(Communicated by the President's Spokesperson)
Wednesday, 17 December 2025 / 27 Kislev 5786
President Herzog Speaks to Pope Leo XIV Ahead of Christmas Holiday
On Wednesday, December 17, 2025, President Isaac Herzog spoke on the telephone with His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV.
President Herzog extended his warmest greetings on behalf of the State of Israel to Pope Leo XIV and to Christian communities around the world ahead of the Christmas holiday.
President Herzog and Pope Leo XIV discussed the alarming rise in global antisemitism, including the devastating terror attack against the Jewish community in Sydney, and the urgent need to combat all forms of this hatred.
President Herzog conveyed to Pope Leo XIV the great importance of Israel’s relationship with the Holy See and Christians around the world. He also expressed his tremendous pride in Israel’s Christian communities, whose leaders will gather for an annual festive meeting at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem in the coming weeks.
President Herzog and Pope Leo XIV expressed hope for peace and a brighter future for the world following the New Year.
Benjamin Lee, benjaminl@president.gov.il, +972 50-616-9572
Wednesday, 17 December 2025 / 27 Kislev 5786
President Herzog Speaks to Pope Leo XIV Ahead of Christmas Holiday
On Wednesday, December 17, 2025, President Isaac Herzog spoke on the telephone with His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV.
President Herzog extended his warmest greetings on behalf of the State of Israel to Pope Leo XIV and to Christian communities around the world ahead of the Christmas holiday.
President Herzog and Pope Leo XIV discussed the alarming rise in global antisemitism, including the devastating terror attack against the Jewish community in Sydney, and the urgent need to combat all forms of this hatred.
President Herzog conveyed to Pope Leo XIV the great importance of Israel’s relationship with the Holy See and Christians around the world. He also expressed his tremendous pride in Israel’s Christian communities, whose leaders will gather for an annual festive meeting at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem in the coming weeks.
President Herzog and Pope Leo XIV expressed hope for peace and a brighter future for the world following the New Year.
Benjamin Lee, benjaminl@president.gov.il, +972 50-616-9572
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Issue Statement at 20:25
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will, at 20:25 this evening (Wednesday, 17 December 2025), issue a statement to the media.
The statement will be streamed to networks via Contact.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will, at 20:25 this evening (Wednesday, 17 December 2025), issue a statement to the media.
The statement will be streamed to networks via Contact.
Israel Ministry of Defense Spokesperson: Arrow 3 Continues To Break Records: German Bundestag Approves $3.1 Billion Contract Expansion
The German Bundestag has approved an expansion of the Arrow 3 defense system contract with Israel, valued at approximately $3.1 billion, which will complement the initial purchase agreement signed by Israel and Germany approximately two years ago, valued at roughly $3.5 billion. Together, the Arrow agreement, signed by the Israel Ministry of Defense (IMOD) and the German Federal Ministry of Defense (BMVg), totals approximately $6.5 billion, representing the largest Israeli defense export deal ever.
As part of the contract expansion, the IMOD and the BMVg have agreed to significantly increase the production rate of Arrow 3 interceptors and launchers to be supplied to Germany, substantially enhancing its air and missile defense capabilities.
Under the IMOD’s strategy led by Defense Minister, Israel Katz, and IMOD Director General Maj. Gen. (Res.) Amir Baram, the expansion of defense exports - including the Arrow contract - will significantly enhance the IDF's force build-up and strengthen Israel's defense industry and economy.
The contract expansion is expected to be signed tomorrow (Thursday) in Germany, led by Director of the Israel Missile Defense Organization (IMDO) within the Ministry’s Directorate of Defense Research and Development (DDR&D), Moshe Patel, and the Director General of the German Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support, Annette Lehnigk-Emden, with participation from representatives of the IMOD, the BMVg, and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).
The Arrow 3 system, which has demonstrated impressive operational capabilities during the war with dozens of successful interceptions, is jointly developed and produced by the IMOD's DDR&D and the U.S. Missile Defense Agency (MDA). IAI serves as the prime contractor for the development and production of the Arrow aerial defense system.
Defense Minister, Israel Katz: “The Bundestag’s approval of the Arrow 3 contract expansion is a clear expression of Germany’s profound confidence in Israel, our technological capabilities, and our shared commitment to protecting our citizens against escalating threats. This represents a first-tier strategic partnership rooted in a long-term defense strategy. The revenues from this deal will enable continued advanced strategic developments, strengthen the IDF’s force posture, and ensure Israel’s qualitative edge in the years ahead against our adversaries - while deepening our defense cooperation with strategic partners across Europe and globally.”
IMOD Director General, Maj. Gen. (Res.) Amir Baram: “The Arrow 3 contract expansion represents another significant milestone in our deepening strategic partnership with Germany, our key European ally. This landmark deal, valued at over $3 billion, embodies the IMOD’s strategy to expand defense exports. The agreement will reinforce Israel’s position as a global security leader, accelerate Arrow production for the IDF, and channel billions into strengthening our defense industrial base and advancing next-generation air defense capabilities.”
Head of the DDR&D, Brig. Gen. (Res.) Dr. Daniel Gold: “I welcome the signing of the Arrow 3 contract expansion with Germany. This represents significant confidence in the IMOD, Israel’s defense industry, and our bilateral relationship. The Arrow system, a cornerstone of Israel’s multi-layered air defense architecture that protected our citizens throughout this war, now stands guard over German skies. We remain committed to fulfilling this critical mission.”
IAI President and CEO, Boaz Levy: “IAI’s pivotal role in Germany’s air defense array and the trust established with the German government were recently demonstrated during the delivery of the Arrow 3 system, just two years from contract signing. The mutual trust, advanced technological capabilities - as proven in operational deployment - and adherence to timelines all led the German government to approve the
The German Bundestag has approved an expansion of the Arrow 3 defense system contract with Israel, valued at approximately $3.1 billion, which will complement the initial purchase agreement signed by Israel and Germany approximately two years ago, valued at roughly $3.5 billion. Together, the Arrow agreement, signed by the Israel Ministry of Defense (IMOD) and the German Federal Ministry of Defense (BMVg), totals approximately $6.5 billion, representing the largest Israeli defense export deal ever.
As part of the contract expansion, the IMOD and the BMVg have agreed to significantly increase the production rate of Arrow 3 interceptors and launchers to be supplied to Germany, substantially enhancing its air and missile defense capabilities.
Under the IMOD’s strategy led by Defense Minister, Israel Katz, and IMOD Director General Maj. Gen. (Res.) Amir Baram, the expansion of defense exports - including the Arrow contract - will significantly enhance the IDF's force build-up and strengthen Israel's defense industry and economy.
The contract expansion is expected to be signed tomorrow (Thursday) in Germany, led by Director of the Israel Missile Defense Organization (IMDO) within the Ministry’s Directorate of Defense Research and Development (DDR&D), Moshe Patel, and the Director General of the German Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support, Annette Lehnigk-Emden, with participation from representatives of the IMOD, the BMVg, and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).
The Arrow 3 system, which has demonstrated impressive operational capabilities during the war with dozens of successful interceptions, is jointly developed and produced by the IMOD's DDR&D and the U.S. Missile Defense Agency (MDA). IAI serves as the prime contractor for the development and production of the Arrow aerial defense system.
Defense Minister, Israel Katz: “The Bundestag’s approval of the Arrow 3 contract expansion is a clear expression of Germany’s profound confidence in Israel, our technological capabilities, and our shared commitment to protecting our citizens against escalating threats. This represents a first-tier strategic partnership rooted in a long-term defense strategy. The revenues from this deal will enable continued advanced strategic developments, strengthen the IDF’s force posture, and ensure Israel’s qualitative edge in the years ahead against our adversaries - while deepening our defense cooperation with strategic partners across Europe and globally.”
IMOD Director General, Maj. Gen. (Res.) Amir Baram: “The Arrow 3 contract expansion represents another significant milestone in our deepening strategic partnership with Germany, our key European ally. This landmark deal, valued at over $3 billion, embodies the IMOD’s strategy to expand defense exports. The agreement will reinforce Israel’s position as a global security leader, accelerate Arrow production for the IDF, and channel billions into strengthening our defense industrial base and advancing next-generation air defense capabilities.”
Head of the DDR&D, Brig. Gen. (Res.) Dr. Daniel Gold: “I welcome the signing of the Arrow 3 contract expansion with Germany. This represents significant confidence in the IMOD, Israel’s defense industry, and our bilateral relationship. The Arrow system, a cornerstone of Israel’s multi-layered air defense architecture that protected our citizens throughout this war, now stands guard over German skies. We remain committed to fulfilling this critical mission.”
IAI President and CEO, Boaz Levy: “IAI’s pivotal role in Germany’s air defense array and the trust established with the German government were recently demonstrated during the delivery of the Arrow 3 system, just two years from contract signing. The mutual trust, advanced technological capabilities - as proven in operational deployment - and adherence to timelines all led the German government to approve the
follow-on procurement of the Arrow air missile defense system. The close defense cooperation between our two countries is based on mutual responsibility, shared values, and a joint commitment to the protection of civilian lives, serving as a solid foundation for the development of additional advanced solutions to address evolving threats. This strategic partnership will undoubtedly provide Europe as a whole with some of the most advanced air defense capabilities in the world.”
Attached for your use: Photos from the ceremony marking the initial operational capability handover of the Arrow 3 system to Germany, held earlier this month.
Attached photo credits: Israel Ministry of Defense
For any media-related queries, please contact Nina Zaydenberg, IMOD Spokesperson to International Media: 0544622513 | 0506291093 | Dover@mod.gov.il
Attached for your use: Photos from the ceremony marking the initial operational capability handover of the Arrow 3 system to Germany, held earlier this month.
Attached photo credits: Israel Ministry of Defense
For any media-related queries, please contact Nina Zaydenberg, IMOD Spokesperson to International Media: 0544622513 | 0506291093 | Dover@mod.gov.il
Remarks by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Energy and Infrastructure Minister Eli Cohen following approval of the NIS 112 Billion Gas Export Deal to Egypt
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Energy and Infrastructure Minister Eli Cohen, this evening (Wednesday, 17 December 2025) [translated from Hebrew]:
Prime Minister Netanyahu
"Dear citizens of Israel, today I approved the largest gas deal in Israel's history. The scope of the deal stands at NIS 112 billion. Out of this, NIS 58 billion will go to the state treasury.
I want to show you what we are talking about. Look at this graph. It is in billions of shekels. Initially, in the first four years, we will receive about half a billion shekels for the state treasury. During this time, the companies will be investing massive sums to develop infrastructure: they are expanding the pipeline and doing many other things. Afterward, it begins to rise, and within a few years, it reaches NIS 6 billion every year for the state treasury. This money will strengthen education, health, infrastructure, security, and the future of coming generations.
This deal with the American company Chevron involves Israeli partners, and they will supply gas to Egypt. I approved the deal after ensuring our security interests and other vital interests, which I will not detail here in full. This deal greatly strengthens Israel's status as a regional energy power and contributes to stability in our region. It encourages other companies to invest in gas exploration in Israel’s economic waters. More gas will be found, but first and foremost, this deal obligates the companies to sell gas at a good price to you, the citizens of Israel.
And I want to remind you, there were those among us who fiercely opposed taking the gas out of the water; there were television reports, newspaper articles, and endless demonstrations. They said we would destroy the Israeli economy. Today, it is clear that extracting the gas from the depths of the sea has brought a massive blessing to the State of Israel. This, by the way, is one of the reasons our economy was ranked third among the best economies in the world.
Today it is clear to everyone that the persistence of myself and then-Finance Minister Yuval Steinitz, our insistence on extracting the gas, has proven itself beyond all expectations. And I promise you, it will be the same with this deal.
I want to thank you, Energy Minister Eli Cohen; you persisted and fought in very tedious and firm negotiations on our behalf. I also want to thank your team and everyone who played a part in the success of this deal.
This evening is the fourth night of Hanukkah, and on this day, we have brought an additional jar of oil to the people of Israel. But this time, the flame will burn not just for eight days, but for decades to come. Happy Festival of Lights, citizens of Israel."
Energy and Infrastructure Minister Cohen:
"The approval of this gas agreement is a historic moment for the State of Israel, both in the security-diplomatic sphere and the economic sphere.
This is the largest export deal in the history of the country, totaling NIS 112 billion.
The deal establishes our status as a regional energy power and a leader that its neighbors rely upon.
The approval of the agreement comes after several months of intensive negotiations, and only after we had secured Israel's security and economic interests.
The state’s revenues from taxes and royalties thanks to the deal will stand at approximately NIS 58 billion, and the scope of direct infrastructure investments in the economy will exceed NIS 16 billion. This will create jobs and strengthen the economy.
This is the first export approval that guarantees priority for the local market, and mechanisms were agreed upon that will improve the price of gas for the Israeli market.
Natural gas is a strategic asset for the state. Prime Minister, you resolutely led the Gas Framework exactly a decade ago, and today we are reaping the fruits.
We will continue to work toward bringing in additional local and international companies to
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Energy and Infrastructure Minister Eli Cohen, this evening (Wednesday, 17 December 2025) [translated from Hebrew]:
Prime Minister Netanyahu
"Dear citizens of Israel, today I approved the largest gas deal in Israel's history. The scope of the deal stands at NIS 112 billion. Out of this, NIS 58 billion will go to the state treasury.
I want to show you what we are talking about. Look at this graph. It is in billions of shekels. Initially, in the first four years, we will receive about half a billion shekels for the state treasury. During this time, the companies will be investing massive sums to develop infrastructure: they are expanding the pipeline and doing many other things. Afterward, it begins to rise, and within a few years, it reaches NIS 6 billion every year for the state treasury. This money will strengthen education, health, infrastructure, security, and the future of coming generations.
This deal with the American company Chevron involves Israeli partners, and they will supply gas to Egypt. I approved the deal after ensuring our security interests and other vital interests, which I will not detail here in full. This deal greatly strengthens Israel's status as a regional energy power and contributes to stability in our region. It encourages other companies to invest in gas exploration in Israel’s economic waters. More gas will be found, but first and foremost, this deal obligates the companies to sell gas at a good price to you, the citizens of Israel.
And I want to remind you, there were those among us who fiercely opposed taking the gas out of the water; there were television reports, newspaper articles, and endless demonstrations. They said we would destroy the Israeli economy. Today, it is clear that extracting the gas from the depths of the sea has brought a massive blessing to the State of Israel. This, by the way, is one of the reasons our economy was ranked third among the best economies in the world.
Today it is clear to everyone that the persistence of myself and then-Finance Minister Yuval Steinitz, our insistence on extracting the gas, has proven itself beyond all expectations. And I promise you, it will be the same with this deal.
I want to thank you, Energy Minister Eli Cohen; you persisted and fought in very tedious and firm negotiations on our behalf. I also want to thank your team and everyone who played a part in the success of this deal.
This evening is the fourth night of Hanukkah, and on this day, we have brought an additional jar of oil to the people of Israel. But this time, the flame will burn not just for eight days, but for decades to come. Happy Festival of Lights, citizens of Israel."
Energy and Infrastructure Minister Cohen:
"The approval of this gas agreement is a historic moment for the State of Israel, both in the security-diplomatic sphere and the economic sphere.
This is the largest export deal in the history of the country, totaling NIS 112 billion.
The deal establishes our status as a regional energy power and a leader that its neighbors rely upon.
The approval of the agreement comes after several months of intensive negotiations, and only after we had secured Israel's security and economic interests.
The state’s revenues from taxes and royalties thanks to the deal will stand at approximately NIS 58 billion, and the scope of direct infrastructure investments in the economy will exceed NIS 16 billion. This will create jobs and strengthen the economy.
This is the first export approval that guarantees priority for the local market, and mechanisms were agreed upon that will improve the price of gas for the Israeli market.
Natural gas is a strategic asset for the state. Prime Minister, you resolutely led the Gas Framework exactly a decade ago, and today we are reaping the fruits.
We will continue to work toward bringing in additional local and international companies to
invest in Israel, in order to increase reserves for the local market and for export.
I want to thank the Director General of the Ministry of Energy, Yossi Dayan; the Director of the Natural Resources Administration, Chen Bar-Yosef; the Head of the Gas Authority, Moshe Garazi; and our partners in the Finance Ministry who worked together with us."
Attached photo credit: Prime Minister’s Spokesperson's Office.
I want to thank the Director General of the Ministry of Energy, Yossi Dayan; the Director of the Natural Resources Administration, Chen Bar-Yosef; the Head of the Gas Authority, Moshe Garazi; and our partners in the Finance Ministry who worked together with us."
Attached photo credit: Prime Minister’s Spokesperson's Office.
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, THURSDAY 18th DECEMBER 2025, ISRAEL TIME.*
These issues and others will be addressed:
* Violations of the Gaza ceasefire and hostage release framework;
* Terror attack in Sydney;
* Diplomatic visits;
* Regional developments.
The briefing will be held via zoom in ENGLISH, *today THURSDAY 18th DECEMBER 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, THURSDAY 18th DECEMBER 2025, ISRAEL TIME.*
These issues and others will be addressed:
* Violations of the Gaza ceasefire and hostage release framework;
* Terror attack in Sydney;
* Diplomatic visits;
* Regional developments.
The briefing will be held via zoom in ENGLISH, *today THURSDAY 18th DECEMBER 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
Join our Cloud HD Video Meeting
Zoom is the leader in modern enterprise cloud communications.
Prime Minister Netanyahu's remarks at the Metro foundation stone laying ceremony
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the foundation stone laying ceremony for the Metro: "Israel is a power in security, transportation, technology and energy. These are great days for the State of Israel and for Israel's economy"
From the Prime Minister's remarks at the ceremony [translated from Hebrew]:
"The era of the Metro is arriving in Gush Dan. For decades, there were those who talked about it. Ben Gurion talked about it, others talked about it too. Talk, talk, talk. But dreaming is not enough. Nothing happens without a dream, but if you remain with the dream without the implementation – you are left with nothing. Thus, dreams and reality are two separate things, and we have brought on the reality. This is now happening in practice. We made a promise, we are keeping it, we are implementing.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the foundation stone laying ceremony for the Metro: "Israel is a power in security, transportation, technology and energy. These are great days for the State of Israel and for Israel's economy"
From the Prime Minister's remarks at the ceremony [translated from Hebrew]:
"The era of the Metro is arriving in Gush Dan. For decades, there were those who talked about it. Ben Gurion talked about it, others talked about it too. Talk, talk, talk. But dreaming is not enough. Nothing happens without a dream, but if you remain with the dream without the implementation – you are left with nothing. Thus, dreams and reality are two separate things, and we have brought on the reality. This is now happening in practice. We made a promise, we are keeping it, we are implementing.
The laying of the foundation stone for the Metro depot here, in Segula, is an important step in the implementation of the vision that will propel the country forward. To us, the subway is not an urban legend, but urban history, which we are making by systematic work, massive financial investment and a lookout for the future – a promising future, a bright future for the citizens of Israel.
I would like to thank all the devoted participants in this endeavor. First and foremost, you, Miri [Regev, Minister of Transport and Road Safety], the mayors and heads of local authorities, the planners, the engineers, and the workers. I wish to express here, truly from the bottom of my heart, great gratitude to all of you.
These are great days for the State of Israel. These are great days, first and foremost, for security. We have concluded Operation Rising Lion, and we are emerging from the War of Redemption with tremendous achievements. The entire world stands in awe of how this small country strikes the Axis of Evil, Iran and its proxies. They are bigger than us by orders of magnitude, in both population and territory. Everyone is in awe of these achievements, and we are fulfilling all of our goals. We have returned 254 of the hostages, as I promised, and we will also return – and not relent until we return – Ran Gvili, a hero of Israel. The first to enter – will be the last to come out, but he will come out, we will get him.
These are, however, also great days for Israel's economy and for the citizens of Israel. First of all, the Metro project. Everyone scoffed. They always have the articles, the pundits, the TV reports, even today: "The Metro is crumbling". What is crumbling? Look at what we are doing here! It is awakening like never before!
Yesterday was a historic day because I approved the gas agreement with Chevron, a deal worth NIS 112 billion, of which nearly NIS 60 billion will reach the state treasury for all our needs. I remind you once again – those protests! "The Big Robbery" – do you remember that? What did they do? They had articles, pundits, experts, more and more and more. I was going to call it "this week's spin", but these spins have been going on for a bit longer. What did they want? They wanted us to leave the gas under water!
We overcame this madness. We brought the gas out from under the water, and everyone feels it, because energy prices in the State of Israel are among the lowest in the world, and we have reached energy independence.
Today we received the news that NVIDIA – which is the largest company in the world, a 4-trillion-dollar company – has decided to make a massive investment, this time in the Galilee, in Kiryat Tivon. The whole world is chasing after NVIDIA – and NVIDIA is coming to Israel. And not only NVIDIA is coming to Israel – investors are coming with no end in sight. It is not for nothing that The Economist ranks us among the three best economies in the world. NVIDIA will create thousands of jobs, but understand this: currently, our unemployment is at its lowest since the establishment of the State of Israel. This is so different from what is happening in the West, in other countries.
The stock market is at an all-time high. The shekel vs the dollar is stronger than it has ever been. Of course, the most important thing in my view is to have that translated to jobs, to the economic capacity of Israeli citizens, to energy of course – we are lowering energy prices – which affects everything, because everything consumes energy. These are things that serve the citizens of Israel, just as transportation serves every single citizen.
I would like to thank all the devoted participants in this endeavor. First and foremost, you, Miri [Regev, Minister of Transport and Road Safety], the mayors and heads of local authorities, the planners, the engineers, and the workers. I wish to express here, truly from the bottom of my heart, great gratitude to all of you.
These are great days for the State of Israel. These are great days, first and foremost, for security. We have concluded Operation Rising Lion, and we are emerging from the War of Redemption with tremendous achievements. The entire world stands in awe of how this small country strikes the Axis of Evil, Iran and its proxies. They are bigger than us by orders of magnitude, in both population and territory. Everyone is in awe of these achievements, and we are fulfilling all of our goals. We have returned 254 of the hostages, as I promised, and we will also return – and not relent until we return – Ran Gvili, a hero of Israel. The first to enter – will be the last to come out, but he will come out, we will get him.
These are, however, also great days for Israel's economy and for the citizens of Israel. First of all, the Metro project. Everyone scoffed. They always have the articles, the pundits, the TV reports, even today: "The Metro is crumbling". What is crumbling? Look at what we are doing here! It is awakening like never before!
Yesterday was a historic day because I approved the gas agreement with Chevron, a deal worth NIS 112 billion, of which nearly NIS 60 billion will reach the state treasury for all our needs. I remind you once again – those protests! "The Big Robbery" – do you remember that? What did they do? They had articles, pundits, experts, more and more and more. I was going to call it "this week's spin", but these spins have been going on for a bit longer. What did they want? They wanted us to leave the gas under water!
We overcame this madness. We brought the gas out from under the water, and everyone feels it, because energy prices in the State of Israel are among the lowest in the world, and we have reached energy independence.
Today we received the news that NVIDIA – which is the largest company in the world, a 4-trillion-dollar company – has decided to make a massive investment, this time in the Galilee, in Kiryat Tivon. The whole world is chasing after NVIDIA – and NVIDIA is coming to Israel. And not only NVIDIA is coming to Israel – investors are coming with no end in sight. It is not for nothing that The Economist ranks us among the three best economies in the world. NVIDIA will create thousands of jobs, but understand this: currently, our unemployment is at its lowest since the establishment of the State of Israel. This is so different from what is happening in the West, in other countries.
The stock market is at an all-time high. The shekel vs the dollar is stronger than it has ever been. Of course, the most important thing in my view is to have that translated to jobs, to the economic capacity of Israeli citizens, to energy of course – we are lowering energy prices – which affects everything, because everything consumes energy. These are things that serve the citizens of Israel, just as transportation serves every single citizen.
Therefore, Israel is a security power that has the entire world in awe of its achievements. Israel is a transportation power, and all citizens of Israel will enjoy this revolution. Israel is an energy power, with energy independence – something we could not dream of. We did dream of it. Israel is a technological power. Israel is a great power.
Alliances are made with the strong. Peace is made with the strong. Israel is a country stronger than ever. These are great days for the State of Israel, and even greater days lie ahead. Happy Hanukkah!"
Attached photos credit: Kobi Gideon (GPO)
Alliances are made with the strong. Peace is made with the strong. Israel is a country stronger than ever. These are great days for the State of Israel, and even greater days lie ahead. Happy Hanukkah!"
Attached photos credit: Kobi Gideon (GPO)
Gpo news
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, THURSDAY 18th DECEMBER 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=379
❤1
Prime Minister's Office Announcement
The Prime Minister's Office, this afternoon (Friday, 19 December 2025) [translated from Hebrew]:
Today, a meeting of the international mechanism – under American auspices – between Israel and Lebanon took place in Naqoura as planned. With the approval of the Prime Minister and as per a directive from the National Security Council (NSC) Acting Director, NSC Deputy Director for Foreign Policy Dr. Yosef Dreznin participated in the meeting.
The meeting is a continuation of the security dialogue aimed at ensuring the disarmament of Hezbollah by the Lebanese army. During the meeting, ways to promote economic projects were discussed in order to underscore the mutual interest in removing the Hezbollah threat and ensuring sustainable security for residents on both sides of the border.
The Prime Minister's Office, this afternoon (Friday, 19 December 2025) [translated from Hebrew]:
Today, a meeting of the international mechanism – under American auspices – between Israel and Lebanon took place in Naqoura as planned. With the approval of the Prime Minister and as per a directive from the National Security Council (NSC) Acting Director, NSC Deputy Director for Foreign Policy Dr. Yosef Dreznin participated in the meeting.
The meeting is a continuation of the security dialogue aimed at ensuring the disarmament of Hezbollah by the Lebanese army. During the meeting, ways to promote economic projects were discussed in order to underscore the mutual interest in removing the Hezbollah threat and ensuring sustainable security for residents on both sides of the border.
(Communicated by the President's Spokesperson)
Saturday, 20 December 2025 / 30 Kislev 5786
Update to the President’s Schedule for Tomorrow, Sunday, 21 December, 2025
Tomorrow at 10:00am, President Isaac Herzog will deliver remarks at a ceremony marking one week since the terrorist attack in Sydney, Australia. The ceremony will be held at the National Institutions Building in Jerusalem.
The ceremony will be open to GPO cardholders for media coverage, subject to prior coordination with Liron Yehezkel (WZO) at 052-8259892. The event will also be documented by the GPO, and materials will be distributed following its conclusion.
Benjamin Lee, benjaminl@president.gov.il, 050-6169572
Saturday, 20 December 2025 / 30 Kislev 5786
Update to the President’s Schedule for Tomorrow, Sunday, 21 December, 2025
Tomorrow at 10:00am, President Isaac Herzog will deliver remarks at a ceremony marking one week since the terrorist attack in Sydney, Australia. The ceremony will be held at the National Institutions Building in Jerusalem.
The ceremony will be open to GPO cardholders for media coverage, subject to prior coordination with Liron Yehezkel (WZO) at 052-8259892. The event will also be documented by the GPO, and materials will be distributed following its conclusion.
Benjamin Lee, benjaminl@president.gov.il, 050-6169572