Benjamin Netanyahu

By Pesach Benson • December 17, 2025

Jerusalem, 17 December, 2025 (TPS-IL) — Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Wednesday that he has approved what he described as the largest energy deal in Israel’s history, a natural gas export agreement with Egypt valued at NIS 112 billion ($34.7 billion), a move he said would significantly bolster the Israeli economy and strengthen regional stability.

Speaking in a recorded statement alongside Energy Minister Eli Cohen, Netanyahu said NIS 58 billion ($18 billion) from the deal is expected to flow directly into state coffers over its lifetime. He outlined a gradual revenue curve, noting that during the first four years the state would receive roughly NIS 500 million ($155 million), as companies focus on infrastructure investments, with annual revenues rising to about NIS 6 billion ($1.9 billion) by 2033.

“This money will strengthen education, health, infrastructure, security, and the future of the coming generations,” Netanyahu said. He stressed that his approval followed months of delays and scrutiny, emphasizing that the agreement moved forward only after Israel’s security and economic interests were fully safeguarded.

Netanyahu argued that the agreement cements Israel’s role as a leading energy player in the Eastern Mediterranean. “The deal greatly strengthens Israel’s position as a regional energy superpower, and contributes to regional stability,” he said, adding that it is expected to encourage additional companies to invest in gas exploration in Israel’s economic waters.

Addressing domestic concerns, Netanyahu underscored that the companies involved are obligated to prioritize the local market. “First and foremost, this deal requires the companies to sell natural gas to Israeli citizens at a good price,” he said. Referencing earlier criticism of Israel’s gas development policy, he added that fears the industry would harm the economy had proven unfounded. “Today it is clear that taking the gas out of the water brought a huge blessing to the State of Israel,” he said.

Energy Minister Eli Cohen described the approval as a milestone on multiple levels. “This is a historic moment for the State of Israel,” Cohen said. “It is the largest export deal in the country’s history, and it establishes our status as a leading regional energy powerhouse that our neighbors rely on.” He noted that the agreement was finalized after “several months of intensive negotiations,” during which mechanisms were introduced to improve pricing terms for Israel’s domestic economy.

As part of the deal, gas reservoir owners are required to re-offer pricing alternatives for the local market, including a cap on the maximum price per unit of heat, as well as limits ensuring that short-term gas sales do not exceed the price of long-term contracts. The agreement also includes planned investments of NIS 15-16 billion in Israeli gas infrastructure, aimed at increasing output from the Leviathan reservoir and expanding pipeline capacity to meet growing domestic demand.

Chevron Mediterranean Limited welcomed the government’s decision, calling it a key step toward expanding production capabilities. “This significant milestone reflects the strong partnership between Chevron and the State of Israel,” the company said, adding that it underscores a shared commitment to advancing energy security for Israel and the broader region.

The approval follows a deal signed in August between the Leviathan field’s partners and Egypt, valued at approximately $35 billion, and comes after diplomatic and political pressure to finalize the agreement, which officials say could also pave the way for higher-level regional engagements in the coming weeks.

The U.S. is said to have put heavy pressure on Jerusalem to approve the deal. U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright canceled a visit to Israel in October after Cohen refused to approve the agreement.

By Pesach Benson • December 11, 2025

Jerusalem, 11 December, 2025 (TPS-IL) — Israel is set to invest $31.8 million in eastern Negev cities as part of a new plan to boost economic growth and population in the south, the prime minister’s Office and Finance Ministry announced Thursday. Cabinet approval is scheduled for a special session in Dimona on Sunday.

The 2026 budget targets key sectors including infrastructure, public safety, transportation, energy, environmental projects, and innovation. Among the initiatives, plans for the Mitzpe Ramon airport are moving forward, a hub for advanced energy technologies is being established, and Yeruham will expand R&D for unmanned aerial vehicles.

“In recent months, my government has advanced unprecedented national plans for Negev communities: government decisions for the ‘envelope of the envelope’ communities totaling NIS 3.2 billion [$1 billion],” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said. He highlighted efforts to develop Beer-Sheva into a “metropolitan center” and strengthen Dimona “as a leading city in the Negev’s development,” alongside thousands of new housing units.

Netanyahu described the upcoming budget as “a significant and essential step toward completing the vision and national policy of developing the Negev and attracting population to the south.”

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich praised the ministries’ work, saying, “The Negev’s development is a central national interest of the State of Israel. … This is practical Zionism, bringing real opportunities, quality employment, and a high quality of life to the periphery.”

The plan comes on the heels of the government’s November approval of an NIS 1 billion plan to develop Beer-Sheva and the wider Negev region. That initiative aims to expand the ecosystem connecting academia, industry, and the military while promoting innovation, cyber technologies, employment, tourism, and the revitalization of Beer-Sheva’s Old City as a hub for young residents and tourists.

By Pesach Benson • December 7, 2025

Jerusalem, 7 December, 2025 (TPS-IL) — Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and german chancellor Friedrich Merz held a joint press conference in jerusalem on Sunday, pledging to strengthen bilateral cooperation and advance regional stability. The leaders focused on Gaza, the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and Germany’s role in supporting Israel’s security. The visit is Merz’s first to Israel since he was elected chancellor in May.

Netanyahu addressed the issue of a Palestinian state directly, saying, “There are differences of opinion. The goal of establishing a Palestinian state is to destroy the Jewish state. They had a state and they tried to destroy Israel from it.” He added that Israel remains open to peace but will not allow a Palestinian state alongside it.

“The Palestinian Authority is interested in peace without Israel. They do not want a Palestinian state alongside Israel. They want a Palestinian state instead of Israel. Everyone says, ‘Well, they will change.’ Well, we’ll see if they change,” Netanyahu insisted.

The prime minister outlined Israel’s phased approach to Gaza, noting that Phase B of the ceasefire is more challenging than the first phase, with Phase C aimed at deradicalizing the Strip. “We will achieve the disarmament of Hamas and demilitarize Gaza,” he said.

Netanyahu also highlighted the strategic importance of the German-Israeli relationship, saying, “Not only does Germany work to defend Israel, but israel, 80 years after the Holocaust, also works to defend Germany. We can continue this cooperation, which comes not only on a security basis but also on a technological one. We have extremely talented people in all the subjects that will change humanity.” The prime minister was referring to the deployment of Israel’s Arrow-3 air defense system in Germany on Wednesday.

Merz emphasized Germany’s commitment to Israel’s security and condemned Hamas’s actions. “At Yad Vashem, Germany’s responsibility becomes tangible, and therefore we will always stand by Israel’s security and its right to exist. After the terrorist attack carried out by Hamas on October 7, Germany stood by Israel. We mourned together and shared concerns for the fate of the kidnapped,” he said.

The chancellor also called for implementing the next stage of the peace plan facilitated by former U.S. President Donald Trump. “A peace agreement was concluded thanks to Trump, and we need to implement the second phase of the peace plan. Lasting peace is possible—the Palestinian state and a two-state solution can only be implemented through negotiations,” Merz said, adding that Hamas “cannot have a role in Gaza. It cannot pose a threat to Israel.”

Merz arrived in Israel on Saturday night and met with President Isaac Herzog at his official residence. Herzog described the two nations as “true friends” and welcomed Germany’s involvement in Gaza, particularly regarding the release of the last Israeli hostage, Ran Gvili. “We also discussed ways to further deepen our vital partnership, in the hope of a better future,” Herzog said.

“We have become very close friends, and for me to see the Arrow-3 missiles being installed in Germany to defend Germany and Europe, Israeli-made products, is something very unique and moving and important,” Herzog added. Merz said the Gaza ceasefire is stabilizing and urged swift progress on the next phase.

Before departing for Israel, Merz spoke with Palestinian Authority leader Mahmoud Abbas, calling for urgent reforms and a constructive post-war role, while reaffirming Germany’s support for the Trump administration’s peace plan. The leaders also plan to discuss humanitarian aid for Gaza, regional stability, and the safety of Jewish communities in Germany.

Merz’s itinerary also includes visits with relatives of victims of Hamas’s October 7 attack.

Around 1,200 people were killed, and 252 Israelis and foreigners were taken captive by Hamas during the October 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel. The body of Israeli Police Master Sgt. Ran Gvili is the last remaining in Gaza.

By Pesach Benson • December 4, 2025

Jerusalem, 4 December, 2025 (TPS-IL) — The Mossad will have a new Director after prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that his military Secretary, Maj.-Gen. Roman Gofman, is his choice to lead Israel’s intelligence agency. The appointment comes ahead of the scheduled conclusion of current Mossad Chief David Barnea’s five-year term in June 2026.

“Maj.-Gen. Roman Gofman is an officer of great merit,” Netanyahu said in a statement. “His appointment as the Military Secretary to the Prime Minister in the midst of the War of Redemption proved his exceptional professional capabilities, from his rapid entry into the role to his immediate and significant involvement in the seven theaters of the war. His success is our success.”

The Mossad is responsible for foreign intelligence gathering, preventing attacks against Israeli citizens and interests abroad, and covert operations. The agency is sometimes involved in rescue or security operations to protect endangered Diaspora Jewish communities.

Gofman was a commander in the Armored Corps, Battalion Commander of Battalion 75 in the 7th Brigade, Commander of the Etzion Brigade, Commander of the 7th Brigade, and Commander of the HaBashan Division, among other roles.

“Maj.-Gen. Gofman has demonstrated creativity, initiative, stratagem, deep recognition of the enemy, absolute discretion, and the safeguarding of secrets. These qualities, as well as his leadership and courage, were evident at the outbreak of the war, when he rushed from his home and fought in person against Hamas terrorists in the Western Negev, where he was severely wounded,” Netanyahu said.

Currently serving as Netanyahu’s Military Secretary, Gofman has been in continuous contact with Israel’s intelligence and security services, including the Mossad.

The appointment will be vetted by the Advisory Committee for Senior Appointments.

By Pesach Benson • December 3, 2025

Jerusalem, 3 december, 2025 (TPS-IL) — In an unusual announcement, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu instructed the Deputy Head of Israel’s National Security Council to send a representative to a meeting with government officials in Lebanon, his office said Wednesday. The brief statement described the move as “a first attempt to create a basis for a relationship and economic cooperation between Israel and Lebanon.”

The announcement comes one day after Netanyahu met with US President Donald Trump’s envoy for Lebanon affairs, Morgan Ortagus, in Jerusalem.

Under the terms of a year-old ceasefire, the Lebanese government is committed to disarming Hezbollah, but Israeli officials have criticized Beirut’s measures as unsatisfactory. Israel has launched frequent airstrikes on Hezbollah as the Iran-backed terror group tries to rebuild.

Under the terms of the ceasefire that went into effect on November 27, 2024, Hezbollah is required to withdraw its armed forces from southern Lebanon. According to UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which ended the 2006 Second Lebanon War, the group is prohibited from operating south of the Litani River.

Israel and Lebanon do not have diplomatic relations, and Lebanese nationals are prohibited from being in contact with Israelis.

By Pesach Benson • November 30, 2025

Jerusalem, 30 November, 2025 (TPS-IL) — Israel’s political landscape erupted on Sunday following Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s unprecedented request for a pardon from President Isaac Herzog. In a signed one-page letter, Netanyahu did not admit wrongdoing or apologize for any alleged offenses but instead emphasized his “broad public and ethical responsibility” for the political tensions surrounding his ongoing corruption trial.

The 111-page application — one letter signed by Netanyahu and a second, more detailed letter signed by his attorney, Amit Hadad — asked Herzog to end the corruption trial of Netanyahu, saying it hampers his ability to lead the country and is in the public interest.

“In recent years, tensions and disputes have increased between different segments of the nation and between the various branches of the state,” Netanyahu wrote. “I am aware that the proceedings being conducted in my case have become a focal point for confrontations. I bear broad public and ethical responsibility, with an understanding of the consequences of all these events.”

The prime minister, who is facing charges including fraud, breach of trust, and bribery, argued that despite his personal desire to continue the trial and prove his innocence, the public interest necessitates a different course. “Closing down the trial will lower the flames of political disagreement,” he said, adding that Israel’s current security challenges and diplomatic opportunities demand unity.

Netanyahu’s request immediately sparked a torrent of political reactions, sharply dividing Israeli leaders along ideological lines.

Senior members of Netanyahu’s government voiced strong support for the pardon. Defense Minister Israel Katz called the request essential to National Security, asserting that “Israel is facing a more complex security reality today than ever before.”

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said, “Netanyahu has been persecuted for years by a corrupt judicial system that fabricated political cases against him,” and insisted his right-wing Religious Zionism party will continue pushing for a controversial judicial overhaul regardless of the pardon.

Opposition figures, however, painted a starkly different picture. In a public appeal to Herzog, Opposition Leader Yair Lapid said granting a pardon without an admission of guilt or a complete withdrawal from political life would undermine the rule of law.

“The president cannot pardon Netanyahu without accountability,” Lapid insisted.

Yair Golan, chairman of the Democrats party, called the request a blatant avoidance of responsibility, insisting that “only the guilty seek a pardon” and urging Netanyahu to resign from public life. Avigdor Liberman, leader of Yisrael Beytenu, criticized Netanyahu for diverting attention from pressing national concerns such as the economy, military operations, and the ongoing Haredi draft controversy.

The Movement for Quality Government also weighed in, warning that granting a pardon mid-trial would constitute “a deadly blow to the rule of law and to the principle of equality before the law, the very soul of Israeli democracy.” The group described the request as a potential signal that some citizens could be placed above the law.

The move comes on the heels of U.S. President Donald Trump’s unprecedented letter urging Herzog to grant clemency to Netanyahu, who is on trial for corruption. Herzog responded to Trump that no pardon could be considered unless Netanyahu first formally admits guilt and requests clemency. Netanyahu has previously ruled out requesting clemency if it means admitting guilt. His application did not contain an admission of guilt.

Netanyahu faces charges of fraud, accepting bribes, and breach of trust stemming from three separate police investigations. He denies all wrongdoing.

In the case known as the “Bezeq Affair,” Netanyahu, while serving as communications minister, is accused of granting regulatory benefits to the Bezeq telecom giant. In return, Bezeq’s majority shareholder, Shaul Elovitch, allegedly provided Netanyahu with favorable coverage on the Walla news site, which he owned.

In the second investigation, known as the “Yediot Affair,” Netanyahu allegedly helped *Yediot Aharonot* publisher Arnon Mozes by advancing regulations on newspaper distribution to Mozes’s advantage. In exchange, Mozes is accused of offering Netanyahu favorable coverage.

In a separate investigation known as the “Gifts Affair,” Netanyahu and his wife, Sara, are accused of accepting $200,000 in gifts from Hollywood producer Arnon Milchan in exchange for assistance with a U.S. visa and changes to tax provisions benefiting Milchan. This case is widely regarded as the most serious one against Netanyahu.

Netanyahu denies all wrongdoing and has insisted in the past that the trial would not interfere with his public responsibilities.

No serving Israeli prime minister has ever been indicted on criminal charges. Ehud Olmert stepped down in 2008 ahead of his own indictment for corruption. Olmert was eventually convicted and served two-thirds of a 27-month prison sentence.

By Pesach Benson • November 30, 2025

Jerusalem, 30 November, 2025 (TPS-IL) — In an unprecedented move, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu submitted an “extraordinary” pardon request to President Isaac Herzog, the president’s office announced on Sunday. The move comes on the heels of U.S. President Donald Trump’s unprecedented letter urging Herzog to grant clemency to Netanyahu, who is on trial for corruption.

The 111-page application — one letter signed by Netanyahu and a second, more detailed letter, signed by his attorney, Amit Hadad — asked Herzog to end the corruption trial of Netanyahu, saying it hampers his ability to lead the country and is in the public interest.

“Granting this request will allow the prime minister to devote all of his time, abilities, and energy to advancing Israel in these critical times,” wrote Hadad, “and to deal with the challenges and opportunities that lie before it. In addition, granting the request will help mend rifts between different sectors of the public, open the door to lowering the intensity of tensions, all for the purpose of strengthening the country’s national resilience.”

In response to Trump’s request in mid-November, Herzog responded that no pardon could be considered unless Netanyahu first formally admits guilt and requests clemency. Netanyahu has previously ruled out requesting clemency if it means admitting guilt. His application did not contain an admission of guilt.

The application also argued that Herzog has the authority to grant clemency, even before a conviction.

“The President’s Office notes that this is an extraordinary pardon request with significant implications. After receiving all the opinions, the President of the State will consider it responsibly and seriously,” Herzog’s office said after receiving Netanyahu’s request.

“In light of the importance of the extraordinary request and its implications, the documents are hereby distributed to the public,” the announcement added.

Netanyahu’s request was also forwarded to the Justice Ministry’s Pardons Department at the Ministry of Justice, which will also gather the relevant opinions from within the ministry in preparation for a legal opinion to be presented to Herzog.

Netanyahu faces charges of fraud, accepting bribes, and breach of trust stemming from three separate police investigations. He denies all wrongdoing.

In the case known as the “Bezeq Affair,” Netanyahu, while serving as communications minister, is accused of granting regulatory benefits to the Bezeq telecom giant. In return, Bezeq’s majority shareholder, Shaul Elovitch, allegedly provided Netanyahu with favorable coverage on the Walla news site, which he owned.

In the second investigation, known as the “Yediot Affair,” Netanyahu allegedly helped *Yediot Aharonot* publisher Arnon Mozes by advancing regulations on newspaper distribution to Mozes’s advantage. In exchange, Mozes is accused of offering Netanyahu favorable coverage.

In a separate investigation known as the “Gifts Affair,” Netanyahu and his wife, Sara, are accused of accepting $200,000 in gifts from Hollywood producer Arnon Milchan in exchange for assistance with a U.S. visa and changes to tax provisions benefiting Milchan. This case is widely regarded as the most serious one against Netanyahu.

Netanyahu denies all wrongdoing and has insisted in the past that the trial would not interfere with his public responsibilities.

No serving Israeli Prime Minister has ever been indicted on criminal charges. Ehud Olmert stepped down in 2008 ahead of his own indictment for corruption. Olmert was eventually convicted and served two-thirds of a 27-month prison sentence.

By Pesach Benson • November 25, 2025

Jerusalem, 25 November, 2025 (TPS-IL) — Opposition leader Yair Lapid announced on Tuesday that he will bring a motion to the Knesset next week calling for Israel to adopt U.S. President Donald Trump’s 20-point Gaza peace plan, a move designed to support Washington while putting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition on the spot.

“The entire Israeli people are grateful to President Trump for leading a courageous deal to free the hostages. We support him and strengthen his hand in efforts to implement the steps of the plan. I expect all parties to vote in favor of the president’s plan,” Lapid said.

The plan lays out a phased strategy to end the conflict, including the return of all hostages—living and deceased—within 72 hours of agreement implementation. It envisions a temporary, technocratic Palestinian committee to manage day-to-day affairs in Gaza under the oversight of a new international body, the “Peace Council.” The council would coordinate redevelopment and financing until the Palestinian Authority completes its reform program and can safely resume governance.

Although Trump’s plan frames Palestinian statehood as a distant possibility contingent on reforms and security guarantees, it still explicitly acknowledges “a credible pathway to self-determination and a Palestinian state.” Netanyahu and many coalition members have consistently opposed any notion of a Palestinian state, viewing it as incompatible with Israel’s long-term security and territorial goals.

The U.S. plan also lays the groundwork for the eventual return of the Palestinian Authority to governing Gaza. Many coalition ministers are skeptical or outright opposed to empowering the P.A.

“This is a chance to strengthen Trump’s hand and support a clear framework for ending the conflict,” Lapid said. “It is also a test of whether the government is ready to stand with Israel’s interests — or with political expediency.”

It is uncertain whether Lapid’s motion will pass, which could embarrass Netanyahu.

After the United Nations Security Council adopted the Trump plan, Netanyahu called the plan “a framework that will lead to peace and prosperity because it insists upon full demilitarization, disarmament, and the deradicalization of Gaza.”

Around 1,200 people were killed and 252 Israelis and foreigners were taken captive by Hamas during the October 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel. The bodies of two Israelis and one Thai national are still held in Gaza.

By Pesach Benson • November 25, 2025

Jerusalem, 25 November, 2025 (TPS-IL) — Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday condemned what he called an unacceptable delay by Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad in returning the body of a hostage found in central Gaza, saying the hold-up violates existing understandings.

“In light of the Islamic Jihad’s announcement regarding the location of findings related to a deceased hostage, Israel views with severity the delay in their immediate transfer into its hands,” Netanyahu’s office said. “This constitutes a further violation of the agreement. Israel demands the immediate return of the three deceased hostages still being held in the Gaza Strip.”

More than 24 hours have passed since Islamic Jihad confirmed Al Jazeera’s report that the body of a hostage was discovered near Nuseirat on Monday.

Hamas typically announces plans to transfer recovered remains, even when they are held by Islamic Jihad. However, Hamas has not issued any statement, and Islamic Jihad has given no indication it intends to hand over the body. Neither terror group has been in touch with the International Red Cross, which transfers remains between the terror groups and the Israel Defense Forces.

Around 1,200 people were killed, and 252 Israelis and foreigners were taken captive by Hamas during the October 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel. The bodies of two Israelis — Dror Or and Master Sgt. Ran Gvili — and Thai national Sudthisak Rinthalak are still in Gaza.

By Pesach Benson • November 23, 2025

Jerusalem, 23 November, 2025 (TPS-IL) — Israel’s government on Sunday approved a series of temporary ministerial appointments to fill posts left vacant after the country’s Orthodox parties quit the coalition.

Justice Minister Yariv Levin will assume responsibility for the Labor, Religious Services and Jerusalem ministries. Levin, who is already serving as Interior Minister, will hand that portfolio to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on an interim basis.

While the Orthodox United Torah Judaism and Shas parties are no longer part of the government, they have agreed to support the Cabinet reshuffle.

The Knesset is scheduled to vote on the arrangement on Monday.

Levin is not the only minister taking on multiple roles. Haim Katz currently leads the Construction and Housing, Tourism, Health and Welfare ministries, reflecting the government’s continued reliance on overlapping appointments during a period of political flux.

Legislation currently in the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee seeks to formalize Orthodox community exemptions from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Committee chairman Boaz Bismuth has indicated that the revised draft is expected to continue exempting full-time yeshiva students from military service for the foreseeable future.

The military began making plans to draft yeshiva students after Israel’s High Court of Justice ruled in 2024 that exemptions for the Haredi community were illegal.

Haredi Orthodox men in Israel are generally exempt from mandatory military service if they study full-time in religious seminaries, known as yeshivot. The issue has long divided Israeli society and remains politically sensitive, especially during wartime. Shas and UTJ insist on preserving these exemptions as a matter of religious principle and community identity.

However, public opposition has grown. After two years of war, many Israelis view the policy as unequal.

Military service is compulsory for all Israeli citizens. However, Israel’s first prime minister, David Ben-Gurion, and the country’s leading rabbis agreed to a status quo that deferred military service for Haredi men studying in yeshivot, or religious institutions. At the time, no more than several hundred men were studying in yeshivot.