The Tax Authority – through the investigating tax officer of the central District, is conducting an investigation against Galah Luib, who is suspected of operating in a foreign virtual currency trading arena on a large scale, without reporting to the tax authorities. The total deposits of funds to the exchange were approximately NIS 23 million, a similar amount was withdrawn, and the total sales activity stands at approximately NIS 7 million.  

From the covert investigation concerning him, it emerged that the suspect owns and uses two apartments in Kikar HaMedina in Tel Aviv, with a combined value of approximately NIS 13.5 million, as well as an additional penthouse apartment in Rishon LeZion. In addition, he owns luxury vehicles. The arrest request indicates that the suspect is only reported as an employee with income that does not match the aforementioned standard of living. In 2023 (the last reported year), the suspect was reported by his employer as an employee earning approximately NIS 240,000, and in previous years even less than that. This fact strengthens the suspicion of income concealment by the suspect.  

It should be noted that the suspect has never opened a file with the Tax Authority, has not filed reports, and has not reported his virtual currency dealings, whereas according to the Income Tax Ordinance, he was obligated to do so and report virtual currency sales.  

This morning, an overt investigation was opened against the suspect. A search was conducted at his home, and various documents and computer materials were found. In addition, virtual currency wallets, hundreds of thousands of NIS in cash, and diamonds with an initial estimated combined value of over $200,000 were also found in his home.  

Today, the suspect was brought before the Magistrate’s Court in Bat Yam, and it was decided to release him under restrictive conditions. The investigation is ongoing.  

Jerusalem, 22 January, 2026 (TPS-IL) — A new deep‑tech investment firm linking israeli innovation with U.S. infrastructure needs has emerged from stealth, unveiling a $150 million fund to address bottlenecks slowing the global AI boom. Deep33 Ventures, which has already secured a $100 million first close, seeks deep-tech companies capable of transforming industries and advancing from post-research stages to commercial breakthroughs.

With offices in Tel Aviv, New York, and Los Angeles, the firm aims to build an “allied infrastructure corridor” between the two countries. Led by Lior Prosor and Michael Broukhim, the fund will support founders in navigating government collaborations, regulations, and large-scale deployments.

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) — Israeli medical device startup Trisol Medical reported positive results from an FDA-approved U.S. Early Feasibility Study of its transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement system for patients with severe to torrential tricuspid regurgitation.

The Yokneam-based company said 22 high-risk patients were treated at leading U.S. medical centers, showing a favorable safety profile and significant functional improvements. At 30 days and up to 12 months, patients demonstrated reduced valve leakage, improved quality of life, better heart failure status, and gains in right ventricular function. Fewer than 5 percent required a permanent pacemaker.

Trisol has completed enrollment using a trans-jugular approach and is advancing enrollment with a newly developed transfemoral delivery system.

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.”