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.

Today (Thursday), a conference was held in Beit Shemesh to mark a decade since the establishment of the National Police College, the central body for training police officers, commanders, and officers in all roles within the Israel Police. The conference was held in the presence of the Minister of national security, MK Itamar Ben-Gvir; the Commissioner of Police, Commissioner-General Daniel Levi; Head of the Training Division, Superintendent Hadas Shapira Damoni; Commander of the College, Superintendent General Tzvi Taub; the National Senior Staff of the Israel Police, past commanders of the College, the training staff, and trainees.

Prior to the official opening of the conference, a festive ceremony was held during which the College’s Decade Pin was unveiled and awarded for the first time to the training staff – a symbol of appreciation for a decade of professional, ethical, and operational excellence in training the police officers and commanders of the Israel Police.

Since its establishment in 2015, the National Police College has been a central pillar in building police command and leadership, integrating operational, command, and ethical training with the aim of shaping police officers and commanders who lead the organization in accordance with the values of the rule of law, public service, and the pursuit of excellence.

Minister of National Security, MK Itamar Ben-Gvir: “The police are an integral force in maintaining our national security. We are not ashamed to be proud of our nation, our country, and that the police know how to distinguish between an enemy and a friend.

“Whoever challenges the existence and identity of the state and tries to harm governance and impose fear and terror, will receive an iron fist from the Israel Police. We saw this in Tarabin, and we will see it, with God’s help and with your help – it is growing stronger.

“Everyone knows how much I have fallen in love with this place. The Commissioner and I are investing in budgets, technologies, resources, but first and foremost in people. If you knew how much effort and energy we invest even in a station commander in a small town, you would be surprised, but one who insists that his officers speak of governance and sovereignty cannot make concessions and checks them carefully, to see that they are fit to go out to battle and war for the existence of our state.”

Commissioner of Police, Commissioner-General Daniel Levi: “As Commissioner, I believe that the best must come to training – outstanding commanders, instructors, and professionals in their fields, with rich experience and a true mission to impart knowledge, tools, and values. Investing in the College and its people is, in my opinion, a direct investment in the professionalism of the Israel Police.

“The goal we are aiming for is to shape an organizational culture where learning is an integral part of the daily work of commanders and police officers, and to ensure that training in the Israel Police is not only up-to-date but also groundbreaking.

“We will continue to pray for the return of our captive, hero of Israel, Rani Guili – the police officer who went out first and must return.”

Head of the Training Division, Superintendent Hadas Shapira Damoni: “We are marking a decade for the home, a home designed to unite all the training worlds of the Israel Police under one roof. We have built a space where knowledge meets values, experience meets learning, and authority meets responsibility.

“The walls are just the shell, but the spirit is what counts. And the walls here have long ceased to be silent; they speak in terms of integrity, courage, and protecting the great home of us all – the State of Israel.”

Jerusalem, 15 January, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Israel’s Central Bureau of Statistics reported that in December 2025 the consumer confidence index stood at -18%.

There was no significant change in the four balance sheets that make up the index.

The relative consumer confidence index stands at 82.

The consumer confidence index ranges from minus 100 to plus 100. The closer the index value is to the upper limit, the greater optimism among individuals, and the closer the index value is to the lower limit, the greater pessimism.

Jerusalem, 15 January, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Regina, 102 years old, arrived on Wednesday at the Population Administration Bureau in Krayot, near Haifa, and registered as a new immigrant from France. She arrived with her two granddaughters.