Prime Minister’s Office Announcement
The Prime Minister’s Office, today (Tuesday, 25 November 2025) [translated from Hebrew]:
Israel has received, via the Red Cross, the coffin of a fallen hostage, which was handed over to an IDF and ISA force inside the Gaza Strip. From there, it will be transferred to Israel, where it will be received in a military ceremony with the participation of an IDF Rabbi.
It will then be transferred to the Health Ministry National Center of Forensic Medicine. Upon completion of the identification process, formal notification will be delivered to the family.
The families of the fallen hostages have been updated accordingly, and our hearts are with them in this difficult hour. The effort to return our hostages is ongoing and will not cease until the last hostage is returned.
The public is requested to respect the families' privacy and to refrain from spreading rumors and unofficial and unverified information.
We will continue to provide updates with reliable information as necessary.
The Prime Minister’s Office, today (Tuesday, 25 November 2025) [translated from Hebrew]:
Israel has received, via the Red Cross, the coffin of a fallen hostage, which was handed over to an IDF and ISA force inside the Gaza Strip. From there, it will be transferred to Israel, where it will be received in a military ceremony with the participation of an IDF Rabbi.
It will then be transferred to the Health Ministry National Center of Forensic Medicine. Upon completion of the identification process, formal notification will be delivered to the family.
The families of the fallen hostages have been updated accordingly, and our hearts are with them in this difficult hour. The effort to return our hostages is ongoing and will not cease until the last hostage is returned.
The public is requested to respect the families' privacy and to refrain from spreading rumors and unofficial and unverified information.
We will continue to provide updates with reliable information as necessary.
Tel Aviv-Yafo Municipality: Tel Aviv Moves Toward Safer Streets with New 30km/h Policy
Please see the attached Word file
Please see the attached Word file
Prime Minister's Office Announcement
The Prime Minister's Office, this morning (Wednesday, 26 November 2025) [translated from Hebrew]:
Following the completion of the identification process by the National Center of Forensic Medicine, in cooperation with the Israel Police and the IDF Rabbinate, IDF representatives informed the family of fallen hostage Dror Or, of blessed memory, that their loved one has been returned to Israel and that his identification has been completed.
The Government of Israel shares in the deep sorrow of the Or family and all the families of the fallen hostages.
The Government and the entire establishment for the missing and the captives of the State of Israel are determined, committed, and working tirelessly to return our two fallen hostages for proper burial in their country.
The Hamas terrorist organization is required to uphold its commitments to the mediators and return the fallen hostages as part of the implementation of the agreement. We will not compromise on this and will spare no effort until we return all of the fallen hostages, every last one of them.
May his memory be blessed.
The Prime Minister's Office, this morning (Wednesday, 26 November 2025) [translated from Hebrew]:
Following the completion of the identification process by the National Center of Forensic Medicine, in cooperation with the Israel Police and the IDF Rabbinate, IDF representatives informed the family of fallen hostage Dror Or, of blessed memory, that their loved one has been returned to Israel and that his identification has been completed.
The Government of Israel shares in the deep sorrow of the Or family and all the families of the fallen hostages.
The Government and the entire establishment for the missing and the captives of the State of Israel are determined, committed, and working tirelessly to return our two fallen hostages for proper burial in their country.
The Hamas terrorist organization is required to uphold its commitments to the mediators and return the fallen hostages as part of the implementation of the agreement. We will not compromise on this and will spare no effort until we return all of the fallen hostages, every last one of them.
May his memory be blessed.
Dear all,
The *National Public Diplomacy Directorate* would like to invite you to an on the record briefing regarding current developments with Shosh Bedrosian, Communications Specialist. *TODAY 15.30, WEDNESDAY 26th NOVEMBER 2025, ISRAEL TIME.*
These issues and others will be addressed:
* The return of fallen hostage Dror Or, of blessed memory;
* Violations of the Gaza ceasefire and hostage release framework;
* Preventing Hezbollah from re-establishing its threat;
* Latest developments.
The briefing will be held via zoom in *ENGLISH, today WEDNESDAY 26th NOVEMBER at 15.30 Israel time.*
Zoom link:
https://contactgbs.zoom.us/j/83003602034?pwd=V29rTEpweUhUWHpDSTYraGZ6VFJ4Zz09
Please make sure you display your name and media outlet.
Kind regards,
National Public Diplomacy Directorate
The *National Public Diplomacy Directorate* would like to invite you to an on the record briefing regarding current developments with Shosh Bedrosian, Communications Specialist. *TODAY 15.30, WEDNESDAY 26th NOVEMBER 2025, ISRAEL TIME.*
These issues and others will be addressed:
* The return of fallen hostage Dror Or, of blessed memory;
* Violations of the Gaza ceasefire and hostage release framework;
* Preventing Hezbollah from re-establishing its threat;
* Latest developments.
The briefing will be held via zoom in *ENGLISH, today WEDNESDAY 26th NOVEMBER at 15.30 Israel time.*
Zoom link:
https://contactgbs.zoom.us/j/83003602034?pwd=V29rTEpweUhUWHpDSTYraGZ6VFJ4Zz09
Please make sure you display your name and media outlet.
Kind regards,
National Public Diplomacy Directorate
Zoom
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Dear all, The *National Public Diplomacy Directorate* would like to invite you to an on the record briefing regarding current developments with Shosh Bedrosian, Communications Specialist. *TODAY 15.30, WEDNESDAY 26th NOVEMBER 2025, ISRAEL TIME.* These issues…
ICYMI: A recording of today's English press briefing/update with Communications Specialist Shosh Bedrosian is available at the following link: https://hasbara.gpolive.co.il/pages/preview.php?ref=374
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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Speaks with the Parents of Ran Gvili and to the Thai Ambassador
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, yesterday (Friday, 28 November 2025), spoke with the family of fallen hostage Master Sgt. Ran Gvili, of blessed memory, a heroic National Anti-Terrorism Unit fighter, who fell in the battle to defend Kibbutz Alumim and was taken hostage to the Gaza Strip on 7 October 2023.
Ran is the only Israeli fallen hostage still held by terrorist organizations in Gaza. The Prime Minister informed his parents, Talik and Itzik, about the efforts Israel is making for his return and his determination to bring him for a proper Jewish burial. The Prime Minister expressed his deep appreciation to the Gvili family for their stately, principled, and proud stance, stating that Ran's heroism and fall in battle evoke endless pain, astonishment, and pride for him, his wife, and the entire people of Israel.
The Gvili expressed their appreciation to the IDF, the security forces, the MIA/POW Directorate, and the Prime Minister for the determination to bring back all the hostages, and voiced hope that their son Ran will be returned soon.
Later, the Prime Minister spoke with Thai Ambassador to Israel Boonyarit Vichienpuntu and updated him on the efforts to return fallen hostage Sudthisak Rinthalak, of blessed memory, a Thai national who is also being held by terrorist organizations in Gaza.
The Prime Minister conveyed that the Government of Israel, the MIA/POW Directorate, and the security forces are making extensive efforts for his return and that the State of Israel's support for the families of the Thai hostages and returnees will always continue.
During the conversations, which were held with the participation of Coordinator for the Hostages and the Missing Brig.-Gen. (Res.) Gal Hirsch, the Prime Minister reiterated and emphasized that the State of Israel is committed to returning all of the hostages, until the last one of them.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, yesterday (Friday, 28 November 2025), spoke with the family of fallen hostage Master Sgt. Ran Gvili, of blessed memory, a heroic National Anti-Terrorism Unit fighter, who fell in the battle to defend Kibbutz Alumim and was taken hostage to the Gaza Strip on 7 October 2023.
Ran is the only Israeli fallen hostage still held by terrorist organizations in Gaza. The Prime Minister informed his parents, Talik and Itzik, about the efforts Israel is making for his return and his determination to bring him for a proper Jewish burial. The Prime Minister expressed his deep appreciation to the Gvili family for their stately, principled, and proud stance, stating that Ran's heroism and fall in battle evoke endless pain, astonishment, and pride for him, his wife, and the entire people of Israel.
The Gvili expressed their appreciation to the IDF, the security forces, the MIA/POW Directorate, and the Prime Minister for the determination to bring back all the hostages, and voiced hope that their son Ran will be returned soon.
Later, the Prime Minister spoke with Thai Ambassador to Israel Boonyarit Vichienpuntu and updated him on the efforts to return fallen hostage Sudthisak Rinthalak, of blessed memory, a Thai national who is also being held by terrorist organizations in Gaza.
The Prime Minister conveyed that the Government of Israel, the MIA/POW Directorate, and the security forces are making extensive efforts for his return and that the State of Israel's support for the families of the Thai hostages and returnees will always continue.
During the conversations, which were held with the participation of Coordinator for the Hostages and the Missing Brig.-Gen. (Res.) Gal Hirsch, the Prime Minister reiterated and emphasized that the State of Israel is committed to returning all of the hostages, until the last one of them.
(Communicated by the President's Spokesperson)
Saturday, 29 November 2025 / 9 Kislev 5786
Statement from the Office of the President
Statement in response to Dublin City Council on the proposed removal of the name of Israel’s Sixth President Chaim Herzog from a park, and renaming it “Free Palestine” :
"We are following with concern the reports from Ireland regarding the intention to harm the legacy of the sixth President of the State of Israel, the late Chaim Herzog, as well as harming the unique expression of the historical connection between the Irish and Jewish peoples.
Beyond being an Israeli leader, Chaim Herzog was also a hero of the campaign to liberate Europe from the Nazis and a figure who dedicated his life to establishing the values of freedom, tolerance, the pursuit of peace, and the fight against antisemitism. His father, Rabbi Isaac HaLevi Herzog, served as the first Chief Rabbi of the Irish Free State and left a significant mark on the life of the Irish nation in those days. Naming the park after his son some three decades ago expressed appreciation for his legacy and the deep friendship between the Irish and Jewish peoples. Unfortunately, this relationship has deteriorated in recent years, yet we still hope for the recovery of these important ties.
Removing the Herzog name, if it happens, would be a shameful and disgraceful move. We hope that the legacy of a figure at the forefront of establishing the relations between Israel and Ireland, and the fight against antisemitism and tyranny, will still get the respect it deserves today."
Jason Pearlman, 052-6328795
Saturday, 29 November 2025 / 9 Kislev 5786
Statement from the Office of the President
Statement in response to Dublin City Council on the proposed removal of the name of Israel’s Sixth President Chaim Herzog from a park, and renaming it “Free Palestine” :
"We are following with concern the reports from Ireland regarding the intention to harm the legacy of the sixth President of the State of Israel, the late Chaim Herzog, as well as harming the unique expression of the historical connection between the Irish and Jewish peoples.
Beyond being an Israeli leader, Chaim Herzog was also a hero of the campaign to liberate Europe from the Nazis and a figure who dedicated his life to establishing the values of freedom, tolerance, the pursuit of peace, and the fight against antisemitism. His father, Rabbi Isaac HaLevi Herzog, served as the first Chief Rabbi of the Irish Free State and left a significant mark on the life of the Irish nation in those days. Naming the park after his son some three decades ago expressed appreciation for his legacy and the deep friendship between the Irish and Jewish peoples. Unfortunately, this relationship has deteriorated in recent years, yet we still hope for the recovery of these important ties.
Removing the Herzog name, if it happens, would be a shameful and disgraceful move. We hope that the legacy of a figure at the forefront of establishing the relations between Israel and Ireland, and the fight against antisemitism and tyranny, will still get the respect it deserves today."
Jason Pearlman, 052-6328795
Interfaith Center for Sustainable Development and FELM Center Interfaith Ecology Summit in Jerusalem on Wednesday (3 December 2025)
Please see the attached PDF file
Please see the attached PDF file
(Communicated by the President's Spokesperson)
Sunday, 30 November 2025 / 10 Kislev 5786
President Isaac Herzog receives formal pardon request from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
A short while ago, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu submitted a request for a pardon to President Isaac Herzog.
The request was submitted to the Legal Department of the Office of the President by the Prime Minister’s lawyer, Amit Hadad.
In accordance with the guidelines and procedures, the request is currently being transferred to the Pardons Department in the Ministry of Justice which will gather the opinions of all the relevant authorities in the Ministry of Justice. Following this, their opinions will be transferred to the Legal Advisor in the Office of the President and her team to formulate an additional opinion for the President.
The Office of the President is aware that this is an extraordinary request which carries with it significant implications. After receiving all of the relevant opinions, the President will responsibly and sincerely consider the request.
The request consists of two documents: a detailed letter signed by the Prime Minister’s lawyer, and a letter signed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Given the importance of this extraordinary request and its implications, the documents are being released for publication (Hebrew).
Jason Pearlman, 052-6328795
Sunday, 30 November 2025 / 10 Kislev 5786
President Isaac Herzog receives formal pardon request from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
A short while ago, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu submitted a request for a pardon to President Isaac Herzog.
The request was submitted to the Legal Department of the Office of the President by the Prime Minister’s lawyer, Amit Hadad.
In accordance with the guidelines and procedures, the request is currently being transferred to the Pardons Department in the Ministry of Justice which will gather the opinions of all the relevant authorities in the Ministry of Justice. Following this, their opinions will be transferred to the Legal Advisor in the Office of the President and her team to formulate an additional opinion for the President.
The Office of the President is aware that this is an extraordinary request which carries with it significant implications. After receiving all of the relevant opinions, the President will responsibly and sincerely consider the request.
The request consists of two documents: a detailed letter signed by the Prime Minister’s lawyer, and a letter signed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Given the importance of this extraordinary request and its implications, the documents are being released for publication (Hebrew).
Jason Pearlman, 052-6328795
(Communicated by the President's Spokesperson)
Sunday, 30 November 2025 / 10 Kislev 5786
Office of the President: Diagram detailing the process for handling pardons in the Office of the President
Attached is a diagram detailing the process for handling pardons in the Office of the President:
Jason Pearlman, 052-6328795
Sunday, 30 November 2025 / 10 Kislev 5786
Office of the President: Diagram detailing the process for handling pardons in the Office of the President
Attached is a diagram detailing the process for handling pardons in the Office of the President:
Jason Pearlman, 052-6328795
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Invitation for Media Coverage: The Largest Christian Delegation Ever to Visit Israel
A delegation of 1,000 Christian leaders and influencers will arrive in Israel in the coming days to undergo training that will prepare them to serve as ambassadors in their communities and on campuses across the United States. This is the largest delegation of American Christian leaders to visit Israel since the founding of the state.
The delegation is arriving as part of the tenth anniversary celebrations of the Friends of Zion Museum and in full cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Beginning on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, and throughout an entire week, members of the delegation will participate in a series of tours and meetings with senior decision makers, top security and economic experts, diplomats and freed hostages.
Below are the main events open to the media:
Wednesday, December 3 at 09:00, Nova Festival site
Participation of the one thousand leaders alongside freed hostages Emily Damari, Tal Shoham, Moran Stella Yanai, Aviva and Keith Siegel, who will receive the "Here am I" Award for their work in international advocacy.
Wednesday, December 3 at 11:30, Eibim
The unveiling of a new art installation by exiled Iranian artist Hoomen Khalili, a work that reflects the story of October 7. The unveiling will take place with a group of leaders, the artist himself and families of victims of Iranian descent who were murdered on October 7.
Wednesday, December 3 at 20:00, Ramada Jerusalem Hotel
Opening event with the one thousand leaders, United States Ambassador Mike Huckabee, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Speaker of the Knesset. Freed hostage Omer Shem-Tov will share his story and receive the "Here am I" Award for his and his family’s international advocacy efforts.
The event will be broadcast live on social media on the website ambassadorsummit.org
Thursday, December 4 at 09:00, Mount Herzl
A gathering of the one thousand leaders with a senior military figure and bereaved families whose loved ones are buried there, including the father of Aner Shapira and the widows of Tomer Greenberg and Naftali Gordon. Following the gathering, the leaders will walk through the Hall of Remembrance and place flowers and flags on the graves of fallen soldiers from the Iron Swords War.
Thursday, December 4 at 16:00
A mass prayer with the one thousand Pastors on the southern steps of the Western Wall.
Thursday, December 4 at 17:30
A meeting with the Rabbi of the Western Wall at the Western Wall Plaza that will include placing prayer notes bearing the names of victims of the October 7 massacre and prayers for their families.
Friday, December 5 from 09:00 to 12:00, Ancient Shiloh
A tour of Ancient Shiloh, a meeting with Israel Gantz, Chairman of the J Council, and a mass prayer near the site of the Tabernacle.
Sunday, December 7 from 14:00 to 17:30, Jerusalem Theater
The Ambassadors Summit will take place with the participation of senior government officials and leading experts from various fields. Speakers will include Ophir Falk, Political Adviser to the Prime Minister, Nadav Shoshani, International Spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces, Caroline Glick, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Sharren Haskel and others.
Interviews with Mike Evans are available starting tomorrow in Jerusalem through Tal Marom at 053-7769609.
For media attendance and coordination at the various events:
Tal Marom 053-7769609
Orly Goldschmidt, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson, 058-4084018
A delegation of 1,000 Christian leaders and influencers will arrive in Israel in the coming days to undergo training that will prepare them to serve as ambassadors in their communities and on campuses across the United States. This is the largest delegation of American Christian leaders to visit Israel since the founding of the state.
The delegation is arriving as part of the tenth anniversary celebrations of the Friends of Zion Museum and in full cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Beginning on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, and throughout an entire week, members of the delegation will participate in a series of tours and meetings with senior decision makers, top security and economic experts, diplomats and freed hostages.
Below are the main events open to the media:
Wednesday, December 3 at 09:00, Nova Festival site
Participation of the one thousand leaders alongside freed hostages Emily Damari, Tal Shoham, Moran Stella Yanai, Aviva and Keith Siegel, who will receive the "Here am I" Award for their work in international advocacy.
Wednesday, December 3 at 11:30, Eibim
The unveiling of a new art installation by exiled Iranian artist Hoomen Khalili, a work that reflects the story of October 7. The unveiling will take place with a group of leaders, the artist himself and families of victims of Iranian descent who were murdered on October 7.
Wednesday, December 3 at 20:00, Ramada Jerusalem Hotel
Opening event with the one thousand leaders, United States Ambassador Mike Huckabee, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Speaker of the Knesset. Freed hostage Omer Shem-Tov will share his story and receive the "Here am I" Award for his and his family’s international advocacy efforts.
The event will be broadcast live on social media on the website ambassadorsummit.org
Thursday, December 4 at 09:00, Mount Herzl
A gathering of the one thousand leaders with a senior military figure and bereaved families whose loved ones are buried there, including the father of Aner Shapira and the widows of Tomer Greenberg and Naftali Gordon. Following the gathering, the leaders will walk through the Hall of Remembrance and place flowers and flags on the graves of fallen soldiers from the Iron Swords War.
Thursday, December 4 at 16:00
A mass prayer with the one thousand Pastors on the southern steps of the Western Wall.
Thursday, December 4 at 17:30
A meeting with the Rabbi of the Western Wall at the Western Wall Plaza that will include placing prayer notes bearing the names of victims of the October 7 massacre and prayers for their families.
Friday, December 5 from 09:00 to 12:00, Ancient Shiloh
A tour of Ancient Shiloh, a meeting with Israel Gantz, Chairman of the J Council, and a mass prayer near the site of the Tabernacle.
Sunday, December 7 from 14:00 to 17:30, Jerusalem Theater
The Ambassadors Summit will take place with the participation of senior government officials and leading experts from various fields. Speakers will include Ophir Falk, Political Adviser to the Prime Minister, Nadav Shoshani, International Spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces, Caroline Glick, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Sharren Haskel and others.
Interviews with Mike Evans are available starting tomorrow in Jerusalem through Tal Marom at 053-7769609.
For media attendance and coordination at the various events:
Tal Marom 053-7769609
Orly Goldschmidt, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson, 058-4084018
Israel MOD Spokesperson: Israel MOD and TAU Open International DefenseTech Summit: “Israel Evolved Into a True 'Defense-Tech Nation’ – We are Developing Next-Generation Technologies for Future Confrontations With Iran”
These remarks were delivered by Maj. Gen. (Res.) Amir Baram, Director General of the Israel Ministry of Defense (IMOD), as he opened the second International DefenseTech Summit this morning (Monday), led by the IMOD's Directorate of Defense Research & Development (DDR&D), in collaboration with the Blavatnik Cyber Research Center at Tel Aviv University. The summit, taking place over the coming days, focuses on technological innovation in light of lessons learned from the recent war.
In his remarks, Director General Baram addressed Israel's uniqueness in advanced defense technologies and noted: “For years, Israel was known worldwide as a 'Cyber Nation.' Today, we have evolved into a true 'Defense-Tech Nation.' Our innovation portfolio now spans the full spectrum of advanced capabilities: Aerial Defense Systems, Unmanned Vehicles, Electronic Warfare, Quantum-Resistant Communications, Intelligence and Surveillance Systems, Cyber Defense, and Space Technologies. In 2024 alone, we signed 21 Government-to-Government agreements worth billions, and the Ministry invested 1.2 billion shekels in startups alone. Of the 300+ startups working with the DDR&D, remarkably, over 130 joined operations during this war. Tel Aviv now ranks as the world's third leading Defense-Tech hub. Israel's major defense companies have secured significant international contracts across Europe, Asia, and North America. Small and mid-sized companies have achieved remarkable growth, with contracts worth hundreds of millions of dollars each."
Addressing Israel's geopolitical and security situation, he stated: “All fronts are still open, and our enemies are learning and preparing. This transitional period brings uncertainty and risks, but also significant strategic opportunities for those who understand the moment. Reality never stands still, both in strategy and in technology, and anyone who fails to adapt is eventually left behind. We are deeply engaged in developing next-generation breakthrough technologies for potential future confrontations with Iran, in both defensive and offensive capabilities, while advancing additional operational capacities. Today, as we gather here, Israeli defense technologies are protecting lives worldwide. This is not just talk; it is reality. In Israel, necessity has created something distinctive: an innovative Defense-Tech Ecosystem that only a few are able to replicate, born from existential security challenges and shaped over decades of operational experience. Direct feedback loops connect the frontline, engineers, and industry partners – creating a robust chain from battlefield needs to deployed solutions. These are combat-proven systems. This is what Defense-Tech means in Israel."
Drawing lessons from Israel's ongoing military operations and real-world scenarios, the International DefenseTech Summit showcases cutting-edge advances in emerging technologies that are shaping the future of global security.
Key participants include: Maj. Gen. (Res.) Amir Baram, IMOD Director General; Brig. Gen. (Res.) Dr. Daniel Gold, Head of the DDR&D; Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Prof. Isaac Ben-Israel, Conference Chairman and Director of the Blavatnik ICRC at Tel Aviv University; Brig. Gen. Benny Aminov, Head of the DDR&D’s Military R&D unit; Avi Berger, Head of the DDR&D’s Space Program Office; Maj. Gen. (Res.) Nitzan Alon, Managing Partner at Elements Venture Capital; Michael Dodd, U.S. Assistant Secretary of War for Critical Technologies and Acting Deputy Director of the Defense Innovation Unit; Dame Fiona Murray, Associate Dean of Innovation at MIT School of Management; Shaun Maguire, Partner at Sequoia Capital; Dr. Christian Steinborn, Head of Business Development Start-Up Activities at Rheinmetall AG; Francois Chopard, CEO & Founder of Starburst; and many other senior officials from Israel and worldwide.
Attached is a photo for
These remarks were delivered by Maj. Gen. (Res.) Amir Baram, Director General of the Israel Ministry of Defense (IMOD), as he opened the second International DefenseTech Summit this morning (Monday), led by the IMOD's Directorate of Defense Research & Development (DDR&D), in collaboration with the Blavatnik Cyber Research Center at Tel Aviv University. The summit, taking place over the coming days, focuses on technological innovation in light of lessons learned from the recent war.
In his remarks, Director General Baram addressed Israel's uniqueness in advanced defense technologies and noted: “For years, Israel was known worldwide as a 'Cyber Nation.' Today, we have evolved into a true 'Defense-Tech Nation.' Our innovation portfolio now spans the full spectrum of advanced capabilities: Aerial Defense Systems, Unmanned Vehicles, Electronic Warfare, Quantum-Resistant Communications, Intelligence and Surveillance Systems, Cyber Defense, and Space Technologies. In 2024 alone, we signed 21 Government-to-Government agreements worth billions, and the Ministry invested 1.2 billion shekels in startups alone. Of the 300+ startups working with the DDR&D, remarkably, over 130 joined operations during this war. Tel Aviv now ranks as the world's third leading Defense-Tech hub. Israel's major defense companies have secured significant international contracts across Europe, Asia, and North America. Small and mid-sized companies have achieved remarkable growth, with contracts worth hundreds of millions of dollars each."
Addressing Israel's geopolitical and security situation, he stated: “All fronts are still open, and our enemies are learning and preparing. This transitional period brings uncertainty and risks, but also significant strategic opportunities for those who understand the moment. Reality never stands still, both in strategy and in technology, and anyone who fails to adapt is eventually left behind. We are deeply engaged in developing next-generation breakthrough technologies for potential future confrontations with Iran, in both defensive and offensive capabilities, while advancing additional operational capacities. Today, as we gather here, Israeli defense technologies are protecting lives worldwide. This is not just talk; it is reality. In Israel, necessity has created something distinctive: an innovative Defense-Tech Ecosystem that only a few are able to replicate, born from existential security challenges and shaped over decades of operational experience. Direct feedback loops connect the frontline, engineers, and industry partners – creating a robust chain from battlefield needs to deployed solutions. These are combat-proven systems. This is what Defense-Tech means in Israel."
Drawing lessons from Israel's ongoing military operations and real-world scenarios, the International DefenseTech Summit showcases cutting-edge advances in emerging technologies that are shaping the future of global security.
Key participants include: Maj. Gen. (Res.) Amir Baram, IMOD Director General; Brig. Gen. (Res.) Dr. Daniel Gold, Head of the DDR&D; Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Prof. Isaac Ben-Israel, Conference Chairman and Director of the Blavatnik ICRC at Tel Aviv University; Brig. Gen. Benny Aminov, Head of the DDR&D’s Military R&D unit; Avi Berger, Head of the DDR&D’s Space Program Office; Maj. Gen. (Res.) Nitzan Alon, Managing Partner at Elements Venture Capital; Michael Dodd, U.S. Assistant Secretary of War for Critical Technologies and Acting Deputy Director of the Defense Innovation Unit; Dame Fiona Murray, Associate Dean of Innovation at MIT School of Management; Shaun Maguire, Partner at Sequoia Capital; Dr. Christian Steinborn, Head of Business Development Start-Up Activities at Rheinmetall AG; Francois Chopard, CEO & Founder of Starburst; and many other senior officials from Israel and worldwide.
Attached is a photo for
your use.
Photo credit: Israel Ministry of Defense
Media and Public Affairs Bureau
Israel Ministry of Defense
For any media-related queries, please contact Nina Zaydenberg, IMOD Spokesperson to International Media: 0544622513 | 0506291093 | Dover@mod.gov.il
Photo credit: Israel Ministry of Defense
Media and Public Affairs Bureau
Israel Ministry of Defense
For any media-related queries, please contact Nina Zaydenberg, IMOD Spokesperson to International Media: 0544622513 | 0506291093 | Dover@mod.gov.il