Jerusalem, 8 January, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Approximately 750 military reservists are expected to participate in programs for artificial intelligence leaders in the high-tech industry organized by Israel’s Innovation Authority, Department for Demobilized and Reserve Soldiers at the Ministry of Defense, and Ministry of Labor.

“This is a move aimed at strengthening reservists and discharged soldiers who played a central role in the national effort, reducing knowledge and experience gaps that arose following prolonged absence from work during the war, and training them to lead in the adoption and integration of artificial intelligence tools in research and development processes in organizations,” said the Ministry of Labor.

The move, in which six programs on the subject of artificial intelligence were selected, is intended to strengthen reservists and allow them to bridge knowledge gaps created by prolonged absence from work, especially in the rapidly developing fields of artificial intelligence.
Providing up-to-date and practical tools will allow reservists in core technological roles to lead innovative projects, streamline processes, and strengthen the resilience and productivity of Israeli high-tech.

It is also intended to reduce the employment concerns reported among experienced workers in light of the accelerated penetration of artificial intelligence tools into the labor market.

Jerusalem, 8 January, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Israel’s Ministry of Environmental Protection has approved financial support and professional guidance totaling approximately 16.7 million Shekels ($5.2 million) to strengthen their preparedness for climate change for 11 Arab local authorities, including Rahat, Umm el-Fahm, Raineh, Arabeh, and Kasifa,.

This call will help authorities plan and plant trees and promote shading solutions as part of their preparation for the warming of urban spaces. Trees are essential green infrastructure that reduces heat loads, contributes to public health and improved quality of life, and stimulates local economic activity.

The funds will also be used for adding green roofs combined with photovoltaic panels.

“Climate change brings with it direct challenges to the daily lives of all residents of the State of Israel, extreme events such as floods and extreme heat waves, which are expected to worsen in the coming decades,” said the Ministry. “The support is intended to help authorities prepare for heat waves, deal with the urban heat island phenomenon, and reduce emissions. All of this will be done through shading and cooling of public spaces, promoting renewable energy infrastructure in buildings, establishing drainage infrastructure, and strengthening community resilience.”

Jerusalem, 8 January, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Israel’s State Attorney’s Office filed indictments on Thursday against senior members of the Abu Latif crime organization known as “6006.” They were filed against the crime group’s leader Nidal Abu Latif and 10 others.

The indictments came after the conclusion of a covert investigation conducted by the Israel Police together with the Haifa Income Tax Investigations, Haifa Customs, and the Authority for Prohibition of money laundering and Terror Financing.

They contain facts and evidence of offenses committed against “The Prince” – a businessman who fell into financial debts due to the Covid crisis to a father and son, owners of a tahini factory and residents of Nablus who turned to the Abu Latif organization to collect the debt. The Prince’s identity has not been revealed because he then served as an undercover agent and witness for the police.

After “The Prince” settled his debt with the Abu Latif organization, members of the crime organization continued to extort “The Prince” and his family for large sums of money and property, and subsequently exploited his business capabilities and forced him to carry out numerous business actions for the benefit of companies associated with the organization.

Jerusalem, 8 January, 2026 (TPS-IL) — The President of the State of Israel Isaac Herzog returned to Kibbutz Manara, located by the border with Lebanon, and re-inaugurated the Kindergarten there that suffered a direct hit from a Hezbollah missile. The visit came 13 months year after his visit to the kibbutz, which took place during the height of the war in December 2024.

The President said: “Michal and I were here during the war, in the most difficult days, and there is nothing more moving and joyful than seeing our settlement on the fence, on the border with Lebanon, slowly coming back to life and blossoming anew – here in Manara. To see the charming Kindergarten inaugurated and opened with these amazing children, the future generation of the State of Israel, from here the good news will come out – from Manara and from all over the north. Come and succeed.”

Jerusalem, 8 January, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Shortly ago (Thursday afternoon), IDF (Israel Defense Forces) soldiers arrived at the Sa-Nur Junction located east of Tulkarm in Samaria following a report received about dozens of masked Israelis damaging Palestinian property in the area.

The Israelis allegedly set fire to Palestinian vehicles on the road near the settlement, and also assaulted a Palestinian who was in one of the vehicles. As a result of the incident, two Palestinians were injured and evacuated for medical treatment. This is according to a report from the IDF.

IDF forces arrested three suspects at the entrance to a nearby Israeli town, who were transferred for investigation at the Ariel station in the Judea and Samaria District.

Security forces continue searches in the area and investigation of the incident.

“Security forces condemn violence of all kinds and will continue to act to maintain the security of the residents and order in the area,” said the IDF.

Jerusalem, 8 January, 2026 (TPS-IL) — The following are the end of day exchange rates as set by the Bank of Israel Thursday, January 8, 2025:
(Units are given in the foreign currency and the rate is given in its value in Shekels)

Currency | Unit | Rate (NIS) | Daily Change (against the Shekel)
US Dollar | 1 | 3.1740 | ‎-0.031%
GB Pound | 1 | 4.2662 | ‎-0.402%
Japanese Yen | 100 | 2.0250 | ‎-0.163%
Euro | 1 | 3.7051 | -0.143%
AUS Dollar | 1 | 2.1261 | ‎-0.529%
Can Dollar | 1 | 2.2892 | ‎-0.422%
DAN Krone | 1 | 0.4958 | ‎-0.141%
NOR Krone | 1 | 0.3142 | ‎-0.475%
SA Rand | 1 | 0.1923 | ‎-0.414%
SWD Krona | 1 | 0.3443 | ‎-0.405%
SWS Franc | 1 | 3.9787 | ‎-0.236%

Prime Minister’s Office:

The Staff for the Integration of Ethiopian Immigrants in the Administration and Society Division of the Prime Minister’s Office is publishing today the summary report of the activities of the Government Program for the Integration of Ethiopian Immigrants for the years 2023–2024. The report summarizes the activities of the inter-ministerial government program, which operates under the leadership of the Prime Minister’s Office and in cooperation with government ministries and local authorities, and presents a comprehensive overview of the program’s implementation, the scope of activities, and the progress of goals in the areas of Education, employment, welfare, Health, and social engagement.

The report presents key achievements recorded in recent years, such as: in the field of Education – where we are witnessing equality in the rate of eligibility for a matriculation certificate among the community’s youth compared to the national average, and in the field of employment – it shows that more than half of the participants in dedicated programs have successfully integrated into the labor market, and their average salary has increased by approximately 47%. This is alongside challenges that still require a response and continued action, such as increasing high-productivity employment and more significant integration into higher Education. These and others – served as the basis for extending and deepening the program and updating the policy within the framework of the government decision made last July (No. 3243) for the years 2025–2026. Continued attention to the integration of Ethiopian immigrants is important to the Prime Minister’s Office management and is on its agenda for promoting and implementing this government decision.

*The publication of the report expresses a commitment to public transparency, systematic reporting on policy implementation, and strengthening trust with the general public and with the ethiopian immigrant community in particular.* The report makes reliable, data-based, and up-to-date information on the government’s activities in this area accessible to the public, reflects decision-making processes and directions of action, and serves as a basis for continued dialogue, learning, and cooperation with the community, local authorities, and civil society organizations.

The Staff for the Integration of Ethiopian Immigrants will continue to work towards promoting optimal, equitable, and sustainable integration of Ethiopian immigrants into Israeli society, while strengthening mechanisms for measurement, control, and public reporting.

Deputy Director General of Administration and Society, Liron Henetz:

“The government’s commitment to the optimal integration of Ethiopian immigrants into Israeli society is reflected in a continuous effort over the years, which requires a joint effort between government bodies, local authorities, civil society, and community members. This is a partnership that bears fruit. We see great importance in persisting in the effort until full and equal integration of Ethiopian immigrants in all areas of life is achieved.”

The full report is attached:

The Staff for the Integration of Ethiopian Immigrants in the Prime Minister’s Office publishes the activity summary report for 2023-2024 – featuring prominent achievements in the government program for the integration of Ethiopian immigrants, leading to the reduction of social and economic gaps and strengthening Community Resilience

The Staff for the Integration of Ethiopian Immigrants in the Administration for Government and Society at the Prime Minister’s Office today publishes the activity summary report of the government program for the integration of Ethiopian immigrants for the years 2023–2024. The report summarizes the activities of the inter-ministerial government program, operating under the leadership of the Prime Minister’s Office and in cooperation with government ministries and local authorities, and presents a comprehensive overview of the program’s implementation, the scope of activities, and progress towards goals in the fields of Education, employment, welfare, Health, and social engagement. 

The report presents key achievements recorded in recent years, such as: in the field of Education – where we are witnessing equality in the rate of eligibility for a matriculation certificate among the community’s youth compared to the national average, and in the field of employment – it is found that more than half of the participants in dedicated programs have successfully integrated into the labor market, and their average salary has increased by approximately 47%. This is alongside challenges that still require a response and continued action, such as increasing high-productivity employment and more significant integration into higher education. These and others – served as the basis for extending and deepening the program and updating the policy within the framework of the government decision made last July (No. 3243) for the years 2025–2026. Continued attention to the integration of Ethiopian immigrants is important to the Prime Minister’s Office management and is on its agenda for promoting and realizing this government decision.

The publication of the report expresses a commitment to public transparency, systematic reporting on policy implementation, and strengthening trust with the general public in particular and with the ethiopian immigrant community in particular. The report provides the public with reliable, data-based, and updated information on the government’s activities in this area, reflects decision-making processes and directions of action, and serves as a basis for continued dialogue, learning, and cooperation with the community, local authorities, and civil society organizations.

The Staff for the Integration of Ethiopian Immigrants will continue to work towards promoting optimal, equitable, and sustainable integration of Ethiopian immigrants into Israeli society, while strengthening mechanisms for measurement, control, and public reporting.

Deputy Director General for Government and Society, Liron Henetz:
“The government’s commitment to the optimal integration of Ethiopian immigrants into Israeli society is reflected in a continuous effort over the years, which requires a joint effort between government bodies, local authorities, civil society, and community members. This is a partnership that bears fruit. We see great importance in persevering in the effort until full and equitable integration of Ethiopian immigrants in all areas of life is achieved.”

The full report is attached:

https://www.gov.il/BlobFolder/news/ethiopia080126/he/file_ethiopia080126.pdf

Jerusalem, 8 January, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Israeli President Isaac Herzog visited the northern city of Kiryat Shmona on Thursday, meeting with Mayor Avichai Stern to assess the city’s recovery a year after the war. Herzog toured a local restaurant rebuilt after being hit by a Hezbollah missile and spoke with business owners and employees about reconstruction efforts.

“We stand here with great emotion… to see the city begin to recover is a moment of hope,” Herzog said, urging the public to visit the north and support local businesses. He called on the government to maintain a sustained presence on the ground to accelerate Kiryat Shmona’s rehabilitation.

Mayor Stern emphasized the city’s resilience and called for continued state partnership to restore growth and security.