Statement by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, today (Sunday, 11 January 2026):
"I attach enormous importance to the overall cooperation between Israel and Germany, and especially Israel and Germany on this question of cybersecurity, which is one of the main threats to our internal security, and in many ways also our infrastructure and other threats.
And I think Germany and Israel are natural partners. We've cooperated on the Arrow III, we've cooperated in many areas. We cooperate technologically. Chancellor Mertz was here recently, we talked about defense cooperation.
And now I'm very pleased to welcome a dear friend of Israel, Minister Dobrindt, to sign this important pact. So, thank you for your friendship, thank you for your support, and please convey this to your government as well."
Translated from Hebrew:
"I have just signed a cyber defense cooperation agreement with the German Interior Minister, a great friend of Israel. This reflects the growing closeness of many countries and major powers like Germany, and there are others, of course, that you are familiar with, which seek cooperation with us and want to promote not only security matters but also economic ones. The State of Israel is on the rise."
Video credit: Omer Miron (GPO) / Sound credit: Ben Peretz (GPO)
Attached photo credits: Kobi Gideon (GPO)
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, today (Sunday, 11 January 2026):
"I attach enormous importance to the overall cooperation between Israel and Germany, and especially Israel and Germany on this question of cybersecurity, which is one of the main threats to our internal security, and in many ways also our infrastructure and other threats.
And I think Germany and Israel are natural partners. We've cooperated on the Arrow III, we've cooperated in many areas. We cooperate technologically. Chancellor Mertz was here recently, we talked about defense cooperation.
And now I'm very pleased to welcome a dear friend of Israel, Minister Dobrindt, to sign this important pact. So, thank you for your friendship, thank you for your support, and please convey this to your government as well."
Translated from Hebrew:
"I have just signed a cyber defense cooperation agreement with the German Interior Minister, a great friend of Israel. This reflects the growing closeness of many countries and major powers like Germany, and there are others, of course, that you are familiar with, which seek cooperation with us and want to promote not only security matters but also economic ones. The State of Israel is on the rise."
Video credit: Omer Miron (GPO) / Sound credit: Ben Peretz (GPO)
Attached photo credits: Kobi Gideon (GPO)
(Communicated by the President's Spokesperson)
Monday, 12 January 2026 / 23 Tevet 5786
President Isaac Herzog Meets Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu
Today, Monday, 12 January 2026, President Isaac Herzog met with Japan’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Motegi Toshimitsu, at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem. President Herzog welcomed Foreign Minister Motegi to Israel, a visit that signifies the deepening ties between Israel and Japan.
During their meeting, President Herzog and Foreign Minister Motegi discussed the importance of implementing President Trump’s Peace Plan in Gaza, including the urgent need for the last hostage still held in Gaza—Staff Sgt. Ran Gvili—to be returned home to Israel. President Herzog and Foreign Minister Motegi also discussed how to further strengthen bilateral relations across the fields of innovation, technology, science, security, and tourism.
President Herzog: “Welcome, Foreign Minister, dear friend. It's not the first time that you are here, not the first time that we are meeting, and I want to congratulate you on re-entering the position of Foreign Minister of Japan. I believe now the circumstances are such that we can enhance for both nations our relations in so many spheres to impact both our economies—doing good in the world together. I think we can have strategic partnerships that encompass many fields, and I think that the joint interests of our nations on various topics, including security, including science, including technology, can surpass all the targets that we've met in the past, and I think we can exit from the standstill that we had now towards the direction of improving both our relations and our mutual economic ties. So thank you very much for coming here, and we will end by crying out loud for the return of our missing hostage, the last one, Ran Gvili, whose family is waiting for his return and, of course, for better stability and a future of peace in the Day After in the region.
“I want to add that we look forward to the involvement of Japan in the Day After, planning the implementation of President Trump's initiative, which was approved by the Security Council, and this is the basis for disarming Hamas and moving forward and giving hope to the children of Gaza so that they can live a decent life like the children of the region and the world. And of course, we believe that one thing has to be made clear: terror is out of the question. We will fight terror, and all regional efforts that we are carrying out are aimed at dismantling the capabilities of terror and enabling a better future for the region.”
Foreign Minister Motegi: “It is an honor to meet you again. Your Excellency, I remember our last meeting, which was four years ago when I visited here in Israel last time. Let me express my deepest condolences to the victims of the October 7th terrorist attack. Japan has strongly condemned the brutal act of terror committed by Hamas, and we also reiterate our position that Hamas must be disarmed. To improve the situation in Israel and Palestine, we believe that the steady implementation of the Comprehensive Plan is important, and Japan is ready to play an active role for that.”
Video of the Meeting Between President Herzog and Foreign Minister Motegi:
https://mab.to/t/uZNR4KsqWLE/eu1
Video credit: Avi Kaner (GPO) / Sound credit: Gideon Arnold (GPO)
Attached photo credits: Maayan Toaf / GPO
Benjamin Lee, benjaminl@president.gov.il, 050-6169572
Monday, 12 January 2026 / 23 Tevet 5786
President Isaac Herzog Meets Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu
Today, Monday, 12 January 2026, President Isaac Herzog met with Japan’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Motegi Toshimitsu, at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem. President Herzog welcomed Foreign Minister Motegi to Israel, a visit that signifies the deepening ties between Israel and Japan.
During their meeting, President Herzog and Foreign Minister Motegi discussed the importance of implementing President Trump’s Peace Plan in Gaza, including the urgent need for the last hostage still held in Gaza—Staff Sgt. Ran Gvili—to be returned home to Israel. President Herzog and Foreign Minister Motegi also discussed how to further strengthen bilateral relations across the fields of innovation, technology, science, security, and tourism.
President Herzog: “Welcome, Foreign Minister, dear friend. It's not the first time that you are here, not the first time that we are meeting, and I want to congratulate you on re-entering the position of Foreign Minister of Japan. I believe now the circumstances are such that we can enhance for both nations our relations in so many spheres to impact both our economies—doing good in the world together. I think we can have strategic partnerships that encompass many fields, and I think that the joint interests of our nations on various topics, including security, including science, including technology, can surpass all the targets that we've met in the past, and I think we can exit from the standstill that we had now towards the direction of improving both our relations and our mutual economic ties. So thank you very much for coming here, and we will end by crying out loud for the return of our missing hostage, the last one, Ran Gvili, whose family is waiting for his return and, of course, for better stability and a future of peace in the Day After in the region.
“I want to add that we look forward to the involvement of Japan in the Day After, planning the implementation of President Trump's initiative, which was approved by the Security Council, and this is the basis for disarming Hamas and moving forward and giving hope to the children of Gaza so that they can live a decent life like the children of the region and the world. And of course, we believe that one thing has to be made clear: terror is out of the question. We will fight terror, and all regional efforts that we are carrying out are aimed at dismantling the capabilities of terror and enabling a better future for the region.”
Foreign Minister Motegi: “It is an honor to meet you again. Your Excellency, I remember our last meeting, which was four years ago when I visited here in Israel last time. Let me express my deepest condolences to the victims of the October 7th terrorist attack. Japan has strongly condemned the brutal act of terror committed by Hamas, and we also reiterate our position that Hamas must be disarmed. To improve the situation in Israel and Palestine, we believe that the steady implementation of the Comprehensive Plan is important, and Japan is ready to play an active role for that.”
Video of the Meeting Between President Herzog and Foreign Minister Motegi:
https://mab.to/t/uZNR4KsqWLE/eu1
Video credit: Avi Kaner (GPO) / Sound credit: Gideon Arnold (GPO)
Attached photo credits: Maayan Toaf / GPO
Benjamin Lee, benjaminl@president.gov.il, 050-6169572
(Communicated by the President's Spokesperson)
Monday, 12 January 2026 / 23 Tevet 5786
President Isaac Herzog Hosts Christian Leaders in the Holy Land for New Year’s Celebration
President Isaac Herzog hosted Christian leaders in the Holy Land for the traditional New Year's reception at the President's Residence in Jerusalem. This marked the first time the annual reception has been held at full capacity since the beginning of the war.
In his remarks at the event, President Herzog expressed his pride in Israel's Christian communities and emphasized that the State of Israel will continue to protect the freedom of worship for people of all faiths and communities. President Herzog also conveyed his profound appreciation for Israel's Christian friends in the Middle East and across the world.
From the remarks by President Isaac Herzog:
“How beautiful it is to gather together in the Holy Land, whose hills bear witness to thousands of years of faith, prayer, and divine inspiration, and to hope together for a joyous, prosperous, and peaceful new year for us all.
“We meet at a fragile, yet promising moment for the Holy Land and the broader Middle East. At this important crossroads, the choice must be made between conflicting paths, conflicting trajectories, and conflicting visions for this region. Our hearts go out to the Iranian people bravely marching for their freedom as we speak—and being ruthlessly repressed by a regime that is the root of so much evil in the world. Our hope and prayer is that all women and men can enjoy the same precious liberty we are blessed with and live in peace and harmony, free from tyranny and oppression.
“Just a few months ago, I had the opportunity to meet His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV, in Rome. We discussed then what I repeat here now, that it is the sacred obligation of all who believe to reject hatred, to affirm the divine image in each and every person, and to build bridges across religious and political divides. I also followed suit in a conversation with the Pope, just before Christmas, as he was in the Holy See. I believe that there is a real opportunity to advance and improve the relations between Israel and the Holy See in so many fields.
“My friends, your communities are a blessing to the State of Israel, adding richness, texture, and depth to our beautiful human tapestry. We are committed to ensuring that Christian communities can continue to grow and thrive, with full freedom of religion and worship. This is not merely a policy question—it flows from the very heart of our identity as a Jewish and democratic state. I want to state clearly: We will continue to safeguard the holy sites of all religions and to forcefully combat any disgraceful attempts to threaten, harass, or harm religious leaders, institutions, or worshippers.
“We also call for the protection of Christian communities across our region. No Christian, indeed no human being—in the Middle East, Africa, or anywhere in the world—should ever live in fear because of their faith.”
From the remarks of His Beatitude Theophilos III, Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem:
“We would like to take this opportunity to wish all those who call this land home the blessings of this holy season.”
“The Scriptures remind us that ‘blessed are the peacemakers,’ and this is the call for all people of good will, regardless of our religious affirmation. Mr. President, your commitment to peace and to the well-being of all the people of the Holy Land and Israel is well known. We assure you that the Patriarch and the heads of the churches at this special gathering also remain steadfast in our spiritual mission to be messengers of peace and reconciliation, and to cooperate with you and with all those who bless peace and reconciliation before all others, as you promote the values of our common scriptures, fighting against all forms of antisemitism and Islamophobia.”
Attached video credit: Avi Kaner (GPO) / Sound credit: Gideon Arnold (GPO)
Attached photo credits: Maayan Toaf (GPO)
Benjamin Lee, benjaminl@president.gov.il, 050-6169572
Monday, 12 January 2026 / 23 Tevet 5786
President Isaac Herzog Hosts Christian Leaders in the Holy Land for New Year’s Celebration
President Isaac Herzog hosted Christian leaders in the Holy Land for the traditional New Year's reception at the President's Residence in Jerusalem. This marked the first time the annual reception has been held at full capacity since the beginning of the war.
In his remarks at the event, President Herzog expressed his pride in Israel's Christian communities and emphasized that the State of Israel will continue to protect the freedom of worship for people of all faiths and communities. President Herzog also conveyed his profound appreciation for Israel's Christian friends in the Middle East and across the world.
From the remarks by President Isaac Herzog:
“How beautiful it is to gather together in the Holy Land, whose hills bear witness to thousands of years of faith, prayer, and divine inspiration, and to hope together for a joyous, prosperous, and peaceful new year for us all.
“We meet at a fragile, yet promising moment for the Holy Land and the broader Middle East. At this important crossroads, the choice must be made between conflicting paths, conflicting trajectories, and conflicting visions for this region. Our hearts go out to the Iranian people bravely marching for their freedom as we speak—and being ruthlessly repressed by a regime that is the root of so much evil in the world. Our hope and prayer is that all women and men can enjoy the same precious liberty we are blessed with and live in peace and harmony, free from tyranny and oppression.
“Just a few months ago, I had the opportunity to meet His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV, in Rome. We discussed then what I repeat here now, that it is the sacred obligation of all who believe to reject hatred, to affirm the divine image in each and every person, and to build bridges across religious and political divides. I also followed suit in a conversation with the Pope, just before Christmas, as he was in the Holy See. I believe that there is a real opportunity to advance and improve the relations between Israel and the Holy See in so many fields.
“My friends, your communities are a blessing to the State of Israel, adding richness, texture, and depth to our beautiful human tapestry. We are committed to ensuring that Christian communities can continue to grow and thrive, with full freedom of religion and worship. This is not merely a policy question—it flows from the very heart of our identity as a Jewish and democratic state. I want to state clearly: We will continue to safeguard the holy sites of all religions and to forcefully combat any disgraceful attempts to threaten, harass, or harm religious leaders, institutions, or worshippers.
“We also call for the protection of Christian communities across our region. No Christian, indeed no human being—in the Middle East, Africa, or anywhere in the world—should ever live in fear because of their faith.”
From the remarks of His Beatitude Theophilos III, Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem:
“We would like to take this opportunity to wish all those who call this land home the blessings of this holy season.”
“The Scriptures remind us that ‘blessed are the peacemakers,’ and this is the call for all people of good will, regardless of our religious affirmation. Mr. President, your commitment to peace and to the well-being of all the people of the Holy Land and Israel is well known. We assure you that the Patriarch and the heads of the churches at this special gathering also remain steadfast in our spiritual mission to be messengers of peace and reconciliation, and to cooperate with you and with all those who bless peace and reconciliation before all others, as you promote the values of our common scriptures, fighting against all forms of antisemitism and Islamophobia.”
Attached video credit: Avi Kaner (GPO) / Sound credit: Gideon Arnold (GPO)
Attached photo credits: Maayan Toaf (GPO)
Benjamin Lee, benjaminl@president.gov.il, 050-6169572
PMO Governance and Social Affairs Department publishes, for the first time, the recommendations of the inter-ministerial team on innovation in government
The Governance and Social Affairs Department of the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) is publishing, for the first time, the recommendations of the inter-ministerial team on innovation in government. This initiative aims to create a significant leap in the effectiveness and efficiency of public services and solutions. This will be achieved by laying out a strategic, holistic, and practical roadmap to concentrate efforts, connect and leverage processes, and by identifying, supporting, and accelerating innovative initiatives while removing systemic barriers to their advancement.
Yesterday (Monday, 12 January 2026), during the cornerstone-laying ceremony for the Government Innovation Space, attended by Accountant General Yali Rothenberg and PMO Deputy Director General for Governance and Social Affairs Liron Hantz, the guiding principles underlying the team's recommendations were presented. The establishment of this Innovation Space, created by the Accountant General’s Office and the PMO with the support of the inter-ministerial team, serves as a practical implementation of the strategic principles outlined in the report.
Recently, as part of the formulation of these recommendations, the Government of Israel joined the OPSI (Observatory of Public Sector Innovation) of the OECD. The OECD provided procedural and professional guidance to the team, based on international trends and in-depth learning from meetings with government officials in various countries. Israel's Ambassador to the OECD, Shay Cohen, noted that this is a core issue for the organization in its efforts to assist member states with effective governance and the implementation of innovation. He added that for Israel, cooperation with the OECD in innovation is a top priority.
The inter-ministerial team consists of senior representatives from the Center of Governance (COG) – including the Ministry of Finance, the National Digital Directorate, the Ministry of Justice, and the Civil Service Commission –consulting with various stakeholders inside and outside of government. The team was established in July 2023 with the backing of the directors-general of these government agencies.
Among other things, the professional work establishes the first operational doctrine for institutional-procedural innovation in the government. This includes a comprehensive approach to these efforts that goes beyond just digitization and digital innovation.
Main recommendations:
Portfolio Management: Creating and managing a government-wide, measurable portfolio of efforts based on a shared conceptual framework.
Hybrid Model: A model for managing innovation that supports and encourages grassroots initiatives while providing a strategic professional "umbrella" from a Center of Government (COG) perspective.
Removing Barriers: Focusing on the removal of obstacles to innovation as a central effort to enable progress.
Acceleration and Support: Supporting entrepreneurs and initiatives across the government to realize and leverage capabilities, including within dedicated spaces.
Human Capital Skills: Providing tools and skills for the workforce, emphasizing focused development and implementation "capsules."
Incentivizing Management: Encouraging government bodies and managers to adopt risk management practices that enable and promote innovation.
[All remarks translated from Hebrew]
PMO Acting Director General Drorit Steinmetz:
"We will continue to act out of a commitment to promoting a more efficient, smart, and effective public service for the benefit of Israel's citizens. The team's recommendations strengthen our ability to take previous efforts forward and connect them to bring greater collective benefit."
PMO Deputy Director General for Governance and Social Affairs Liron Hantz:
"Innovation in government is not a luxury but a necessity. In this first-of-its-kind roadmap, we are creating a professional doctrine based on OECD
The Governance and Social Affairs Department of the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) is publishing, for the first time, the recommendations of the inter-ministerial team on innovation in government. This initiative aims to create a significant leap in the effectiveness and efficiency of public services and solutions. This will be achieved by laying out a strategic, holistic, and practical roadmap to concentrate efforts, connect and leverage processes, and by identifying, supporting, and accelerating innovative initiatives while removing systemic barriers to their advancement.
Yesterday (Monday, 12 January 2026), during the cornerstone-laying ceremony for the Government Innovation Space, attended by Accountant General Yali Rothenberg and PMO Deputy Director General for Governance and Social Affairs Liron Hantz, the guiding principles underlying the team's recommendations were presented. The establishment of this Innovation Space, created by the Accountant General’s Office and the PMO with the support of the inter-ministerial team, serves as a practical implementation of the strategic principles outlined in the report.
Recently, as part of the formulation of these recommendations, the Government of Israel joined the OPSI (Observatory of Public Sector Innovation) of the OECD. The OECD provided procedural and professional guidance to the team, based on international trends and in-depth learning from meetings with government officials in various countries. Israel's Ambassador to the OECD, Shay Cohen, noted that this is a core issue for the organization in its efforts to assist member states with effective governance and the implementation of innovation. He added that for Israel, cooperation with the OECD in innovation is a top priority.
The inter-ministerial team consists of senior representatives from the Center of Governance (COG) – including the Ministry of Finance, the National Digital Directorate, the Ministry of Justice, and the Civil Service Commission –consulting with various stakeholders inside and outside of government. The team was established in July 2023 with the backing of the directors-general of these government agencies.
Among other things, the professional work establishes the first operational doctrine for institutional-procedural innovation in the government. This includes a comprehensive approach to these efforts that goes beyond just digitization and digital innovation.
Main recommendations:
Portfolio Management: Creating and managing a government-wide, measurable portfolio of efforts based on a shared conceptual framework.
Hybrid Model: A model for managing innovation that supports and encourages grassroots initiatives while providing a strategic professional "umbrella" from a Center of Government (COG) perspective.
Removing Barriers: Focusing on the removal of obstacles to innovation as a central effort to enable progress.
Acceleration and Support: Supporting entrepreneurs and initiatives across the government to realize and leverage capabilities, including within dedicated spaces.
Human Capital Skills: Providing tools and skills for the workforce, emphasizing focused development and implementation "capsules."
Incentivizing Management: Encouraging government bodies and managers to adopt risk management practices that enable and promote innovation.
[All remarks translated from Hebrew]
PMO Acting Director General Drorit Steinmetz:
"We will continue to act out of a commitment to promoting a more efficient, smart, and effective public service for the benefit of Israel's citizens. The team's recommendations strengthen our ability to take previous efforts forward and connect them to bring greater collective benefit."
PMO Deputy Director General for Governance and Social Affairs Liron Hantz:
"Innovation in government is not a luxury but a necessity. In this first-of-its-kind roadmap, we are creating a professional doctrine based on OECD
principles. It aims to instill innovation throughout all government branches, accelerating innovative moves to leverage overall capabilities for the public's benefit. The 'Start-Up Nation' must include the public sector and not remain the domain of the business sector alone."
Full report link:
https://www.gov.il/BlobFolder/generalpage/files251124/he/teamreport120126.pdf
Full report link:
https://www.gov.il/BlobFolder/generalpage/files251124/he/teamreport120126.pdf
Prime Minister’s Office Announcement
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke today (Tuesday, 13 January 2026), with Yaakov Harari, who was released last night from prison in Venezuela and landed in Israel a short time ago.
Harari, 72, was held for over a year by the Maduro regime along with dozens of other Western hostages.
Also participating in the call were Harari's daughters, Yael and Ya'ara, who expressed their deep appreciation to the State of Israel, the Prime Minister, the Jewish community in Caracas, and all of the state’s envoys for the unceasing efforts to release their father from prison and bring him home.
Prime Minister Netanyahu congratulated the Harari family and wished Yaakov and his loved ones health, a swift recovery and a return to a regular routine following the nightmare they endured.
The Prime Minister expressed his appreciation to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Mossad, and Coordinator for the Hostages and the Missing Brig.-Gen. (Res.) Gal Hirsch for their work. He also thanked the US administration, and the German, Austrian and Italian governments for the assistance they provided to Israel during the process of returning Harari to Israel.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke today (Tuesday, 13 January 2026), with Yaakov Harari, who was released last night from prison in Venezuela and landed in Israel a short time ago.
Harari, 72, was held for over a year by the Maduro regime along with dozens of other Western hostages.
Also participating in the call were Harari's daughters, Yael and Ya'ara, who expressed their deep appreciation to the State of Israel, the Prime Minister, the Jewish community in Caracas, and all of the state’s envoys for the unceasing efforts to release their father from prison and bring him home.
Prime Minister Netanyahu congratulated the Harari family and wished Yaakov and his loved ones health, a swift recovery and a return to a regular routine following the nightmare they endured.
The Prime Minister expressed his appreciation to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Mossad, and Coordinator for the Hostages and the Missing Brig.-Gen. (Res.) Gal Hirsch for their work. He also thanked the US administration, and the German, Austrian and Italian governments for the assistance they provided to Israel during the process of returning Harari to Israel.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Speaks with Yaakov Harari and his Family
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, today (Tuesday, 13 January 2026), spoke with Yaakov Harari and his family [translated from Hebrew]:
"Everyone here joined forces to bring you back. We intend to bring back all of the other citizens who are in the same distress."
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, today (Tuesday, 13 January 2026), spoke with Yaakov Harari and his family [translated from Hebrew]:
"Everyone here joined forces to bring you back. We intend to bring back all of the other citizens who are in the same distress."