorist Muhammad Awacha, a major weapons dealer and smuggler in the Hezbollah terrorist organization.

As part of his role, Awacha promoted and managed transfers of weapons to the terrorist organization Hezbollah, including through a shell company that ordered and transported prohibited goods from various countries, including Iraq, Syria, and Gulf states, said the IDF.

In addition, Awacha operated numerous smugglers responsible for transferring weapons from Iraq to Syria and Lebanon.