Prime Minister Netanyahu meets with Romanian Chamber of Deputies President Grindeanu
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu today (Tuesday, 3 February 2026), jointly with Speaker of the Knesset Amir Ohana, met with the President of the Chamber of Deputies of Romania Sorin Grindeanu, at the Prime Minister's Office in Jerusalem.
Prime Minister Netanyahu thanked President Grindeanu for his staunch support for the State of Israel and his unrelenting fight against acts of antisemitism.
Speaker Ohana expressed great appreciation for the robust relationship between the two parliaments and the two nations.
Taking part in the meeting were the Romanian Minister of Health, parliament members, and Romania's Ambassador to Israel.
Attached photo credit: Haim Zach (GPO)
Attached video credit: Omer Miron (GPO)
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu today (Tuesday, 3 February 2026), jointly with Speaker of the Knesset Amir Ohana, met with the President of the Chamber of Deputies of Romania Sorin Grindeanu, at the Prime Minister's Office in Jerusalem.
Prime Minister Netanyahu thanked President Grindeanu for his staunch support for the State of Israel and his unrelenting fight against acts of antisemitism.
Speaker Ohana expressed great appreciation for the robust relationship between the two parliaments and the two nations.
Taking part in the meeting were the Romanian Minister of Health, parliament members, and Romania's Ambassador to Israel.
Attached photo credit: Haim Zach (GPO)
Attached video credit: Omer Miron (GPO)
In the presence of Prime Minister Netanyahu, Israel and Azerbaijan sign MOU on Artificial Intelligence
Israel and Azerbaijan signed today (3 February 2026), at the Prime Minister’s Office in Jerusalem, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in the field of Artificial Intelligence. The MOU signed today is the next step in advancing the State of Israel toward global leadership in the field of AI, as part of the flagship goals of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This follows the signing of a joint declaration in this field with the US last month.
The declaration was signed, in the presence of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, by the Head of the National Artificial Intelligence Directorate, Brig. Gen. (Res.) Erez Askal, and Azerbaijan’s Minister of Digital Development and Transport, Rashad Nabiyev.
Israel and Azerbaijan intend to bolster their ongoing alliance through AI. The partnership will address infrastructure for supercomputing, implementation of AI in critical civilian sectors, human capital, and joint research.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu:
"Welcome, Mr. Minister, and your distinguished delegation.
AI, as you know, is Azerbaijan-Israel. AI is also AI, artificial intelligence, and we're wedding the two things.
We have a great partnership. It goes back for many years. I remember fondly my first visit to Azerbaijan many years ago. And then my second visit, I saw the enormous change, the enormous development that took place there.
And of course, over the years, our friendship blossomed. And it is now turning to seize the future. The future is already here. AI is not the instrument of the future, it's the instrument of the present that is rushing towards tomorrow. We have to make sure that we are among the leading nations in this field. And I think that we can do a lot more and a lot better together.
So, I very much welcome this, and I know that General Askal will do everything to cooperate in the best manner with our trusted ally Azerbaijan. And we have many plans. I'm sure you will hear more about them, but I think this is another step up the ladder of forming this close relationship between us.
I ask that you send my warmest greetings to President Aliyev. And you can tell him, we always say "next year in Jerusalem" — tell him, this year in Jerusalem, let him come and visit us. He'll be very warmly received".
Head of the National Artificial Intelligence Directorate, Brig. Gen. (Res.) Erez Askal said [translated from Hebrew]:
"The State of Israel and the Republic of Azerbaijan share extensive cooperation based on mutual appreciation and trust, as well as shared challenges. Cooperation on AI is an important additional layer between our countries, as it marks the future of two nations with unique challenges, which can lead to life-changing solutions for their citizens and even the entire world. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has defined AI as a field in which Israel will be a global leader, and we intend to meet that goal."
Attached photo credits: Haim Zach (GPO)
Attached video credit: Omer Miron (GPO) / sound credit: Yehezkel Kandil (GPO)
Israel and Azerbaijan signed today (3 February 2026), at the Prime Minister’s Office in Jerusalem, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in the field of Artificial Intelligence. The MOU signed today is the next step in advancing the State of Israel toward global leadership in the field of AI, as part of the flagship goals of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This follows the signing of a joint declaration in this field with the US last month.
The declaration was signed, in the presence of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, by the Head of the National Artificial Intelligence Directorate, Brig. Gen. (Res.) Erez Askal, and Azerbaijan’s Minister of Digital Development and Transport, Rashad Nabiyev.
Israel and Azerbaijan intend to bolster their ongoing alliance through AI. The partnership will address infrastructure for supercomputing, implementation of AI in critical civilian sectors, human capital, and joint research.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu:
"Welcome, Mr. Minister, and your distinguished delegation.
AI, as you know, is Azerbaijan-Israel. AI is also AI, artificial intelligence, and we're wedding the two things.
We have a great partnership. It goes back for many years. I remember fondly my first visit to Azerbaijan many years ago. And then my second visit, I saw the enormous change, the enormous development that took place there.
And of course, over the years, our friendship blossomed. And it is now turning to seize the future. The future is already here. AI is not the instrument of the future, it's the instrument of the present that is rushing towards tomorrow. We have to make sure that we are among the leading nations in this field. And I think that we can do a lot more and a lot better together.
So, I very much welcome this, and I know that General Askal will do everything to cooperate in the best manner with our trusted ally Azerbaijan. And we have many plans. I'm sure you will hear more about them, but I think this is another step up the ladder of forming this close relationship between us.
I ask that you send my warmest greetings to President Aliyev. And you can tell him, we always say "next year in Jerusalem" — tell him, this year in Jerusalem, let him come and visit us. He'll be very warmly received".
Head of the National Artificial Intelligence Directorate, Brig. Gen. (Res.) Erez Askal said [translated from Hebrew]:
"The State of Israel and the Republic of Azerbaijan share extensive cooperation based on mutual appreciation and trust, as well as shared challenges. Cooperation on AI is an important additional layer between our countries, as it marks the future of two nations with unique challenges, which can lead to life-changing solutions for their citizens and even the entire world. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has defined AI as a field in which Israel will be a global leader, and we intend to meet that goal."
Attached photo credits: Haim Zach (GPO)
Attached video credit: Omer Miron (GPO) / sound credit: Yehezkel Kandil (GPO)
Prime Minister's Office Announcement
The meeting between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Steve Witkoff, the US President's Special Envoy, has concluded.
The Prime Minister reiterated the uncompromising demand for the disarmament of Hamas, the demilitarization of the Gaza Strip, and the fulfillment of the war objectives prior to the reconstruction of the Strip.
The Prime Minister clarified that the Palestinian Authority will not be part of the administration of the Gaza Strip in any way, and updated US Ambassador Huckabee on the grave violations discovered in the Strip in the use of UNRWA bags to conceal weaponry.
Ahead of Envoy Witkoff's departure to meet with a representative of Iran, the Prime Minister clarified his position that Iran has proven time and again that its promises cannot be relied upon.
The meeting between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Steve Witkoff, the US President's Special Envoy, has concluded.
The Prime Minister reiterated the uncompromising demand for the disarmament of Hamas, the demilitarization of the Gaza Strip, and the fulfillment of the war objectives prior to the reconstruction of the Strip.
The Prime Minister clarified that the Palestinian Authority will not be part of the administration of the Gaza Strip in any way, and updated US Ambassador Huckabee on the grave violations discovered in the Strip in the use of UNRWA bags to conceal weaponry.
Ahead of Envoy Witkoff's departure to meet with a representative of Iran, the Prime Minister clarified his position that Iran has proven time and again that its promises cannot be relied upon.
Prime Minister Netanyahu reveals responses to State Comptroller on the events of October 7th
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reveals to the public his responses to the State Comptroller’s inquiries as part of the Comptroller’s probe into the events of October 7th
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu [translated from Hebrew]:
"Dear citizens of Israel,
I am certain that we all wish to uncover the truth. Uncover the truth about the events of October 7th and what preceded them.
The document I am holding contains the responses I provided to the State Comptroller during his probe into the events of October 7th.
The meeting took place in my office on 25 December 2025. For 4 consecutive hours, I answered the probing inquiries of the Comptroller and his staff.
On December 31, 2025, only six days after that meeting, with extraordinary timing, the High Court of Justice suddenly issued an interim order and a conditional order, halting the State Comptroller's work.
I wish to emphasize to you:
For nearly two years, the Comptroller worked with full autonomy, without any interference from the judiciary or anyone else. Yet just six days after I submitted this response, the High Court decided to grant the Attorney General’s request to immediately halt the Comptroller’s work – work aimed at uncovering the truth.
Is this a coincidence? I say a simple thing: you be the judge.
Tonight, I am revealing to you, the citizens of Israel, my full response to the State Comptroller. Some of the security-sensitive segments have been redacted; authorized officials will be able to review them, as well as all of the dossiers of documents that I am handing over to the Intelligence Subcommittee of the Knesset.
I must tell you, speaking of the Knesset: when I presented the key points today before the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, and in the Cabinet, many reacted with astonishment – because they were exposed to countless matters that are the exact opposite of what they've been hearing in the media over the past two years.
This document includes transcripts of security discussions and numerous documents spanning 12 years, since Operation Protective Edge and until the morning of October 7th.
The Comptroller also asked me, and I provided him with answers, addressing my own conduct as well, and the decisions I made, and my conduct on that day, October 7th.
One other thing: had it not been for the High Court’s intervention halting the Comptroller's probe, all former officials would have been granted full access to all the materials and documents held by the Comptroller, which would have allowed them to address all of the matters I present in this document. I actually do want them to address these matters.
Therefore, it is important now to demand that the High Court immediately lift the interim order and reinitiate the Comptroller’s probe. Then, the former officials mentioned in the transcripts can be exposed to them and to the relevant documents.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reveals to the public his responses to the State Comptroller’s inquiries as part of the Comptroller’s probe into the events of October 7th
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu [translated from Hebrew]:
"Dear citizens of Israel,
I am certain that we all wish to uncover the truth. Uncover the truth about the events of October 7th and what preceded them.
The document I am holding contains the responses I provided to the State Comptroller during his probe into the events of October 7th.
The meeting took place in my office on 25 December 2025. For 4 consecutive hours, I answered the probing inquiries of the Comptroller and his staff.
On December 31, 2025, only six days after that meeting, with extraordinary timing, the High Court of Justice suddenly issued an interim order and a conditional order, halting the State Comptroller's work.
I wish to emphasize to you:
For nearly two years, the Comptroller worked with full autonomy, without any interference from the judiciary or anyone else. Yet just six days after I submitted this response, the High Court decided to grant the Attorney General’s request to immediately halt the Comptroller’s work – work aimed at uncovering the truth.
Is this a coincidence? I say a simple thing: you be the judge.
Tonight, I am revealing to you, the citizens of Israel, my full response to the State Comptroller. Some of the security-sensitive segments have been redacted; authorized officials will be able to review them, as well as all of the dossiers of documents that I am handing over to the Intelligence Subcommittee of the Knesset.
I must tell you, speaking of the Knesset: when I presented the key points today before the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, and in the Cabinet, many reacted with astonishment – because they were exposed to countless matters that are the exact opposite of what they've been hearing in the media over the past two years.
This document includes transcripts of security discussions and numerous documents spanning 12 years, since Operation Protective Edge and until the morning of October 7th.
The Comptroller also asked me, and I provided him with answers, addressing my own conduct as well, and the decisions I made, and my conduct on that day, October 7th.
One other thing: had it not been for the High Court’s intervention halting the Comptroller's probe, all former officials would have been granted full access to all the materials and documents held by the Comptroller, which would have allowed them to address all of the matters I present in this document. I actually do want them to address these matters.
Therefore, it is important now to demand that the High Court immediately lift the interim order and reinitiate the Comptroller’s probe. Then, the former officials mentioned in the transcripts can be exposed to them and to the relevant documents.
But let it be clear: The Comptroller’s probe is no substitute for a Commission of Inquiry. And therefore, we must advance the establishment of an equitable National Commission of Inquiry, an independent commission representing all segments of the nation.
It is not up to the High Court to determine the membership of this commission, and it is not up to the government to determine the membership of this commission. It is the public, through its representatives, who shall determine the membership of the commission.
This will be a democratic and equitable commission. Half of its members will be selected by the Opposition and the other half by the Coalition. No possibility of whitewashing, no possibility of concealing – everyone must provide answers on everything.
This is precisely how the United States acted following the September 11 attacks, and it is precisely how we must act following the catastrophe of October 7th.
In the democratic and equitable commission we are proposing, anyone will be able to pose any question to any official, and present them with any document. And I will be the first to appear before the commission members, and I will provide answers on everything.
Dear friends, citizens of Israel, this is the only way for us to ensure that all of the information is revealed to all of the public. Only this way can we approach uncovering the truth, and only this way can we move forward to the phase of healing and restoration which we all yearn for".
Attached: The entire document (in Hebrew)
It is not up to the High Court to determine the membership of this commission, and it is not up to the government to determine the membership of this commission. It is the public, through its representatives, who shall determine the membership of the commission.
This will be a democratic and equitable commission. Half of its members will be selected by the Opposition and the other half by the Coalition. No possibility of whitewashing, no possibility of concealing – everyone must provide answers on everything.
This is precisely how the United States acted following the September 11 attacks, and it is precisely how we must act following the catastrophe of October 7th.
In the democratic and equitable commission we are proposing, anyone will be able to pose any question to any official, and present them with any document. And I will be the first to appear before the commission members, and I will provide answers on everything.
Dear friends, citizens of Israel, this is the only way for us to ensure that all of the information is revealed to all of the public. Only this way can we approach uncovering the truth, and only this way can we move forward to the phase of healing and restoration which we all yearn for".
Attached: The entire document (in Hebrew)
Prime Minister's Office announcement
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to meet with US President Donald Trump this Wednesday in Washington, and will discuss with him the negotiations with Iran.
The Prime Minister believes any negotiations must include limitations on ballistic missiles and a halting of the support for the Iranian axis.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to meet with US President Donald Trump this Wednesday in Washington, and will discuss with him the negotiations with Iran.
The Prime Minister believes any negotiations must include limitations on ballistic missiles and a halting of the support for the Iranian axis.