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
👍1
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
Israel Ministry of Defense Spokesperson: ”Iron Beam Laser System Development Complete – First Capability Delivery to IDF Scheduled for December 30, 2025”
These remarks were delivered by Brig. Gen. (Res.) Dr. Daniel Gold, Head of the Israel Ministry of Defense (IMOD) Directorate of Defense Research & Development (DDR&D), at the International DefenseTech Summit led by the IMOD’s DDR&D, in collaboration with the Blavatnik Cyber Research Center at Tel Aviv University.
Dr. Gold further stated: "The Iron Beam laser system is expected to fundamentally change the rules of engagement on the battlefield. With development complete and a comprehensive testing program that has validated the system's capabilities, we are prepared to deliver initial operational capability to the IDF on December 30, 2025. Simultaneously, we are already advancing the next-generation systems.
“The defense-tech landscape has fundamentally shifted – startups are now competing directly with major defense contractors and winning. Recently, several startups competed against all major defense industries in a DDR&D procurement competition and were selected to supply the IDF with advanced attack UAV systems.
“In line with the Ministry's strategy, we are actively developing the next generation of technological surprises for future conflicts – across space, offensive, and defensive domains – and will operationalize them at the appropriate time. The DDR&D serves as a production engine for the next generation of game-changers, combining the capabilities and scale of major defense industries with the operational excellence demonstrated by startups throughout this war. This is the foundation of our strength moving forward."
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
These remarks were delivered by Brig. Gen. (Res.) Dr. Daniel Gold, Head of the Israel Ministry of Defense (IMOD) Directorate of Defense Research & Development (DDR&D), at the International DefenseTech Summit led by the IMOD’s DDR&D, in collaboration with the Blavatnik Cyber Research Center at Tel Aviv University.
Dr. Gold further stated: "The Iron Beam laser system is expected to fundamentally change the rules of engagement on the battlefield. With development complete and a comprehensive testing program that has validated the system's capabilities, we are prepared to deliver initial operational capability to the IDF on December 30, 2025. Simultaneously, we are already advancing the next-generation systems.
“The defense-tech landscape has fundamentally shifted – startups are now competing directly with major defense contractors and winning. Recently, several startups competed against all major defense industries in a DDR&D procurement competition and were selected to supply the IDF with advanced attack UAV systems.
“In line with the Ministry's strategy, we are actively developing the next generation of technological surprises for future conflicts – across space, offensive, and defensive domains – and will operationalize them at the appropriate time. The DDR&D serves as a production engine for the next generation of game-changers, combining the capabilities and scale of major defense industries with the operational excellence demonstrated by startups throughout this war. This is the foundation of our strength moving forward."
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
Israel Ministry of Defense Spokesperson: Drone Challenge at Borders Moving Toward Solution – Technological Breakthrough in Enemy Drone Detection Achieved”
These remarks were delivered by Brig. Gen. Benny Aminov, Head of the Israel Ministry of Defense (IMOD) Directorate of Defense Research & Development (DDR&D)'s Military R&D Unit, at the International DefenseTech Summit led by the IMOD’s DDR&D, in collaboration with the Yuval Ne'eman workshop for Science, Technology & Security at Tel Aviv University at Tel Aviv University.
Brig. Gen. Aminov further stated: "The drone challenge at our borders is moving toward a solution. In recent weeks, we have achieved a technological breakthrough in enemy drone detection, and we are now working on interception solutions using drone-based systems that enable response to swarm scenarios while accelerating the development of new directed-energy weapons.
"The issue of low-altitude threats is an example of a challenge that requires our defense establishment to fundamentally change its operational approach – responding within compressed timeframes, spiral development, accelerating testing during the development process, and bridging small defense-tech companies with major defense contractors.
“Or enemies continue to evolve in this learning competition. This drives us to develop robust solutions, and it is here that directed-energy weapons demonstrate their unique strength. Their distinctive characteristics enable us to address even the unknown unknowns – threats we don't yet know we face.”
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
Israel Ministry of Defense Spokesperson: ”This is the First Robotics War – Tens of Thousands of Autonomous Systems Deployed Across All Domains”
These remarks were delivered by Yaron Sarig, Head of the Israel Ministry of Defense (IMOD) Directorate of Defense Research & Development (DDR&D)'s AI and Autonomy PEO, at the International DefenseTech Summit led by the IMOD’s DDR&D, in collaboration with the Blavatnik Cyber Research Center at Tel Aviv University.
Sarig further stated: "This is the first robotics war. In this conflict, we have mobilized our entire defense ecosystem and deployed tens of thousands of autonomous systems across the battlefield – from drone swarms to agile ground robotics distributed across vast areas.
"The AI and Autonomy PEO, working in coordination with the IDF, has accelerated innovative developments from startups, defense contractors, and research institutions, with the goal of integrating them into the operational theater and maintaining our relative advantage on land, in the air, and at sea.
"We are only at the beginning of this revolution. In the coming years, driven by operational
These remarks were delivered by Brig. Gen. Benny Aminov, Head of the Israel Ministry of Defense (IMOD) Directorate of Defense Research & Development (DDR&D)'s Military R&D Unit, at the International DefenseTech Summit led by the IMOD’s DDR&D, in collaboration with the Yuval Ne'eman workshop for Science, Technology & Security at Tel Aviv University at Tel Aviv University.
Brig. Gen. Aminov further stated: "The drone challenge at our borders is moving toward a solution. In recent weeks, we have achieved a technological breakthrough in enemy drone detection, and we are now working on interception solutions using drone-based systems that enable response to swarm scenarios while accelerating the development of new directed-energy weapons.
"The issue of low-altitude threats is an example of a challenge that requires our defense establishment to fundamentally change its operational approach – responding within compressed timeframes, spiral development, accelerating testing during the development process, and bridging small defense-tech companies with major defense contractors.
“Or enemies continue to evolve in this learning competition. This drives us to develop robust solutions, and it is here that directed-energy weapons demonstrate their unique strength. Their distinctive characteristics enable us to address even the unknown unknowns – threats we don't yet know we face.”
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
Israel Ministry of Defense Spokesperson: ”This is the First Robotics War – Tens of Thousands of Autonomous Systems Deployed Across All Domains”
These remarks were delivered by Yaron Sarig, Head of the Israel Ministry of Defense (IMOD) Directorate of Defense Research & Development (DDR&D)'s AI and Autonomy PEO, at the International DefenseTech Summit led by the IMOD’s DDR&D, in collaboration with the Blavatnik Cyber Research Center at Tel Aviv University.
Sarig further stated: "This is the first robotics war. In this conflict, we have mobilized our entire defense ecosystem and deployed tens of thousands of autonomous systems across the battlefield – from drone swarms to agile ground robotics distributed across vast areas.
"The AI and Autonomy PEO, working in coordination with the IDF, has accelerated innovative developments from startups, defense contractors, and research institutions, with the goal of integrating them into the operational theater and maintaining our relative advantage on land, in the air, and at sea.
"We are only at the beginning of this revolution. In the coming years, driven by operational
necessity, we will significantly expand our robotic capabilities. Robotics serves as a critical bridge to the world of AI, which, looking forward, will be integrated into every weapon system and into the operational capability of every soldier."
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
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
Israel Ministry of Defense Spokesperson: ”Ground Warfare Platforms Must be Reinvented for Future Complex and Lethal Conflicts”
These remarks were delivered by Brig. Gen. Oren Giber, Head of the Merkava and Armored Vehicles Directorate (MANTAK) at the Israel Ministry of Defense (IMOD), at the International DefenseTech Summit led by the IMOD’s Directorate of Defense Research & Development (DDR&D), in collaboration with the Yuval Ne'eman workshop for Science, Technology & Security at Tel Aviv University at Tel Aviv University.
Brig. Gen. Giber further stated: "We are reinventing the central role of ground warfare platforms as forces prepare for future conflicts, which are expected to be complex and lethal. We are working to introduce robotic systems into tanks that enable information sharing between platforms, allowing for complete operational coverage. We will continue to develop and operate to achieve these capabilities.
"One way to accomplish this is to transition to off-the-shelf products, combining military with commercial-military solutions, unmanned systems alongside manned platforms, in an advanced combat architecture that delivers enormous operational output to the tactical edge. This is what we are striving to achieve within our ground warfare division.
"We are discussing systems weighing tens of tons, and operating them in complex urban terrain presents significant challenges. Our teams have found themselves operating in challenging conditions, with terrorist tunnels beneath them. Deploying an active defense system with full effectiveness in an urban environment is particularly complex.
"During active combat, the ‘Trophy’ defense system - which had been in development for years - proved itself and successfully protected our forces and fighters. We learned that we must develop flexible systems capable of rapid adaptation. This is precisely what we mean when we talk about reinventing our armored vehicles. Our challenge is to ensure that in the future we can equip our forces with advanced systems, in large quantities and with improved quality, but at lower cost."
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
These remarks were delivered by Brig. Gen. Oren Giber, Head of the Merkava and Armored Vehicles Directorate (MANTAK) at the Israel Ministry of Defense (IMOD), at the International DefenseTech Summit led by the IMOD’s Directorate of Defense Research & Development (DDR&D), in collaboration with the Yuval Ne'eman workshop for Science, Technology & Security at Tel Aviv University at Tel Aviv University.
Brig. Gen. Giber further stated: "We are reinventing the central role of ground warfare platforms as forces prepare for future conflicts, which are expected to be complex and lethal. We are working to introduce robotic systems into tanks that enable information sharing between platforms, allowing for complete operational coverage. We will continue to develop and operate to achieve these capabilities.
"One way to accomplish this is to transition to off-the-shelf products, combining military with commercial-military solutions, unmanned systems alongside manned platforms, in an advanced combat architecture that delivers enormous operational output to the tactical edge. This is what we are striving to achieve within our ground warfare division.
"We are discussing systems weighing tens of tons, and operating them in complex urban terrain presents significant challenges. Our teams have found themselves operating in challenging conditions, with terrorist tunnels beneath them. Deploying an active defense system with full effectiveness in an urban environment is particularly complex.
"During active combat, the ‘Trophy’ defense system - which had been in development for years - proved itself and successfully protected our forces and fighters. We learned that we must develop flexible systems capable of rapid adaptation. This is precisely what we mean when we talk about reinventing our armored vehicles. Our challenge is to ensure that in the future we can equip our forces with advanced systems, in large quantities and with improved quality, but at lower cost."
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
(Communicated by the President's Spokesperson)
Monday, 1 December 2025 / 11 Kislev 5786
President Herzog on the Prime Minister’s Pardon Request: “I will consider solely the best interests of the State of Israel and Israeli society“
“The issue of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s request for a pardon is clearly provoking debate and is deeply unsettling for many people in the country, across different communities. I have already clarified that it will be handled in the most correct and precise manner. I will consider solely the best interests of the State of Israel and Israeli society.”
Jason Pearlman, 052-6328795
Monday, 1 December 2025 / 11 Kislev 5786
President Herzog on the Prime Minister’s Pardon Request: “I will consider solely the best interests of the State of Israel and Israeli society“
“The issue of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s request for a pardon is clearly provoking debate and is deeply unsettling for many people in the country, across different communities. I have already clarified that it will be handled in the most correct and precise manner. I will consider solely the best interests of the State of Israel and Israeli society.”
Jason Pearlman, 052-6328795
(Communicated by the President's Spokesperson)
Monday, 1 December 2025 / 11 Kislev 5786
President Isaac Herzog welcomed a special delegation of Muslim leaders from Africa
The delegation spoke with the President about the significance of their visit, the importance of deepening ties between Israel and Muslim communities in Africa, and the imperative to embrace coexistence and peace.
President Isaac Herzog welcomed a delegation of Imams and Muslim community leaders from Senegal, Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, Benin, and Togo this morning (Monday, 1 December 2025) at the President's Residence in Jerusalem. The delegation, facilitated by the Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, came to Israel to promote a message of peace, coexistence, and partnership between Muslims and Jews, and between Africa and Israel.
The President underscored the significance of the delegation's visit in strengthening dialogue between Jewish and Muslim leaders. He also stressed the importance of the delegation witnessing the reality on the ground in Israel, which stands in stark contrast to the lies and misinformation that circulate around the world.
President Herzog reiterated Israel's dedication to strengthening its relationships with nations across Africa. The President cited his historic visit to Zambia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo last month as an example of this growing partnership.
The delegation of Muslim leaders expressed their deep friendship with Israel and the Jewish people. They described their deep emotion upon visiting sites of religious importance to Muslims in the Holy Land, and their commitment to sharing their experience with their communities upon returning home.
President Herzog: “We are very honored to have you here. I think it's a big message from the Muslim communities of Africa. We believe in Africa, and we believe in strengthening ties with Africa. We were always there. Finally, there's a dialogue with the leadership of the Muslim communities of Africa, whom we greatly respect, and we are happy that you're here, despite these challenging times, to bring a message of peace and dialogue between Jew and Muslim.
“I believe the future of this region is only through dialogue between Jew and Muslim, and the Abraham Accords have shown it. And so I hope you have a wonderful emotional, spiritual, and also practical experience by seeing the country.
“The UN Security Council Resolution that was passed ten days ago is historic, and I give the full credit to President Donald Trump and his team. They have gathered the support of moderate Muslim countries, who are fed up with the extreme empire of evil which operates from Tehran, and they want to change the situation towards peace. He managed to release our hostages, the living hostages. We have two more dead hostages. We want to bring them back. And he's moving towards the next stage, which means taking Hamas out and bringing new management for the lives of millions of Palestinians in Gaza, and afterwards, move towards a grand peace with the nations in the region based on the Abraham Accords, and add more nations to the Abraham Accords that recognize Israel and will make peace with Israel. That's what we want most. Jerusalem is the city of peace. We want a message of peace to the world.
“This is the message to this delegation. This delegation can bring a huge change, because we live in an era where there is brainwashing of hate all the time, and you are seeing the real truth of this nation. We are here, the people of Israel, to do good in the world, including in Africa, and I believe that Africa should be a bridge of peace in our region.”
Attached photo credit: Amos Ben-Gershom (GPO)
Jason Pearlman, 052-6328795
Monday, 1 December 2025 / 11 Kislev 5786
President Isaac Herzog welcomed a special delegation of Muslim leaders from Africa
The delegation spoke with the President about the significance of their visit, the importance of deepening ties between Israel and Muslim communities in Africa, and the imperative to embrace coexistence and peace.
President Isaac Herzog welcomed a delegation of Imams and Muslim community leaders from Senegal, Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, Benin, and Togo this morning (Monday, 1 December 2025) at the President's Residence in Jerusalem. The delegation, facilitated by the Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, came to Israel to promote a message of peace, coexistence, and partnership between Muslims and Jews, and between Africa and Israel.
The President underscored the significance of the delegation's visit in strengthening dialogue between Jewish and Muslim leaders. He also stressed the importance of the delegation witnessing the reality on the ground in Israel, which stands in stark contrast to the lies and misinformation that circulate around the world.
President Herzog reiterated Israel's dedication to strengthening its relationships with nations across Africa. The President cited his historic visit to Zambia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo last month as an example of this growing partnership.
The delegation of Muslim leaders expressed their deep friendship with Israel and the Jewish people. They described their deep emotion upon visiting sites of religious importance to Muslims in the Holy Land, and their commitment to sharing their experience with their communities upon returning home.
President Herzog: “We are very honored to have you here. I think it's a big message from the Muslim communities of Africa. We believe in Africa, and we believe in strengthening ties with Africa. We were always there. Finally, there's a dialogue with the leadership of the Muslim communities of Africa, whom we greatly respect, and we are happy that you're here, despite these challenging times, to bring a message of peace and dialogue between Jew and Muslim.
“I believe the future of this region is only through dialogue between Jew and Muslim, and the Abraham Accords have shown it. And so I hope you have a wonderful emotional, spiritual, and also practical experience by seeing the country.
“The UN Security Council Resolution that was passed ten days ago is historic, and I give the full credit to President Donald Trump and his team. They have gathered the support of moderate Muslim countries, who are fed up with the extreme empire of evil which operates from Tehran, and they want to change the situation towards peace. He managed to release our hostages, the living hostages. We have two more dead hostages. We want to bring them back. And he's moving towards the next stage, which means taking Hamas out and bringing new management for the lives of millions of Palestinians in Gaza, and afterwards, move towards a grand peace with the nations in the region based on the Abraham Accords, and add more nations to the Abraham Accords that recognize Israel and will make peace with Israel. That's what we want most. Jerusalem is the city of peace. We want a message of peace to the world.
“This is the message to this delegation. This delegation can bring a huge change, because we live in an era where there is brainwashing of hate all the time, and you are seeing the real truth of this nation. We are here, the people of Israel, to do good in the world, including in Africa, and I believe that Africa should be a bridge of peace in our region.”
Attached photo credit: Amos Ben-Gershom (GPO)
Jason Pearlman, 052-6328795
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