Joint statement from theand the Shin Bet Spokesperson: In response to the severe violation in the Rafah area: The IDF and Shin Bet eliminated several terrorists from the Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad terrorist organizations in the Gaza Strip. During the week (Thursday), the IDF and Shin Bet attacked and eliminated several terrorists from the Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad terrorist organizations… In another attack, the IDF attacked and eliminated two terrorists from the Hamas terrorist organization who were working to restore the organization’s infrastructure in the area. The elimination of these terrorists constitutes a significant blow to the capabilities of the terrorist organizations in the Gaza Strip to plan and harm IDF forces deployed in the area, in accordance with the agreement. The IDF and Shin Bet will continue to operate forcefully against attempts by terrorist organizations in the Gaza Strip to carry out terror plots against IDF forces and Israeli civilians.

IDF forces thwarted two drones during an attempted smuggling of weapons on the western border. IDF lookouts and the aerial control system identified yesterday (Friday), two drones that crossed from the west into Israeli territory in an attempt to smuggle weapons. After identification, IDF forces from the Paran Brigade arrived at the area and thwarted the two drones that together carried six M-16 weapons. The weapons found were transferred for further handling by security forces.IDF forces thwarted two drones during an attempted smuggling of weapons on the western border. IDF lookouts and the aerial control system identified yesterday (Friday), two drones that crossed from the west into Israeli territory in an attempt to smuggle weapons. After identification, IDF forces from the Paran Brigade arrived at the area and thwarted the two drones that together carried six M-16 weapons. The weapons found were transferred for further handling by security forces.

Upon the arrival of the forces, a report was received of gunfire directed at Israelis. There were no casualties in the incident. Upon the forces’ arrival at the scene, dozens of terrorists were identified throwing stones, and one terrorist ran towards them with a rock. In response, the forces fired into the air several times and then fired to neutralize the threat, eliminating the terrorist who was holding the rock. IDF forces continue to search the area and are implementing blockades and a cordon around the village of Al-Mughayir, in order to apprehend the suspects in the gunfire.

The forces carried out fire to neutralize the threat towards the terrorists, hit one terrorist and apprehended both. In addition, during the night (Friday), the forces of the Binyamin Brigade operated to arrest suspects in the village of Malek, after terrorists threw an explosive device and a Molotov cocktail at a road on which vehicles were traveling, with no casualties. Three suspects in the act were apprehended during the forces’ search and transferred for further treatment by security forces.

Today, with the release from prison of crime boss Naser Hariri and his departure towards his home, accompanied by a convoy of licensed armed security guards, Lahav 433’s National Bureau of Investigation detectives, along with Border Police fighters and Prison Service forces, operated and stopped the convoy on Highway 65. 

During a search, three security guards were found holding licensed weapons, who acted in violation of the license terms, according to which they are prohibited from engaging in personal security, especially when it comes to a crime organization. The weapons were confiscated and the security guards will be brought for investigation at the National Bureau of Investigation offices. 

The Inspector General, Commissioner Danny Levy, praised the operation and the cooperation between the forces: “We have declared all-out war on crime organizations and their leaders, and this is how we operate – with determination and assertiveness. Let the crime organizations know that we will not rest and will not allow them to do as they please. We are a state of law – and the Israel Police enforces the law everywhere and at all times.”

During the week (Tuesday), a ‘Yanshuf’ helicopter landed due to weather conditions in an open area in the Etzion Brigade. This morning (Friday), during an attempt to collect the helicopter, an accident occurred and the disabled helicopter detached and crashed. There are no casualties. The Commander of the Air Force, Major General Tomer Bar, ordered the establishment of a military investigation committee to investigate the accident.

Jerusalem, 15 January, 2026 (TPS-IL) — With the assistance of the Ministry of Tourism – the “Path of David’s Wanderings” trail was inaugurated on Mount Hebron and a cornerstone was laid for the “Paths of Psalms” project.

The new trail is a 4.5-kilometer walking and cycling trail connecting the communities of Maon and Carmel. The project was budgeted by the Ministry of Tourism with 3.2 million Shekels and was established in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture and Sports and the Ministry of the Interior.

The Ministry of Tourism sees Judea and Samaria, the land of biblical stories, as a region rich in Jewish heritage tourism assets of national importance, historical sites, and some of the most beautiful landscapes in Israel, which has not realized its inherent potential for years. In accordance with the Minister’s policy, through planned investment in infrastructure, statutory planning, and marketing, the Ministry is creating conditions that will enable responsible tourism development, strengthen the local economy, and expand the range of destinations for the Israeli public and incoming tourism.

Jerusalem, 15 January, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Israel’s National Public Transportation Authority reported that 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, and a new annual travel record ever.

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

The increase in the number of passengers is the result of a clear policy led by the Ministry of Transportation and Road Safety: expanding the line network, 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 service.

“The peak figure for 2025 indicates growing public trust and a gradual transition from private vehicles to high-quality, available and accessible public transportation as a basis for dealing with the problem of road congestion and improving the quality of life,” said the Authority.

Benjamin Brigade forces are currently scanning the area for suspects. A cordon has been imposed on the village of Malakh.