Jerusalem, 18 January, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Two tourists, an Irish Citizen in his 50s and an American Man in his 30s are being deported from Israel after they were arrested in recent days in the Judea and Samaria region after attacking an Israeli citizen. Both entered Israel last month on a tourist visa, for a limited time.

TPS-IL reported earlier today, Sunday, that four foreign political activists were arrested for attacking an Israeli shepherd in a grazing area over the weekend, two of whom were released under restrictive conditions.

The American and Irishman were given a hearing before a border control officer on charges of violating the terms of their visas and breaking the law, after which their deportations were ordered.

During the weekend, the police received a report was received of an attack on a shepherd in an approved grazing area adjacent to the village of Al Mughayyir near Ramallah. This led to the arrest of the four.

Jerusalem, 18 January, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Israel’s Ministry of Transportation and Road Safety and Ministry of Finance approved a budget increase of 205 million Shekels s ($65 million) for the establishment of the “Pilots” Integrated Transportation Center (ITC). With the approval of the additional budget, the total cost of the project is over 260 million Shekels ($82 million).

The Pilots’ ITC, implemented through the Cross-Israel Company, will be established near the intersection of the future Highways 40 and 46, in the area of Be’erot Yitzhak, between Yehud Monson and Bnei Atarot, in the center of the country.

The project includes a modern public transportation terminal with 186 electric bus stops and a large-scale “park and ride” parking lot for 1,200 vehicles.

The center will create direct connectivity to the end station of the purple line of the Tel Aviv light rail, and will include the construction of dedicated bridges for vehicles, buses and pedestrians to ensure maximum flow and safety.

Jerusalem, 18 January, 2026 (TPS-IL) — The IDF (Israel Defense Forces) has established a steering committee to examine issues related to the commemoration of its fallen soldiers and the preservation of their legacy within IDF units and bases.

The committee was established in the wake of the war, which necessitates a renewed, sensitive, and in-depth examination of various areas within the IDF. It will deal with regulating aspects concerning the manner of commemoration and the expression of legacy within IDF units and military camps.

The committee is led by Brigadier General (Res.) Ofir Levius, and its members include professionals, commanders, representatives of the Ministry of Defense, as well as representatives from the representative organizations of the bereaved families.

The committee began its work last December in order to formulate recommendations regarding the legacy and commemoration of IDF fallen soldiers within the military space. It is expected to submit its conclusions and recommendations in the coming months to the Head of the Manpower Directorate, Deputy Director General and Head of the Commemoration and Legacy Division in the Ministry of Defense. Subsequently, they will be brought for approval by the Director General of the Ministry of Defense, the Chief of the General Staff, and the Minister of Defense.

The IDF has established a steering committee to examine issues of commemorating IDF fallen soldiers and preserving their legacy in IDF units and bases. The committee was established in the wake of the war, which necessitates a renewed, sensitive, and in-depth examination of these areas within the IDF. It will deal with regulating aspects related to the manner of commemoration and the expression of legacy in IDF units and camps. The committee is led by Brigadier General (Res.) Ofir Livius, and its members include professionals, commanders, representatives from the Ministry of Defense, as well as representatives from the representative organizations of bereaved families. The committee began its work last December, in order to formulate recommendations regarding the legacy and commemoration of IDF fallen soldiers in the military sphere. It is expected to submit its conclusions and recommendations in the coming months to the Head of the Manpower Directorate, the Deputy Director General and Head of the Families, Commemoration, and Legacy Administration at the Ministry of Defense, and thereafter they will be submitted for approval by the Director General of the Ministry of Defense, the Chief of Staff, and the Minister of Defense. The IDF and the Ministry of Defense attach great importance to the involvement of bereaved families in the planning and thinking processes, and therefore bereaved families will be invited to open days and to convey content and ideas as they wish. The IDF views the legacy and commemoration of its fallen as a supreme moral and ethical obligation, out of a deep commitment to its fallen and their families, which also has implications for the next generation. The IDF shares in the sorrow of the bereaved families and will continue to accompany them.

Jerusalem, 18 January, 2026 (TPS-IL) — President Isaac Herzog will travel to Davos, Switzerland, on Tuesday to attend the World Economic Forum. During the two-day visit, Herzog will participate in the Forum’s main plenary session, hold diplomatic meetings, and represent Israel in international discussions.

Jerusalem, 18 January, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Israeli President Isaac Herzog hosted Honduran President-elect Nasry Asfura in Jerusalem on Sunday. Herzog congratulated Asfura on his election victory and praised his commitment to strengthening Israel-Honduras ties. The leaders discussed expanding cooperation in agriculture, technology, and tourism.

The visit also included an unofficial meeting with U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, following Herzog’s earlier meeting with him. “Honduras has a special meaning in our hearts,” Herzog said. “This visit allows us to advance relations to new heights before your swearing-in.”

Nasfura’s inauguration is due to be held on Jan. 27.

Jerusalem, 18 January, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Israeli software solutions leader Commit has acquired Savannah, a startup that recruits and employs top tech talent from African countries for global development teams.

Founded in 2022 by Itai Azogui, the Tel Aviv-based Savannah has placed over 100 developers with companies including Firefly and Aqua Security. The acquisition, reportedly worth several million dollars in cash, integrates Savannah’s team into Commit’s Offshore division, expanding its reach beyond Eastern Europe into Africa.

“Africa is one of the highest-quality yet underleveraged talent markets in the world,” said Commit Chairman Arik Feingold. The move positions the Israeli firm to connect startups and enterprises with skilled African developers, particularly for AI and R&D projects.

Jerusalem, 18 January, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Israeli authorities at the Allenby Border Crossing with Jordan arrested two couriers carryng around NIS 12 million ($3.8 million) in cash, the Israeli Police announced on Sunday.

According to the police, the funds were likely intended for palestinian terror groups in Judea and Sammaria. The police added that guards at the crossing acted on a tip from military intelligence.

The border guards were acting on a tip from military intelligence, the police added.

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