Israel

(Communicated by the President’s Spokesperson)

Monday, 12 January 2026 / 23 Tevet 5786
 

Yesterday, Monday, 12 January 2026, President Isaac Herzog met with Japan’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Motegi Toshimitsu, at the President’s Residence in jerusalem. President Herzog welcomed Foreign Minister Motegi to Israel, a visit that signifies the deepening ties between Israel and Japan.

During their meeting, President Herzog and Foreign Minister Motegi discussed the importance of implementing President Trump’s Peace Plan in Gaza, including the urgent need for the last hostage still held in Gaza—Staff Sgt. Ran Gvili—to be returned home to Israel. President Herzog and Foreign Minister Motegi also discussed how to further strengthen bilateral relations across the fields of innovation, technology, science, security, and tourism.

President Herzog: “Welcome, Foreign Minister, dear friend. It’s not the first time that you are here, not the first time that we are meeting, and I want to congratulate you on re-entering the position of Foreign Minister of Japan. I believe now the circumstances are such that we can enhance for both nations our relations in so many spheres to impact both our economies—doing good in the world together. I think we can have strategic partnerships that encompass many fields, and I think that the joint interests of our nations on various topics, including security, including science, including technology, can surpass all the targets that we’ve met in the past, and I think we can exit from the standstill that we had now towards the direction of improving both our relations and our mutual economic ties. So thank you very much for coming here, and we will end by crying out loud for the return of our missing hostage, the last one, Ran Gvili, whose family is waiting for his return and, of course, for better stability and a future of peace in the Day After in the region.

“I want to add that we look forward to the involvement of Japan in the Day After, planning the implementation of President Trump’s initiative, which was approved by the Security Council, and this is the basis for disarming Hamas and moving forward and giving hope to the children of Gaza so that they can live a decent life like the children of the region and the world. And of course, we believe that one thing has to be made clear: terror is out of the question. We will fight terror, and all regional efforts that we are carrying out are aimed at dismantling the capabilities of terror and enabling a better future for the region.”

Foreign Minister Motegi: “It is an honor to meet you again. Your Excellency, I remember our last meeting, which was four years ago when I visited here in Israel last time. Let me express my deepest condolences to the victims of the October 7th terrorist attack. Japan has strongly condemned the brutal act of terror committed by Hamas, and we also reiterate our position that Hamas must be disarmed. To improve the situation in Israel and Palestine, we believe that the steady implementation of the Comprehensive Plan is important, and Japan is ready to play an active role for that.”
 

By Pesach Benson • January 13, 2026

Jerusalem, 13 January, 2026 (TPS-IL) — A winter storm that swept across Israel overnight and into Tuesday killed a woman on Tuesday morning and caused widespread flooding and property damage.

A woman in her 50s was critically injured when a heavy object struck her as floodwaters rose in her home in the Shuafat refugee camp in eastern Jerusalem. Emergency medics from Magen David Adom found her unconscious at a nearby security checkpoint and rushed her to Hadassah Ein Kerem Medical Center, where she was later pronounced dead.

The storm brought heavy rain, strong winds, and localized flooding, with rainfall totals reaching as high as 60 millimeters in Majdal Shams in the northern Golan Heights. Jerusalem recorded 41 millimeters, Haifa 27, and Tel Aviv 22. Snow accumulated to roughly 15 centimeters on Mount Hermon, prompting authorities to keep the ski site closed until at least Thursday.

Wind gusts along the coast reached up to 103 kilometers per hour in Ashkelon, with 85 kilometers per hour in Tel Aviv and more than 80 in Hadera and Haifa Bay. Jerusalem recorded gusts of 65 kilometers per hour. The Israel Meteorological Service said the peak of the winds had passed but warned that additional heavy showers could hit the central highlands and the Judean Plain during the day, with ongoing flood risks in desert streams flowing toward the Dead Sea.

Fire and rescue crews worked throughout the country to assist those trapped by the storm. In Abu Ghosh, near Jerusalem, a man and a woman were rescued from a vehicle submerged in floodwaters. The woman briefly lost consciousness and was treated by medics before being evacuated to a hospital in stable condition. Similar rescues were reported in Mishmar David, Sha’ar Hagai, Kiryat Malachi, Nahal Anaba, and Tzomet Emunim, with emergency teams freeing trapped drivers and passengers from flooded cars and minibuses.

In Rishon LeZion, a wall of an ancient winery collapsed onto several parked vehicles. No one was injured, and Mayor Raz Kinstlich praised residents for avoiding the area. “Fortunately, no disaster occurred. I’m glad the residents are disciplined and not hanging around outside. This is an event that cannot be defined as anything other than a great miracle,” he said.

Elsewhere, falling trees and windblown debris caused several minor injuries. In Ramat Gan, a man sustained a head injury from a fallen tree, and a woman was lightly injured by a flying object. In Nahariya, part of a restaurant building collapsed, though no injuries were reported.

Meanwhile, police closed key routes, including Highway 90 south of Ein Gedi along the Dead Sea, after vehicles became trapped in floodwaters. Traffic was also halted at the Naomi Shemer Tunnel at Jerusalem’s eastern entrance.

Air travel was disrupted as well, with all flights from Haifa Airport canceled. Air Haifa said it is working to provide alternative arrangements for affected passengers.

Forecasters said rainfall is expected to ease gradually on Tuesday, with lighter, more localized showers on Wednesday, mainly in central and northern areas. Temperatures are expected to rise slightly toward the end of the week as the storm system moves out of the region. Authorities continued to urge residents to avoid flooded roads and flowing water, warning that even shallow streams can pose serious risks to life.

By Pesach Benson • January 13, 2026

Jerusalem, 13 January, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Heavy rain, strong winds and localized flooding struck Israel overnight and into Tuesday as a winter storm swept across the country, disrupting transportation, causing property damage and prompting multiple emergency rescues. Meteorological officials said the system is expected to gradually weaken later in the day, with unsettled weather continuing through the end of the week.

Rainfall totals varied widely, with some of the heaviest precipitation recorded in northern and central areas. Majdal Shams, in the northern Golan Heights, reported about 60 millimeters of rain, while Jerusalem received 41 millimeters. Haifa recorded 27 millimeters and Tel Aviv 22 millimeters. Snow fell on Mount Hermon, accumulating to roughly 15 centimeters overnight, leading authorities to keep the ski site closed to visitors until at least Thursday.

The Israel Meteorological Service said large amounts of rain fell overnight in the Judean Mountains, the Judean Plain and the northern Golan Heights, with additional heavy showers expected in the central highlands and the Judean Plain during the day. Flooding was reported in streams flowing toward the Dead Sea, and forecasters warned of continued flood risks in desert areas. At the same time, the service noted that the peak of the strong winds had already passed and no further intensification was expected.

Wind gusts overnight reached extreme levels along the coast, with speeds of about 100 kilometers per hour. A peak gust of 103 kilometers per hour was recorded in the southern coastal city of Ashkelon. In Tel Aviv, gusts reached 85 kilometers per hour, while winds of more than 80 kilometers per hour were measured in Hadera, Haifa Bay and other coastal areas. Jerusalem recorded gusts of up to 65 kilometers per hour.

The severe conditions caused widespread damage.

One of the most serious incidents occurred in the village of Abu Ghosh, near Jerusalem, where firefighters rescued a man and a woman from a vehicle submerged in floodwaters. The driver called emergency services after water reached the level of the car windows. The woman briefly lost consciousness after being rescued and was taken to hospital, where her condition was described as mild. Fire and rescue officials urged the public not to enter flooded roads or flowing water, stressing the risk to life.

In Rishon LeZion, south of Tel Aviv, a wall of an ancient winery collapsed onto several parked cars. No one was injured in the incident. Mayor Raz Kinstlich said residents narrowly avoided a serious disaster. “Fortunately, no disaster occurred. I’m glad the residents are disciplined and not hanging around outside,” he said. “This is an event that cannot be defined as anything other than a great miracle.”

Emergency medical services reported several minor injuries across the country caused by falling trees and windblown objects. In Rishon LeZion, a woman suffered a minor leg injury from a falling branch. In Ramat Gan, east of Tel Aviv, a man sustained a minor head injury when a tree fell, while another woman was lightly hurt by a flying object in a commercial area north of Tel Aviv. In Nahariya, in northern Israel, part of a restaurant building collapsed, but no injuries were reported.

Flooding led police to close major roads, including Highway 90 south of Ein Gedi along the Dead Sea, a key route for traffic in the area. Several vehicles were reported trapped in flooded sections of road, including at the Naomi Shemer Tunnel at the eastern entrance to Jerusalem.

Air travel was also affected, with all flights from Haifa Airport canceled due to the weather. Air Haifa said it was working to offer alternative arrangements to passengers.

Forecasters said rain is expected to gradually ease later Tuesday, with lighter, more localized showers on Wednesday, mainly in central and northern areas. Temperatures are expected to rise slightly toward the end of the week as the storm system moves out.

By Pesach Benson • January 12, 2026

Jerusalem, 12 January, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Israel braced on Monday for a severe windstorm expected to sweep the country from Monday evening through Tuesday, prompting the Meteorological Service to issue its highest-level red alert. Authorities warned of powerful gusts, heavy rainfall, flooding, snow, and dangerously stormy seas.

The storm, described as unusually strong, is expected to bring westerly winds of around 50 kilometers per hour with gusts reaching up to 110 km/h along the coastal plain. The red alert covers wide areas including the Mediterranean coast, northern mountains, Carmel range, central highlands, northern Samaria, northeastern Negev, and the Negev Mountains.

Alongside the winds, a heavy rain system will first hit northern Israel Monday afternoon and gradually move south and east. Rainfall totals are expected to reach 60-80 millimeters in the northern and central mountains, with some regions in Samaria, Judea, and the Jerusalem Mountains seeing more than 100 millimeters in under 24 hours. Coastal and lowland areas may receive 30-60 millimeters. The Meteorological Service cautioned that the rain could trigger flash floods in riverbeds, the Judean Desert, the Dead Sea, and urban areas such as Ashdod, Ashkelon, and Kiryat Gat.

Snow is forecast on Mount Hermon, and for the first time this season, the northern Golan and Mount Meron may see light accumulations. Temperatures will drop sharply, with Jerusalem expecting lows of 4 degrees Celsius, Haifa 11 degrees, and Mount Hermon at minus 4 degrees.

Sea conditions are another major concern. A red warning was issued for the Mediterranean, where waves could reach 2.5 to 6 meters (8 to 20 feet), and swimming is prohibited from Tuesday morning until Wednesday morning. The storms are expected to subside by Wednesday, with temperatures slowly rising and scattered showers mainly in northern and central Israel.

Police warned of road closures and travel disruptions across southern Israel. Authorities are urging drivers to plan trips in advance, avoid high-risk areas, and follow guidance from emergency services.

“The winds and rain could damage infrastructure, topple trees and poles, and disrupt daily life,” said a police spokesperson. Emergency teams, including Border Guard units and volunteers, are deployed throughout the country to respond quickly to incidents. Residents were advised to secure property, stay indoors when possible, and avoid unnecessary travel during the storm.

By Pesach Benson • January 12, 2026

Jerusalem, 12 January, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Israel’s governing coalition on Monday introduced a bill that would abolish the criminal offense of “fraud and breach of trust,” a key charge in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s ongoing corruption trial. The move has sparked fierce criticism from opposition parties, who say the legislation is designed to protect Netanyahu and undermine the rule of law.

The bill is expected to be considered by the Ministerial Committee for Legislation next week before moving to the Knesset for further debate.

Netanyahu, on trial since 2020, faces charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust in three high-profile cases, known as Cases 1000, 2000, and 4000. The legislation, if passed, would repeal Article 284 of Israel’s Penal Code, which has defined the offense since 1977.

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.

In a joint statement, the bill’s sponsors — MKs Ofir Katz (Likud), Simcha Rothman (Religious Zionist Party), and Michel Buskila (New Hope) — described the offense as vague and prone to abuse. “This offense enables selective and biased enforcement,” the lawmakers said, arguing that it has been used to prosecute officials for conduct that is ethically questionable but not clearly criminal. They added that Israel already has laws covering bribery, money laundering, fraud, forgery, insider trading, and obstruction of justice, and the bill would introduce clearer criminal provisions, including conflicts of interest involving close relatives and misuse of government information. At the same time, the coalition said disciplinary and ethics enforcement would be strengthened.

Opposition leaders denounced the bill as an attack on democracy. “This is not a reform; it is a full-fledged coup that will turn Israel into a failed and backward third-world country,” said Yair Lapid, leader of Yesh Atid. He vowed to fight the bill “in the Knesset, in the streets, and in the courts.”

Yair Golan, head of the left-wing Democrats party, described it as “a truly mafia-like move by a government whose senior figures are evading justice.” He added, “The message to the public is clear: it is permissible to deceive and betray trust, as long as the seat of power remains secure.”

Civil society groups echoed the alarm. Tomer Naor, vice president for law and strategy at the Movement for Quality Government, said, “The offense of fraud and breach of trust is one of the strongest defenses we have for integrity in public life. Its abolition would leave sophisticated corruption effectively legal.”

Netanyahu made the unprecedented move of submitting an “extraordinary” pardon request to President Isaac Herzog in November.

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 Kostis Konstantinou • January 12, 2026

Jerusalem, 12 January, 2026 (TPS-IL) — A wave of incendiary commentary in Turkish pro-government media has targeted Greece and the eastern Mediterranean island of Kastellorizo, including explicit calls for military action and unsubstantiated claims involving Israel.

İbrahim Karagül, a columnist for the Islamist, pro-government daily Yeni Şafak, alleged that Greece has transferred “Israeli weapons and Israeli soldiers” to Aegean islands and established missile depots and bases “on Turkey’s borders.” He warned that if Athens were to take similar steps on Kastellorizo, “Turkey must immediately seize the island, without hesitation,” dismissing international law as irrelevant.

In similar rhetoric, Turan Oğuz, described in pro-government outlets as a defense analyst, paraphrased remarks attributed to U.S. President Donald Trump on Greenland to argue that “something must be done on Kastellorizo, whether they like it or not,” claiming—without evidence—that otherwise Russia or China would take control of the island. He also questioned Greek sovereignty based on historical arguments.

By contrast, Yusuf Erim of TRT World dismissed as “fake news” reports that Greece is considering an Israeli proposal for joint use of Kastellorizo, while cautioning that any such move would prompt a “disproportionate and decisive” response.

No official confirmation has been provided for the claims circulated by Turkish commentators. The statements add to heightened rhetoric in the eastern Mediterranean amid ongoing regional tensions.

The move is intended to reduce ongoing infrastructure gaps in the region, which has less than 2% of Israel‘s hotel rooms, despite a unique concentration of heritage, nature, and religious sites with national and international tourism potential.

According to the Ministry of Tourism’s data, in the last decade, only about NIS 115 million were invested in Judea and Samaria for infrastructure development, compared to over NIS 2 billion invested in the rest of the country. As a result, most visits to the region currently consist of day trips without overnight stays, and the economic potential of tourism – employment, entrepreneurship, and revenue for local authorities – remains largely unrealized.

The Ministry of Tourism emphasizes that the expected return for a hotel entrepreneur in Judea and Samaria is currently estimated at only about 4%, among the lowest in Israel, and that without proactive government intervention, a tourism industry will not develop in the region.

Highlights of the multi-year plan submitted by the Minister of Tourism:
• 50 million NIS for the development and upgrade of public tourism infrastructure, including access roads, signage, parking lots, visitor centers, and digital tourism, with an emphasis on the Land of the Bible and the Judean Desert.
• 20 million NIS for grants to entrepreneurs for the establishment of hotels, B&Bs, and camping complexes, at a total rate of up to 33% of the investment, against the backdrop of low returns and high business risk in the region.
• 7 million NIS for promoting statutory planning for tourist accommodation facilities, in light of the shortage of available plots for development.
• 7.5 million NIS for marketing, branding, and promotion of domestic and inbound tourism.
• 1.5 million NIS for the appointment of a dedicated project manager for implementation and inter-ministerial coordination.

Minister of Tourism Haim Katz: “As I committed upon entering office, we are investing extensive resources in our local Tuscany. The Judea and Samaria region holds deep historical and political importance for the people of Israel and the State of Israel, as well as significant value for inbound tourism. We will transform the heritage and nature sites in the land of our ancestors from preserved assets into active tourism anchors, generating economic, regional, and national value.”

Director General of the Ministry of Tourism, Michael Yitzhakov: “The plan we are bringing for government approval is a historic step that lays a long-term foundation for tourism development in Judea and Samaria. This is a region rich in tourism assets of Jewish heritage, historical sites, and some of the most beautiful landscapes in Israel, which has not realized its potential for years. In line with the Minister’s policy, through planned investment in infrastructure, statutory planning, and marketing, we are creating conditions that will enable responsible tourism development, strengthen the local economy, and expand the range of destinations for the Israeli public and inbound tourism.”

The Ministry of Environmental Protection approved financial support and professional guidance for 11 local authorities, totaling approximately 16.7 million shekels, to strengthen their preparedness for climate change.

Climate change brings direct challenges to the daily lives of all residents of Israel, with extreme events such as floods and extreme heatwaves expected to worsen in the coming decades. The support is intended to help authorities prepare for heatwaves, deal with the phenomenon of urban heat islands, 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.

Idit Silman, Minister of Environmental Protection: “Climate change is a national and international challenge, but preparedness begins here, in our cities and communities. The Ministry of Environmental Protection is investing in green infrastructure and the development of innovative solutions that will strengthen local authorities and the public. Through these investments, we are turning the challenge into an opportunity for healthier lives, a sustainable environment, and more resilient and pleasant cities for all citizens of Israel.”

Planning and planting trees in the urban space in Arab communities

After supporting dozens of local authorities with approximately 44 million shekels in the last three years, the Ministry published a dedicated call for proposals for authorities in the Arab sector as part of Government Decision 550.

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

These are the authorities that won the call for proposals, totaling 14.5 million shekels: Rahat, Umm al-Fahm, Reineh, Arrabeh, Kseife.

The Ministry is also working to create in-depth professional guidance totaling 1.5 million shekels in cooperation with “Derech Tzel” from the Green Building Council.

Promoting pilots of green roofs integrated with photovoltaic panels

The Ministry published a call for proposals to encourage pilot programs for green roofs integrated with photovoltaic panels. Integrated roofs are an innovative and multi-beneficial solution in Israel. They contribute to cooling the building itself and reducing heat loads, help delay surface runoff in the urban space within the substrate layer of the green roof, generate renewable energy, and cool the urban space, not just the building itself. This integration allows for efficient use of building roofs while increasing the resilience of cities and communities in Israel to extreme climate conditions.

These are the authorities that won the call for proposals, totaling 575 thousand shekels: Petah Tikva, Maghar, Rosh Ha’ayin, Herzliya, Deir al-Asad.

The Ministry is also working to create in-depth professional guidance and establish infrastructure for continued support in this area, totaling 150 thousand shekels, in cooperation with “Gag Organization” from Muslala.

The Ministry of Environmental Protection views local authorities as a central partner in preparing for climate change and reducing heat loads in the urban space. The new support is intended to provide authorities with practical and effective tools to deal with the growing challenges. The cooperation with the authorities ensures that the solutions will be planned and implemented according to local needs to improve the quality of life of residents and create a healthier and more resilient urban space.

The Ministry of Diaspora Affairs and the Fight Against Antisemitism is opening its doors for significant national service on the international stage. Come do national service at the heart of the effort to strengthen the connection between Israel and world Jewry – with real impact, national responsibility, and the opportunity to be part of a global endeavor.

The Ministry of Diaspora Affairs and the Fight Against Antisemitism calls on young men and women from all over the country to join national service of exceptional value – at the heart of the campaign to strengthen the connection between the State of Israel and world Jewry, and in the global fight against antisemitism.

The Ministry works to create strategic collaborations with Jewish communities, international organizations, and government ministries, and leads innovative initiatives in the public diplomacy arena. As part of the national service, volunteers are integrated into daily activities that have a real impact – from the headquarters in Jerusalem to the international arena.
 
What do you do in the service?

The volunteers take part in the core work of the Ministry, which includes:

• Assisting in strengthening the connection between the State of Israel and Jewish communities worldwide

• Engaging in the fight against antisemitism and the delegitimization of Israel

• Working with government bodies, Jewish organizations, and international entities

• Involvement in policy processes, public diplomacy, research, and promotion of initiatives on the international stage

 
 Why is it worthwhile?
National service at the Ministry of Diaspora Affairs is not just a role – it is a mission. It is a unique opportunity to gain practical experience in the fields of public diplomacy, policy, international relations, community, and communication, to work in a professional and leading environment, and to be a real partner in strengthening Israel‘s standing in the world.
 This is service with deep value, professional and personal development, and unique exposure to the strategic challenges facing the State of Israel in the current era.

 Registration Details:

For more details and registration, send an email to the following address – anastasiaz@pmo.gov.il
Operating hours: Sundays-Thursdays, between 08:00-16:00
Location: Jerusalem

The Ministry of Diaspora Affairs and the Fight Against Antisemitism – The place where national service becomes global impact.

By Pesach Benson • January 8, 2026

Jerusalem, 8 January, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Israel on Thursday dismissed Lebanese claims of progress in curbing armed groups in the country’s south, saying any steps taken so far fall well short of the commitments made under the ceasefire that ended fighting between Israel and Hezbollah late last year.

The criticism followed a statement by the Lebanese Armed Forces asserting that they have established exclusive state control over weapons in southern Lebanon “in an effective and tangible way.” The army said the campaign, launched under a government directive, has reduced the presence of non-state arms and will continue with efforts to clear tunnels and unexploded ordnance before expanding to other regions.

In response, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said the ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States leaves no room for ambiguity. “Hezbollah must be fully disarmed,” the statement said, calling this requirement “imperative for Israel’s security and Lebanon’s future.”

While acknowledging some movement by Beirut and the Lebanese army, Netanyahu’s office said the measures amount to little more than a starting point. “These actions are an encouraging beginning, but they are far from sufficient,” it said, accusing Hezbollah of working to “rearm and rebuild its terror infrastructure with Iranian support.”

The November 2024 ceasefire ended roughly a year of cross-border warfare and stipulated that only Lebanon’s official security forces may bear arms in areas bordering Israel. The Lebanese army’s announcement notably avoided naming Hezbollah, the powerful Shi’ite group that has long operated in the south and maintains significant political influence nationwide.

Beirut’s decision last August to advance disarmament plans was taken without Hezbollah’s approval, fueling anger among the group’s supporters. Hezbollah leaders have openly rejected the policy, arguing it benefits Israel and undermines Lebanon’s defenses. Secretary-General Naim Qassem reiterated that stance last month, saying the group would not lay down its weapons “even if the entire world unites in war against Lebanon.”

Israel continues to hold five military outposts in Lebanon and carries out regular strikes, describing the actions as necessary to thwart Hezbollah efforts to rearm.