Israel

prime minister Netanyahu on a tour of the Western Negev: “We are coming to return the Negev to the State of Israel. This means settlement on an unprecedented scale, but first and foremost – restoring law and order.”

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu conducted an extensive tour of the Western Negev today, accompanied by Defense Minister Israel Katz, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, and the directors-general of government ministries – Acting Director-General of the Prime Minister’s Office, Director-General of the National Security Ministry, Director-General of the Ministry of Settlement and National Missions, Director-General of the Ministry of the Negev and Galilee, and Director-General of the Ministry of Diaspora Affairs. This tour is part of a multidisciplinary national effort that includes strengthening and developing the region, completing strategic responses in the area, and combating crime in the Arab community.

At the beginning of the tour, the Prime Minister, the Defense Minister, and the National Security Minister visited the community of Revivim, where they observed Bir al-Daj and received a briefing from Police Commissioner Rananitz Danny Levi, Shin Bet head David Zini, and Deputy Chief of Staff Major General Tamir Yadai on the Israel Police’s handling and enforcement against smuggling and illegal weapons possession in the South. Subsequently, they were shown seized weapons and information on significant smuggling operations thwarted by police forces in the area and on the borders.

Afterward, the Prime Minister, accompanied by the Defense Minister, visited the ‘Desert Man’ farm near the community of Kmehin. The Prime Minister received a briefing from the Acting Director-General of the Prime Minister’s Office, the Director-General of the Ministry of Settlement, the Director-General of the Ministry of the Negev and Galilee, and the head of the Ramat Negev Regional Council. They presented the progress of the government’s five-year plan, being formulated with the Ministry of Defense, for demographic growth and massive settlement expansion along the eastern and western borders, with an emphasis on developing Nitzana, as part of the region’s challenges and the required civilian responses, and on settlement in the Negev as part of the border strengthening plan.

The tour focused on a large-scale national plan promoted by the Prime Minister’s Office, which includes: strengthening the state’s hold on the territory, advancing plans for settlement expansion and increasing demographic growth, developing new employment areas, improving civilian infrastructure, and providing responses to the security needs of residents. The plan is based on inter-ministerial staff work to strengthen the borders and build the multi-dimensional national plan for the Negev. 

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu:

“I am here with the National Security Minister and the Defense Minister, along with the Police Commissioner, the Deputy Chief of Staff, the Shin Bet head, and representatives of government ministries, for one purpose – we are coming to return the Negev to the State of Israel. 

This means settlement on a scale we have not known, and it means regulation for the Bedouin residents as well. But it means, first and foremost – restoring law and order. The Negev is out of control. We will rein it in, and an important operation by the Israel Police, in conjunction with other forces, has begun. To rein it in, we need to understand that the criminal threat and the security threat are merging. 
With tens of thousands of weapons, with drones crossing borders, and other threats.

Therefore, we will bring a national project to achieve all these goals, but first and foremost – to restore governance to the Negev. I thank the ministers, I thank the Police Commissioner, and I also thank the Shin Bet head. I thank you, Mr. Defense Minister and Deputy Chief of Staff, for undertaking this mission. We will succeed here, just as we have succeeded in all other endeavors we have taken upon ourselves. 
A top national mission, my first visit as Prime Minister for this purpose, the first of many.”

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir:

“Operation ‘New Order,’ which we are currently leading to restore governance to the Negev, is the first of its kind after decades of neglect, during which the Negev was abandoned and became an ‘ex-territory’ where a monster of nationalist and criminal crime grew. Despite the efforts of criminal elements to try and deter us, we will not flinch: we will continue the operation throughout the Negev as needed, with the aim of restoring security to the residents. 
I thank the Prime Minister for his support, the Shin Bet head for his commitment to assist the police in the operation, and of course – the Police Commissioner, the Southern District Commander, and all our wonderful fighters and police officers who are taking part in this operation with dedication and courage. Our message is one: the State of Israel is the owner of the Negev, and anyone who challenges this will be dealt with to the fullest extent of the law.”

Defense Minister Israel Katz:

“Stopping the smuggling of weapons across the Israel-Egypt border is a top security interest of the State of Israel. The drones used for smuggling are intended to arm our enemies and are acts of terrorism in every sense, and a direct part of the campaign against the security of Israeli citizens – therefore, we have instructed the IDF to act decisively, to change the rules of the game, and to create clear deterrence.

Strengthening settlement in the Negev is strengthening the security of the State of Israel, strengthening sovereignty, and strengthening our hold on the territory. Settling the Negev is a top strategic defense line for the country’s borders and for the civilian home front. I commend Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who, just as US President Trump fought the drug threat – he is leading a determined war against crime in the Negev and the threat to national security. The State of Israel will act with a heavy hand against any element, from within and from without, that tries to undermine our security.”

– Video: Omer Miron/GPO.

At the beginning of this week, the international seminar of the “In the Path of Olives” initiative opened in the Galilee.

The seminar brings together kindergarten teachers and educators from Greece and Albania, who arrived in Israel for joint professional development in the fields of environmental education, sustainability, and innovative early childhood pedagogy.

The initiative, which began as a local educational program, has grown into a regional model that strengthens cooperation among Mediterranean countries and encourages cross-cultural learning centered on the olive tree and its environmental and cultural significance.

The Ministry for Regional Cooperation will continue to promote educational initiatives that connect communities, foster regional partnerships, and advance high-quality, in-depth education for environmental preservation.

The Ministry for Regional Cooperation is pleased to support this initiative and similar ones that strengthen human connections between us and the countries of the region.

Music is a language we all understand — even when words fall short.

The Ra’anana Jazz Festival, which opened last week, is far more than a cultural event; it is a celebration of regional cooperation, dialogue between countries, and cross-border connections woven through sound, instruments, and a shared love of music.

Throughout the festival, artists from Israel and across the region took part — including Morocco, Turkey, Greece, Cyprus, Georgia, Albania, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and more. Each brought the rhythm, spirit, and unique musical tradition of their country, coming together on one shared stage.

The Ministry for Regional Cooperation is proud to take part in an initiative like this — one that proves time and again how powerful human connection can be when we let it play.

Music is a language we all understand – even when we don’t have words. 

The Raanana Jazz Festival, which opened last week, is much more than a cultural event – it is a celebration of regional cooperation, of dialogue between countries, and of cross-border connections forged through sounds, instruments, and a love for music.

During the festival, artists from Israel and across the region were hosted: Morocco, Turkey, Greece, Cyprus, Georgia, Albania, Kosovo, Macedonia, and more – who brought with them the rhythm, spirit, and unique tradition of each country, and met on one shared stage.

The Ministry for Regional Cooperation is proud to take part in such an initiative – which proves time and again how strong human connection can be when allowed to play.

By Pesach Benson • January 7, 2026

Jerusalem, 7 January, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Israel successfully completed a $6 billion public offering of dollar-denominated bonds, attracting overwhelming international interest, the Finance Ministry announced on Wednesday. The offering included three series of bonds with terms of 5, 10, and 30 years, with spreads of 90, 100, and 125 basis points above comparable US Treasury yields. The weighted spread averaged 102 basis points, a 34% improvement compared to Israel’s 2024 dollar bond issuance.

“The successful fundraising process of the State of Israel in international markets, which has received high demand from institutional investors from all over the world, reflects the resilience of the Israeli economy and the responsible economic management that we have been implementing in recent years and has earned the trust of the markets,” Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said.

Demand for the offering reached approximately $36 billion, six times the actual volume of bonds sold. More than 300 institutional investors from over 30 countries participated, including nations that have signed the Abraham Accords with Israel.

Accountant General Yahli Rotenberg, who led the issuance, emphasized the significance of the results amid global uncertainties.

“The results of the offering reflect a return to the levels of margins that preceded the war, and indicate a high level of investor confidence in the Israeli economy. The scope of the offering supports the financing needs of the State of Israel for 2026 and is also a significant tailwind for the local market,” said Accountant General Yahli Rotenberg, who led the issuance.

The bonds were underwritten by Bank of America, Citi, Deutsche Bank, Goldman Sachs, and JP Morgan, following extensive investor meetings in the US, Asia, and Europe.

By Pesach Benson • January 6, 2026

Jerusalem, 6 January, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Israel confirmed on Tuesday that Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar paid his first official diplomatic visit to Hargeisa, the capital of Somaliland, the first visit by a senior Israeli official since Israel recognized Somaliland’s independence in December.

“We want to build a warm friendship not only between governments – but also between peoples: the Israeli people and the people of Somaliland. Since December 26, we have seen authentic joy in Somaliland, and also in Israel. We are excited to take part in the courageous journey of the people of Somaliland from independence to recognition,” Sa’ar told Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi in Hargeisa.

Abdullahi told Sa’ar his visit reflected “the shared commitment to transform this relationship into a productive, forward-looking and strategic partnership. Somaliland attaches great importance to this partnership and approaches it with clarity and purpose. We are committed to building a strategic relationship with Israel that will be beneficial to both sides and will be based on cooperation in the areas of politics, security, economics and development.

Abdullahi also announced that he has accepted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s invitation to visit Israel and pledged to open a Somaliland embassy there, while supporting a permanent Israeli diplomatic presence in Hargeisa.

The visit, conducted at Abdullahi’s invitation, was initially kept discreet at the request of security officials.

Sa’ar said Israel and Somaliland would soon mutually open appoint embassies and appoint ambassadors.

Somaliland broke away from Somalia and declared its independence in 1991. Israel is the first country to recognize Somaliland.

Situated in the Horn of Africa, Somaliland’s northern coast lies directly across the Gulf of Aden from Yemen, where the Houthis control territory.

By Pesach Benson and Omer Novoselsky • January 6, 2026

Jerusalem, 6 January, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Venezuelans living in Israel reacted with a mix of shock and cautious optimism after former President Nicolás Maduro was captured by U.S. authorities and flown to New York on drug charges Monday. For the community of around 10,000, the news raises memories of being marginalized by Caracas’ brand of socialism and the possibility of rebuilding a country long dominated by corruption and foreign influence.

Hanna Rajs, who left Venezuela for Israel in 2005 at age 21, told The Press Service of Israel the operation marked a historic blow to Iranian terror networks tied to the Venezuelan government.

“Basically the entire financial wing of Hezbollah was hit very, very hard. For years, the Iranians used Venezuela for drug trafficking, arms trafficking, and a lot of shady dealings,” she told TPS-IL. Rajs expressed hope that new leadership could finally sever Iran’s influence, adding, “Unless the Iranians manage to kick Khamenei out as well. That’s what needs to be done. With God’s help, I hope that happens.”

Regarding economic renewal, she said, “I think some Jews will come back, maybe, if they see an opportunity to do business there and develop there. But I don’t think the majority will come back easily. Israel is nicer and more comfortable than Venezuela, but there is an opportunity if opposition leader María Corina Machado comes to power,” she said.

“Israeli technology could play a major role. People can go weeks without water, electricity, or gas. That’s where Israel can help. My hope is to bring technology there, to help Venezuela develop, and at the same time help Israel grow economically,” she explained.

Marco Manchego, who left Venezuela 19 years ago after anti-government protests, recounted how the Jewish community’s position deteriorated under Hugo Chávez and Maduro.

“Before Chávez came to power, Jews were everywhere — in media, industry, academia. Nobody did anything to us. But after 1999, everything slowly started to change. Synagogues and schools needed security, harassment increased, and Jews started leaving,” he said.

Manchego has not returned to Venezuela for over a decade. “Since 2009, I have not been able to enter. Hezbollah cells are operating in the country, and I fought in Gaza with the Israeli army. Returning now would be extremely risky,” he said. He described the current climate for Jews in Venezuela as one of fear. “They live quietly, like the Jewish community in Iran. They can’t speak freely or protest. Anyone opposing the government is accused of being a Zionist.”

Maor Malul, who emigrated in 2013 after 37 years in Venezuela, described to TPS-IL how Iran expanded its influence over the past two decades. “Even before Maduro, Iran was planting roots in Venezuela. Iranian advisers were in the oil industry, banks, and food chains. There were flights from Tehran and Damascus to Caracas with no oversight. They brought influence to the military and intelligence,” he said.

Malul also described the slow erosion of Jewish life. “Before Chávez, Jews were fully part of society. Security at schools and synagogues was normal. After 2007, with Ahmadinejad visiting and Chávez breaking ties with Israel, harassment increased. Graffiti appeared on synagogues, demonstrations against Israel were everywhere. Jews left because they could no longer live freely,” he said.

Rajs and Malul noted that the capture of Maduro, while not the end of the dictatorship, represents a severe blow to entrenched power structures. “It won’t happen overnight,” Rajs said. “But finally, there is a chance to clean up the house, rebuild, and bring order to a country that has suffered for too long.”

Malul emphasized the challenges ahead. “The dictatorship has been in place for almost 26 years. The army and security systems are infiltrated. People are afraid to speak out. The Jewish community can’t protest. But now, with Maduro captured, there is hope. Change will be slow, but at least the system has been dealt a serious blow.”

All three pointed to opposition leader María Corina Machado as a potential agent of transformation. Rajs described Machado as “capable of turning Venezuela into a truly normative place,” while Manchego and Malul emphasized her pro-Israel stance and her plans for rebuilding infrastructure, agriculture, and tourism.

“Finally,” Rajs said, “it seems like there is a chance to restore democracy, rebuild the country, and help Venezuela and Israel grow together.”

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By Kostis Konstantinou • January 3, 2026

Jerusalem, 3 January, 2026 (TPS-IL) — A complex legal case involving claims of organized criminal activity is unfolding in Cyprus.

The case involves 36-year-old Israeli national Daniel Yehonatan Zarvg, who is seeking international protection in Cyprus, claiming he is being maliciously persecuted by the authorities of Israel for crimes he says he did not commit.

Zarvg, also known as “Andros Gracia,” came to public attention last summer after using a forged Spanish travel document while staying in the Turkish-occupied north of the island. He was arrested there in August and handed over to the authorities of the Republic of Cyprus on 13 August. Israeli authorities are seeking him in connection with a deadly ambush on 24 March 2024, in which nine shots were fired at Shaul Peretz, resulting in the death of Peretz’s wife, Almog.

This week, Zarvg filed an appeal before the International Protection Court through his lawyer, Christos Gavrielides, challenging a 5 December decision by the Cypriot Asylum Service rejecting his asylum application. He claims he fled Israel because his life was in serious danger from criminal groups and alleges “systematic persecution by Israeli authorities, including degrading treatment,” which he says caused him severe health problems.

Zarvg is currently held in police-controlled detention in Cyprus. His lawyers have previously secured a certiorari ruling overturning his arrest warrant and are seeking his release and the termination of extradition proceedings, while the Cyprus Legal Service has filed an appeal against the decision.

By Pesach Benson • January 1, 2026

Jerusalem, 1 January, 2026 (TPS-IL) — The Sachs family from Sydney, Australia –- father Trevor, mother Dalit, and daughter Ashira –- became Israel’s first immigrants in 2026 after arriving at ben gurion Airport on Thursday as trends point to rising Jewish immigration from Western countries.

On landing, the three were greeted by Minister of Immigration and Absorption Ofir Sofer, received Israeli ID cards, and officially began their new life in the country. The family’s son, Levi Sachs, had already immigrated ahead of them and enlisted in the Israel Defense Forces.

“The Sachs family’s choice to immigrate to Israel, especially when their son is serving in the IDF, is gratifying and encouraging. We are working for the aliyah [immigration] of Australian Jews to Israel and have already taken and will continue to take significant steps to that end,” Sofer said.

The arrival of the Sachs family adds to the nearly 22,000 immigrants who moved to Israel in 2025.

According to Israel’s Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS), approximately 21,900 people moved to Israel last year, representing only about one-third of the previous year’s total.

Signaling a shift in the global pattern of Jewish migration, Russian and Ukrainian immigration fell by half, while arrivals from the United States, United Kingdom, and France increased. Overall, North American aliyah rose by 13 percent, and French immigration jumped 45 percent, the CBS reported.

The change is generally attributed to rising Western antisemitism.

“The changing composition of new immigrants shows how Israel continues to attract Jews from around the world,” a ministry spokesperson said.

As of December 31, 2025, Israel’s population stood at 10,178,000.