Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar:

"I commend the President of Honduras Nasry Asfura - a strong leader with values and principles - for his decision to designate Hamas and Iran’s Revolutionary Guards as terror organizations.

This is another important reinforcement in the global campaign against terrorism, which endangers security throughout the world, including in Latin America. 🇮🇱🇭🇳"

In 1947, the UN offered a two-state solution. The Jews said YES. The Arabs said NO. Neighboring Arab countries invaded the young Israel.

If you reject peace and start a war, you can’t claim victimhood. History matters. 🇮🇱

“There is a non-stop attempt by a group of governments hostile to Israel, such as Spain, Ireland and others, to drag the EU – which includes countries friendly towards Israel, such as Germany and others – towards a hostile and obsessive approach regarding Israel":

https://www.euractiv.com/news/interview-saar-warns-eu-against-anti-israeli-obsessive-approach/

🔴*ELIMINATED*: Izz al-Din al-Haddad, Head of Hamas’ military wing and one of the last senior commanders involved in the planning of the October 7 massacre.

Following the elimination of Mohammed Sinwar, Haddad assumed his role and worked to rebuild Hamas’ capabilities and planned numerous terror attacks against Israeli civilians and IDF troops.

Throughout the war, Haddad was involved in the holding of many Israeli hostages in Hamas captivity and managed Hamas’ hostage captivity system by surrounding himself with hostages in an attempt to prevent his elimination.

Shavua tov - wishing you an amazing week from Jerusalem!

📸 @ArnonBossani

We mourn the loss of Captain Maoz Israel Recanati, 24, from Itamar, a Platoon Commander in the 12th Battalion, Golani Brigade who fell during combat in southern Lebanon.

Our hearts are with his family and loved ones.
🕯️ May his memory be a blessing.

So much love from across Europe and around the world last night 💙🇮🇱

Huge congratulations to Bulgaria and DARA for BANGARANGA 🇧🇬✨ Truly deserved 👏

And judging by the votes… looks like Europe couldn’t get Michelle out of their heads 😉🎶

Hezbollah fires rockets and explosive drones from Lebanon on civilians in Israel.

Israeli cybersecurity keeps delivering 🇮🇱

Akamai acquires LayerX Security for $205M, strengthening AI browser security and Zero Trust capabilities as enterprise AI adoption accelerates.

Israel continues to lead global cyber innovation.

https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/byinuqxkme

In good times, no one likes the Americans more than we do.
In challenging times, no one stands with the Americans like we do.
🇮🇱 🫶🏽 🇺🇸

Israel’s Rivka Bayech won bronze at the European Taekwondo Championships in the under 46kg category 🥉🥋🇮🇱
This marks Baich’s fifth career medal at the European Championships, an incredible achievement 👏
Israeli excellence on the mat!

Once again, a provocation for the sake of provocation: another so-called “humanitarian aid flotilla” with no humanitarian aid. This time, two violent Turkish groups - Mavi Marmara and IHH, the latter designated as a terrorist organization - are part of the provocation.

The purpose of this provocation is to serve Hamas, to divert attention from Hamas’s refusal to disarm, and to obstruct progress on President Trump’s peace plan.

As the Board of Peace - which oversees humanitarian activities in Gaza under UNSC Resolution 2803 - made clear: this flotilla is only about publicity. The Gaza Strip is flooded with aid. Since October 2025 alone, more than 1.58 million tons of humanitarian aid and thousands of tons of medical supplies have entered Gaza.

Israel will not allow any breach of the lawful naval blockade on Gaza.

Israel calls on all participants in this provocation to change course and turn back immediately.

The Palestinian Authority still allocates public funds to reward convicted terrorists:

Mahmoud Abbas admitted again his Pay-for-Slay policy on camera at the Fatah Congress on May 14.

And now Abbas complains Israel is withholding the money. No chance Israel will allow these funds to bankroll terrorism.

(Communicated by the President’s Spokesperson)

Monday, 18 May 2026 / 2 Sivan 5786

President Isaac Herzog Receives Diplomatic Credentials of New Ambassadors, Including First-Ever Ambassador of Somaliland

On May 18, 2026, President Isaac Herzog received the diplomatic credentials of the first-ever Ambassador of Somaliland to Israel, Mohamed Hagi, as well as the new Ambassadors of the Republic of Korea, Park Inho; the Holy See, Apostolic Nuncio Monsignor Giorgio Lingua; Australia, Neil Hawkins; and Vietnam, Nguyen Ky Son, in formal ceremonies at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem.

President Isaac Herzog to Ambassador Hagi of Somaliland:

“It’s a great honor to receive the first ambassador of the Republic of Somaliland in Israel as we further pursue our warm and good relations with the nations of Africa. I especially want to welcome you after I met your President in Davos, where we had a wonderful meeting.

“The incredible joy of the people of Somaliland shown upon Israel’s recognition of your nation warmed our hearts. I think this is a unique opportunity to develop dialogue with nations of Muslim countries who are so important in the region. You are facing many challenges, and we are here to assist and help with all the important fields of life, from food security, to energy, to science in order to enjoy prosperity together. So welcome, shalom to you, and hopefully we will go from strength to strength together.”

Ambassador Hagi of Somaliland:

“It’s an honor to be here today. We have built a great relationship, which is a strategic one that will pave the way forward on many things in all domains, whether that is development, political cooperation, security cooperation, and, of course, the people-to-people relationship.

“The people of Somaliland very much appreciate that Israel became the first country to recognize Somaliland in 1960, and again, after 35 years of independence and sovereignty, Israel again became the first country that recognized Somaliland. Our relationship is unique because it's not just about two governments, it's about the people of Israel and the people of Somaliland. In Somaliland, you can see lots of Israeli flags and people waving them in the streets and in rural areas as well.”

Upon receiving the diplomatic credentials of the Apostolic Nuncio of the Holy See, Monsignor Giorgio Lingua, President Herzog expressed the importance of open, frank and friendly interfaith dialogue between Judaism and Christianity. President Herzog stressed the importance of protecting freedom of religion and scared sites in the Holy Land, and unequivocally condemned all acts of violence and disrespect against symbols of Christianity. President Herzog also underlined the importance of working together with the Pope and the Holy See in the global fight against antisemitism.

During his meeting with the new Ambassador of Australia, President Herzog and Ambassador Hawkins discussed the deep historical ties between Israel and Australia, the President’s recent visit to Australia, and the importance of the ongoing fight against antisemitism.

Welcoming the new Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Israel, Park Inho, President Herzog expressed his intention to upgrade bilateral relations between Israel and the Republic of Korea in technology, trade, security, culture, and tourism.

Upon receiving the diplomatic credentials of the Ambassador of Vietnam to Israel, Nguyen Ky Son, President Herzog highlighted the opportunities to further strengthen the growing trade between our two countries and our ties in a range of other fields.

Video of President Herzog Receiving the Diplomatic Credentials of the Ambassador of Somaliland

https://wetransfer.com/downloads/a4e71bb251254b9ab2df0ed2b207f33020260518095135/648767f54cb6c1205ff8a4cb94d4888420260518095438/2a3f4e?utm_source=wt_sendgrid&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=TRN_DL_WTP_01&trk=TRN_DL_WTP_01

Video credit: Gregory Bado (GPO) / Sound credit: Gideon Arnold (GPO)

Attached photo credits: Kobi Gideon (GPO)

Benjamin Lee, benjaminl@president.gov.il, 050-6169572