Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the Start of a special Government Meeting in honor of Jerusalem Day, at the Knesset Museum in Froumine House: "We eliminated Hamas's number one, the master murderer Al-Haddad. I promised we would return all of our hostages, and we returned them all. Every single architect of the massacre and the hostage-taking will be eliminated down to the last one, and we are very close to completing the mission."
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, today (Sunday, 17 May 2026) [translated from Hebrew]:
"This is the second time I am visiting here since the restoration, the original home of the Knesset in Froumine House (https://main.knesset.gov.il/EN/About/Pages/MuseumAbout.aspx). I believe that anyone who comes here feels the uniqueness of this place, which essentially served as the home for the revival of our people's sovereignty in our land after thousands of years. It always makes the heart stir. I also remember as a Jerusalem boy, being right across the street and looking at this building; back then, it was closed to boys like me, but today it is open to all of the people of Israel. I invite all of you, the citizens of Israel, to come here and enjoy this heritage. A truly wonderful, highly original, highly authentic, and very faithful restoration job has been done here, and the atmosphere provides a great deal of inspiration.
At the beginning of my remarks, I wish to send condolences to the family of the late Captain Maoz Israel Recanati. Maoz left everything behind, including his fiancée whom he was set to marry in about a month, led his soldiers in battle in Lebanon, and fell. May G-d avenge him. May his memory be a blessing.
I want to say a few things about the campaign in Lebanon. We are doing a lot there; holding territory, clearing territory, protecting Israel's communities, but also fighting an enemy that is trying to outsmart us.
Six years ago, during a Cabinet meeting, I warned against the threat of drones. At the time, I saw it primarily as a serious threat, as a tool for targeted eliminations of public figures, but since then, it has obviously evolved. From the start of the war, and of course having observed the war in Ukraine, I thought this could also serve as a tool on our battlefield. At my request, the IDF installed canopies on the tanks. That was one measure. The IDF and the Ministry of Defense have done a great deal over the years, this needs to be understood, and they have thwarted many hundreds, if not thousands, including UAVs, thousands of attempted drone and UAV strikes against our forces. And they are succeeding. Every time there is a new threat, they succeed in neutralizing it.
Today, we are facing the challenge of neutralizing FPV (Fiber-Optic/First-Person View) drones. This is a specific type of threat. I convened a special team together with the Minister of Defense, personnel from the Ministry of Defense, and individuals from outside the ministry, not just from the defense industries, but also from the civilian sector, the best minds in Israel, and in my opinion, the best minds in the world. I held three meetings in two weeks, but in the meeting we held a few days ago, I told them something that surprised them a bit: 'You have no budgetary constraint.' Whatever it costs, it costs. You also have no limits, as far as I know, to your creativity and imagination, because you are the best in the world. Therefore, my directive to the team is to find a solution for this, and for the next threat that will come.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, today (Sunday, 17 May 2026) [translated from Hebrew]:
"This is the second time I am visiting here since the restoration, the original home of the Knesset in Froumine House (https://main.knesset.gov.il/EN/About/Pages/MuseumAbout.aspx). I believe that anyone who comes here feels the uniqueness of this place, which essentially served as the home for the revival of our people's sovereignty in our land after thousands of years. It always makes the heart stir. I also remember as a Jerusalem boy, being right across the street and looking at this building; back then, it was closed to boys like me, but today it is open to all of the people of Israel. I invite all of you, the citizens of Israel, to come here and enjoy this heritage. A truly wonderful, highly original, highly authentic, and very faithful restoration job has been done here, and the atmosphere provides a great deal of inspiration.
At the beginning of my remarks, I wish to send condolences to the family of the late Captain Maoz Israel Recanati. Maoz left everything behind, including his fiancée whom he was set to marry in about a month, led his soldiers in battle in Lebanon, and fell. May G-d avenge him. May his memory be a blessing.
I want to say a few things about the campaign in Lebanon. We are doing a lot there; holding territory, clearing territory, protecting Israel's communities, but also fighting an enemy that is trying to outsmart us.
Six years ago, during a Cabinet meeting, I warned against the threat of drones. At the time, I saw it primarily as a serious threat, as a tool for targeted eliminations of public figures, but since then, it has obviously evolved. From the start of the war, and of course having observed the war in Ukraine, I thought this could also serve as a tool on our battlefield. At my request, the IDF installed canopies on the tanks. That was one measure. The IDF and the Ministry of Defense have done a great deal over the years, this needs to be understood, and they have thwarted many hundreds, if not thousands, including UAVs, thousands of attempted drone and UAV strikes against our forces. And they are succeeding. Every time there is a new threat, they succeed in neutralizing it.
Today, we are facing the challenge of neutralizing FPV (Fiber-Optic/First-Person View) drones. This is a specific type of threat. I convened a special team together with the Minister of Defense, personnel from the Ministry of Defense, and individuals from outside the ministry, not just from the defense industries, but also from the civilian sector, the best minds in Israel, and in my opinion, the best minds in the world. I held three meetings in two weeks, but in the meeting we held a few days ago, I told them something that surprised them a bit: 'You have no budgetary constraint.' Whatever it costs, it costs. You also have no limits, as far as I know, to your creativity and imagination, because you are the best in the world. Therefore, my directive to the team is to find a solution for this, and for the next threat that will come.
I have no doubt that Israel will be the first country, just as we have done in other fields, to deliver a complete solution to this problem as well. This requires patience and sometimes gritting our teeth, but both of these, patience, determination, and the ability to stand up to the challenge, we have in abundance. We will achieve this too.
Regarding the Gaza Strip: Over the weekend, we eliminated the master murderer Iz al-Din al-Haddad. He was essentially number one in Hamas's military wing. He has been eliminated. This despicable terrorist was responsible for the murder, injury, and kidnapping of thousands of Israeli citizens and IDF soldiers. He used hostages as human shields, and he is no longer with us. It is important to say that I promised two things, and the Government along with me: I promised that we would return all of our hostages, down to the very last one. Down to the hero of Israel, the late Ran Gvili. And we returned them. There were doubts, but we had no doubts. We returned them.
I promised a second thing, that every single architect of the massacre and the hostage-taking would be eliminated down to the last one, and we are very close to completing this mission as well. In Gaza now, we are no longer holding 50%, but already 60%. We have Hamas in our grip. We know exactly what our mission is, and our mission is one: To ensure that Gaza will never again pose a threat to Israel, and we are carrying out this mission too with the help of our heroic soldiers. They truly are heroes. In Lebanon, in Gaza, and also in the skies of Tehran. Our fighters, our pilots, our female combatants, and our female pilots, heroes and heroines.
Our eyes are also wide open regarding Iran. I will speak today, as I do every few days, with our friend President Trump. I will certainly hear his impressions from his trip to China, and perhaps other matters. There are certainly many possibilities; we are prepared for any scenario."
Attached photo credits: Amos Ben-Gershom (GPO)
Regarding the Gaza Strip: Over the weekend, we eliminated the master murderer Iz al-Din al-Haddad. He was essentially number one in Hamas's military wing. He has been eliminated. This despicable terrorist was responsible for the murder, injury, and kidnapping of thousands of Israeli citizens and IDF soldiers. He used hostages as human shields, and he is no longer with us. It is important to say that I promised two things, and the Government along with me: I promised that we would return all of our hostages, down to the very last one. Down to the hero of Israel, the late Ran Gvili. And we returned them. There were doubts, but we had no doubts. We returned them.
I promised a second thing, that every single architect of the massacre and the hostage-taking would be eliminated down to the last one, and we are very close to completing this mission as well. In Gaza now, we are no longer holding 50%, but already 60%. We have Hamas in our grip. We know exactly what our mission is, and our mission is one: To ensure that Gaza will never again pose a threat to Israel, and we are carrying out this mission too with the help of our heroic soldiers. They truly are heroes. In Lebanon, in Gaza, and also in the skies of Tehran. Our fighters, our pilots, our female combatants, and our female pilots, heroes and heroines.
Our eyes are also wide open regarding Iran. I will speak today, as I do every few days, with our friend President Trump. I will certainly hear his impressions from his trip to China, and perhaps other matters. There are certainly many possibilities; we are prepared for any scenario."
Attached photo credits: Amos Ben-Gershom (GPO)
Prime Minister Netanyahu in a call with Noam Bettan, who won second place at the Eurovision: "You achieved something amazing – we are all proud of you!"
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, this morning (Sunday, 17 May 2026), spoke with singer Noam Bettan, who represented Israel in the Eurovision Song Contest and won an impressive second place in the competition.
[All remarks translated from Hebrew]
Prime Minister Netanyahu: "Noam, what an amazing victory, what an achievement, and how much pride, strength, confidence, and artistry. You are on a path to greatness. In any case, you have the gratitude of the entire nation. Everyone is very, very proud of you. And you stood tall against those hollow verbal potshots. You did it exactly as it should be done. You did a wonderful job. And I saw that the audience, as usual, was more supportive than the judges. Well done to you. Keep moving forward, rise and succeed, and many blessings."
Noam Bettan: "Thank you very much, Prime Minister. I am happy to represent our country. It was a great privilege to bring honor, to represent us in a positive light, and to bring some light and goodness into this world. And I have a certain hope, because I felt there was a very great unity tonight, and I hope so much that it stays with us and continues in two days, in a year, and in 50 years. I want unity so much, and I truly hope it continues."
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, this morning (Sunday, 17 May 2026), spoke with singer Noam Bettan, who represented Israel in the Eurovision Song Contest and won an impressive second place in the competition.
[All remarks translated from Hebrew]
Prime Minister Netanyahu: "Noam, what an amazing victory, what an achievement, and how much pride, strength, confidence, and artistry. You are on a path to greatness. In any case, you have the gratitude of the entire nation. Everyone is very, very proud of you. And you stood tall against those hollow verbal potshots. You did it exactly as it should be done. You did a wonderful job. And I saw that the audience, as usual, was more supportive than the judges. Well done to you. Keep moving forward, rise and succeed, and many blessings."
Noam Bettan: "Thank you very much, Prime Minister. I am happy to represent our country. It was a great privilege to bring honor, to represent us in a positive light, and to bring some light and goodness into this world. And I have a certain hope, because I felt there was a very great unity tonight, and I hope so much that it stays with us and continues in two days, in a year, and in 50 years. I want unity so much, and I truly hope it continues."
Excerpt from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Remarks at a Special Government Meeting for Jerusalem Day, held at the Knesset Museum in ‘Froumine House’: "The strengthening of Jerusalem is a natural part of the rebirth of our people. We are investing in, building, and developing Jerusalem in a way that no government has ever done before."
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, today (Sunday, 17 May 2026) [translated from Hebrew]:
"For thousands of years, we had to fight for Jerusalem, starting from the establishment of our capital here by King David over 3,000 years ago. Of course, we had a history even before that with Abraham our forefather, we remember that too. But since we established our capital, we have had to fight for it. We were independent, we were forced to fight against conquerors, sometimes we succeeded, sometimes we did not, but it was always at the forefront of our minds, our highest joy, and our chief prayer. Therefore, when we did the unbelievable and returned to our capital after thousands of years in exile, no other nation has ever done such a thing.
First of all, there are very few nations whose capital today is the same capital they had 3,000 years ago. But there is certainly no other case where a nation lost its capital, lost its sovereignty, lost its land, and returned to re-establish its sovereignty and its capital in its original location. This demonstrates the immense strength of the People of Israel, and this strength is being revealed today on the battlefield by our magnificent generation of fighters, as well as by our people who stand truly steadfast against all of these challenges.
Therefore, the strengthening of Jerusalem is an organic, natural part of the rebirth of our people, both in the War of Redemption and in our ongoing resurgence, certainly since the beginning of Zionism. We invest in, build, and develop Jerusalem, and so have previous Israeli governments. But no government has done so like our government. With greater force, with enthusiasm, and with great momentum. We are doing this in construction, development, heritage, tourism, security, and innovation. Specifically, I want to note four historical decisions that we are advancing today.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, today (Sunday, 17 May 2026) [translated from Hebrew]:
"For thousands of years, we had to fight for Jerusalem, starting from the establishment of our capital here by King David over 3,000 years ago. Of course, we had a history even before that with Abraham our forefather, we remember that too. But since we established our capital, we have had to fight for it. We were independent, we were forced to fight against conquerors, sometimes we succeeded, sometimes we did not, but it was always at the forefront of our minds, our highest joy, and our chief prayer. Therefore, when we did the unbelievable and returned to our capital after thousands of years in exile, no other nation has ever done such a thing.
First of all, there are very few nations whose capital today is the same capital they had 3,000 years ago. But there is certainly no other case where a nation lost its capital, lost its sovereignty, lost its land, and returned to re-establish its sovereignty and its capital in its original location. This demonstrates the immense strength of the People of Israel, and this strength is being revealed today on the battlefield by our magnificent generation of fighters, as well as by our people who stand truly steadfast against all of these challenges.
Therefore, the strengthening of Jerusalem is an organic, natural part of the rebirth of our people, both in the War of Redemption and in our ongoing resurgence, certainly since the beginning of Zionism. We invest in, build, and develop Jerusalem, and so have previous Israeli governments. But no government has done so like our government. With greater force, with enthusiasm, and with great momentum. We are doing this in construction, development, heritage, tourism, security, and innovation. Specifically, I want to note four historical decisions that we are advancing today.
The first matter is the Western Wall. It has become clear in this war that Iran does not spare its rod; it does not care at all, not about Islamic holy sites, not about Christian holy sites, and certainly not about Jewish holy sites. It launched missiles here, endangering, of course, the holy sites, the worshippers, and citizens whoever they may be. Therefore, we are bringing forward today a special budget for the fortification of the Western Wall, for infrastructure development there, and also for the development of archaeological excavations. These excavations always raise new challenges that strengthen our hold, the historical hold of our people, on this magnificent and holy place. This also strengthens Jewish identity. This is part of our plan: First and foremost, a major investment in the Western Wall.
Secondly, we are investing in the Shalva Center. Beyond the extraordinary human performances of its singers, male and female alike, this center expresses our commitment to people with disabilities in our society. A society is only as strong as the support it finds for its weakest link, and that is what we are doing today. However, we are not only strengthening the Shalva Center. We are doing something else: We are turning it into a treatment center for times of distress, meaning crisis situations, for populations with disabilities wherever they may be. We recognized this issue. We want to provide a solution here, not just for Jerusalem but for populations with disabilities as a whole, and in my opinion, this is monumental news. Here too, I am confident that our creativity and human commitment will truly create a precedent, not just for the State of Israel but for other countries as well.
The third matter is the Mamilla Pool. Mr. Mayor, how many times have we walked there? Every time, during the brief walks I am permitted, I ask you: What about the pool? Why do I ask you? Because when I was a teenager and a Jerusalem boy, I used to visit the Mamilla Pool, and it always amazed me. This giant ancient pool, which drained the Mamilla watershed, has been full of thorns and utterly neglected until today. But not starting tomorrow. Because today, we are making a decision. You told me: 'I am ready to do everything.' It can be turned into a park, a lovely corner with water; fill it with water so it can serve the children of Jerusalem and the residents of Jerusalem. But you told me we only need one thing: A budget. And that is what we are doing today, creating another lovely corner in Jerusalem.
And an additional matter – there is the Atarot Heritage Center, which documents the history of settlement. It also documents important moments in our history. This is the fourth project we are undertaking, among many other things.
We are connecting our deepest roots in Jerusalem to our future as well. Today, the government will pass a decision to advance the technologies of the future, which are already here, AI and the National Digital Agency, which is moving to the Prime Minister’s Office just as we did with cyber. This decision stemmed simply from the centrality of these issues to Israel's security. I want to express my appreciation, as I always have, to the ministers who held these portfolios previously. We are also going to make decisions regarding energy, the environment, and infrastructure. The State of Israel will continue to lead on these issues and advance not only our country, but humanity as a whole. There is no better place to make these decisions than in Jerusalem. There is no better place to make these decisions than in the first Knesset building, where everything I just spoke about was still nothing more than a dream. Today, it is not a dream. We are fulfilling it. I thank the ministers, and I thank the Members of Knesset. Thank you all very much."
Secondly, we are investing in the Shalva Center. Beyond the extraordinary human performances of its singers, male and female alike, this center expresses our commitment to people with disabilities in our society. A society is only as strong as the support it finds for its weakest link, and that is what we are doing today. However, we are not only strengthening the Shalva Center. We are doing something else: We are turning it into a treatment center for times of distress, meaning crisis situations, for populations with disabilities wherever they may be. We recognized this issue. We want to provide a solution here, not just for Jerusalem but for populations with disabilities as a whole, and in my opinion, this is monumental news. Here too, I am confident that our creativity and human commitment will truly create a precedent, not just for the State of Israel but for other countries as well.
The third matter is the Mamilla Pool. Mr. Mayor, how many times have we walked there? Every time, during the brief walks I am permitted, I ask you: What about the pool? Why do I ask you? Because when I was a teenager and a Jerusalem boy, I used to visit the Mamilla Pool, and it always amazed me. This giant ancient pool, which drained the Mamilla watershed, has been full of thorns and utterly neglected until today. But not starting tomorrow. Because today, we are making a decision. You told me: 'I am ready to do everything.' It can be turned into a park, a lovely corner with water; fill it with water so it can serve the children of Jerusalem and the residents of Jerusalem. But you told me we only need one thing: A budget. And that is what we are doing today, creating another lovely corner in Jerusalem.
And an additional matter – there is the Atarot Heritage Center, which documents the history of settlement. It also documents important moments in our history. This is the fourth project we are undertaking, among many other things.
We are connecting our deepest roots in Jerusalem to our future as well. Today, the government will pass a decision to advance the technologies of the future, which are already here, AI and the National Digital Agency, which is moving to the Prime Minister’s Office just as we did with cyber. This decision stemmed simply from the centrality of these issues to Israel's security. I want to express my appreciation, as I always have, to the ministers who held these portfolios previously. We are also going to make decisions regarding energy, the environment, and infrastructure. The State of Israel will continue to lead on these issues and advance not only our country, but humanity as a whole. There is no better place to make these decisions than in Jerusalem. There is no better place to make these decisions than in the first Knesset building, where everything I just spoke about was still nothing more than a dream. Today, it is not a dream. We are fulfilling it. I thank the ministers, and I thank the Members of Knesset. Thank you all very much."
Government Approves National AI Directorate Move to the PMO
The Government has, today (Sunday, 17 May 2026), unanimously approved Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's proposal for a preliminary work plan for the National AI Directorate, a significant milestone toward launching the full national program.
This strategic move is designed to ensure Israel's technological supremacy, accelerate AI development, and maintain Israel's position among the world's leading superpowers.
The working plan will focus on three main issues:
* Investments in Deepening Academic Human Capital: Bringing back experts and establishing a retraining program for computer science degrees.
* Developing and Accelerating Supercomputing Infrastructure*
Providing access to 5,000 of the most advanced GPUs per year for six years (2027–2032). These will be utilized by academia and the public sector, as well as to support startups and the economy. This move will secure Israel's infrastructural capacity for a strategic national resource through international partnerships.
* Initiating the First Phase of Establishing Acceleration Centers – to develop and promote AI applications. This initiative will leverage Israel's strengths and utilize AI as a core capability to address the strategic challenges facing the State of Israel and its citizens.
All remarks translated from Hebrew]
Prime Minister Netanyahu:
"We established the National AI Directorate under my office with the goal of accelerating development in this field and becoming one of the most advanced countries in the world, just as we did with cyber. As a further step, we approved a significant budget today for the immediate handling of three central components to accelerate AI: Academic human capital, world-class supercomputing infrastructure, and the establishment of applied laboratories to solve Israeli citizens’ daily challenges in using artificial intelligence. Soon, we will present a large-scale, innovative national plan to the Government for the coming decade. Israel is going to be a global leader in the field, and it will happen with tremendous speed."
National AI Directorate Head Brig.-Gen. (Res.) Erez Eskel:
"I welcome the government's decision to approve the work plan, which reflects a deep understanding of the field's importance and its broad impact on the State of Israel, its economic, technological, and social resilience, and its national security. This government decision is a significant first step toward formulating the national plan under which we will operate, aiming to position Israel as a global leader in AI while strengthening our competitive advantage in the international arena.
I would like to thank all the key partners who took part in formulating and promoting the plan, particularly the Ministry of Finance, the Planning and Budgeting Committee and Israeli academia, which serve as key strategic partners."
The Government has, today (Sunday, 17 May 2026), unanimously approved Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's proposal for a preliminary work plan for the National AI Directorate, a significant milestone toward launching the full national program.
This strategic move is designed to ensure Israel's technological supremacy, accelerate AI development, and maintain Israel's position among the world's leading superpowers.
The working plan will focus on three main issues:
* Investments in Deepening Academic Human Capital: Bringing back experts and establishing a retraining program for computer science degrees.
* Developing and Accelerating Supercomputing Infrastructure*
Providing access to 5,000 of the most advanced GPUs per year for six years (2027–2032). These will be utilized by academia and the public sector, as well as to support startups and the economy. This move will secure Israel's infrastructural capacity for a strategic national resource through international partnerships.
* Initiating the First Phase of Establishing Acceleration Centers – to develop and promote AI applications. This initiative will leverage Israel's strengths and utilize AI as a core capability to address the strategic challenges facing the State of Israel and its citizens.
All remarks translated from Hebrew]
Prime Minister Netanyahu:
"We established the National AI Directorate under my office with the goal of accelerating development in this field and becoming one of the most advanced countries in the world, just as we did with cyber. As a further step, we approved a significant budget today for the immediate handling of three central components to accelerate AI: Academic human capital, world-class supercomputing infrastructure, and the establishment of applied laboratories to solve Israeli citizens’ daily challenges in using artificial intelligence. Soon, we will present a large-scale, innovative national plan to the Government for the coming decade. Israel is going to be a global leader in the field, and it will happen with tremendous speed."
National AI Directorate Head Brig.-Gen. (Res.) Erez Eskel:
"I welcome the government's decision to approve the work plan, which reflects a deep understanding of the field's importance and its broad impact on the State of Israel, its economic, technological, and social resilience, and its national security. This government decision is a significant first step toward formulating the national plan under which we will operate, aiming to position Israel as a global leader in AI while strengthening our competitive advantage in the international arena.
I would like to thank all the key partners who took part in formulating and promoting the plan, particularly the Ministry of Finance, the Planning and Budgeting Committee and Israeli academia, which serve as key strategic partners."
Pursuant to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Directive to Accelerate and Promote the Technology Sector in the State of Israel, the National Digital Agency will be transferred from the Ministry of Economy and Industry to the Prime Minister's Office
At its meeting today (Sunday, 17 May 2026), the Government approved the transfer of the National Digital Agency from the Ministry of Economy and Industry to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), as part of Prime Minister Netanyahu's policy of bringing all leading technological units under the PMO, so they can operate together and lead the country forward in these critical areas.
This will enable the National Digital Agency to advance innovative, cross-governmental projects: Migrating systems to the cloud, utilizing advanced data and artificial intelligence, connecting digital services, improving personal account dashboards, and reducing bureaucracy for citizens.
The transfer of the National Digital Agency's areas of operation constitutes a major step forward in enhancing governmental efficiency and effectiveness, by creating the necessary synergy between various interconnected national initiatives (accelerating AI, cyber defense, digitization, and implementing advanced tools into government operations).
At its meeting today (Sunday, 17 May 2026), the Government approved the transfer of the National Digital Agency from the Ministry of Economy and Industry to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), as part of Prime Minister Netanyahu's policy of bringing all leading technological units under the PMO, so they can operate together and lead the country forward in these critical areas.
This will enable the National Digital Agency to advance innovative, cross-governmental projects: Migrating systems to the cloud, utilizing advanced data and artificial intelligence, connecting digital services, improving personal account dashboards, and reducing bureaucracy for citizens.
The transfer of the National Digital Agency's areas of operation constitutes a major step forward in enhancing governmental efficiency and effectiveness, by creating the necessary synergy between various interconnected national initiatives (accelerating AI, cyber defense, digitization, and implementing advanced tools into government operations).
(Communicated by the President’s Spokesperson)
Monday, 18 May 2026 / 2 Sivan 5786
President Isaac Herzog Receives Diplomatic Credentials of New Ambassadors, Including First-Ever Ambassador of Somaliland
On May 18, 2026, President Isaac Herzog received the diplomatic credentials of the first-ever Ambassador of Somaliland to Israel, Mohamed Hagi, as well as the new Ambassadors of the Republic of Korea, Park Inho; the Holy See, Apostolic Nuncio Monsignor Giorgio Lingua; Australia, Neil Hawkins; and Vietnam, Nguyen Ky Son, in formal ceremonies at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem.
President Isaac Herzog to Ambassador Hagi of Somaliland:
“It’s a great honor to receive the first ambassador of the Republic of Somaliland in Israel as we further pursue our warm and good relations with the nations of Africa. I especially want to welcome you after I met your President in Davos, where we had a wonderful meeting.
“The incredible joy of the people of Somaliland shown upon Israel’s recognition of your nation warmed our hearts. I think this is a unique opportunity to develop dialogue with nations of Muslim countries who are so important in the region. You are facing many challenges, and we are here to assist and help with all the important fields of life, from food security, to energy, to science in order to enjoy prosperity together. So welcome, shalom to you, and hopefully we will go from strength to strength together.”
Ambassador Hagi of Somaliland:
“It’s an honor to be here today. We have built a great relationship, which is a strategic one that will pave the way forward on many things in all domains, whether that is development, political cooperation, security cooperation, and, of course, the people-to-people relationship.
“The people of Somaliland very much appreciate that Israel became the first country to recognize Somaliland in 1960, and again, after 35 years of independence and sovereignty, Israel again became the first country that recognized Somaliland. Our relationship is unique because it's not just about two governments, it's about the people of Israel and the people of Somaliland. In Somaliland, you can see lots of Israeli flags and people waving them in the streets and in rural areas as well.”
Upon receiving the diplomatic credentials of the Apostolic Nuncio of the Holy See, Monsignor Giorgio Lingua, President Herzog expressed the importance of open, frank and friendly interfaith dialogue between Judaism and Christianity. President Herzog stressed the importance of protecting freedom of religion and scared sites in the Holy Land, and unequivocally condemned all acts of violence and disrespect against symbols of Christianity. President Herzog also underlined the importance of working together with the Pope and the Holy See in the global fight against antisemitism.
During his meeting with the new Ambassador of Australia, President Herzog and Ambassador Hawkins discussed the deep historical ties between Israel and Australia, the President’s recent visit to Australia, and the importance of the ongoing fight against antisemitism.
Welcoming the new Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Israel, Park Inho, President Herzog expressed his intention to upgrade bilateral relations between Israel and the Republic of Korea in technology, trade, security, culture, and tourism.
Upon receiving the diplomatic credentials of the Ambassador of Vietnam to Israel, Nguyen Ky Son, President Herzog highlighted the opportunities to further strengthen the growing trade between our two countries and our ties in a range of other fields.
Video of President Herzog Receiving the Diplomatic Credentials of the Ambassador of Somaliland
https://wetransfer.com/downloads/a4e71bb251254b9ab2df0ed2b207f33020260518095135/648767f54cb6c1205ff8a4cb94d4888420260518095438/2a3f4e?utm_source=wt_sendgrid&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=TRN_DL_WTP_01&trk=TRN_DL_WTP_01
Video credit: Gregory Bado (GPO) / Sound credit: Gideon Arnold (GPO)
Attached photo credits: Kobi Gideon (GPO)
Benjamin Lee, benjaminl@president.gov.il, 050-6169572
Monday, 18 May 2026 / 2 Sivan 5786
President Isaac Herzog Receives Diplomatic Credentials of New Ambassadors, Including First-Ever Ambassador of Somaliland
On May 18, 2026, President Isaac Herzog received the diplomatic credentials of the first-ever Ambassador of Somaliland to Israel, Mohamed Hagi, as well as the new Ambassadors of the Republic of Korea, Park Inho; the Holy See, Apostolic Nuncio Monsignor Giorgio Lingua; Australia, Neil Hawkins; and Vietnam, Nguyen Ky Son, in formal ceremonies at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem.
President Isaac Herzog to Ambassador Hagi of Somaliland:
“It’s a great honor to receive the first ambassador of the Republic of Somaliland in Israel as we further pursue our warm and good relations with the nations of Africa. I especially want to welcome you after I met your President in Davos, where we had a wonderful meeting.
“The incredible joy of the people of Somaliland shown upon Israel’s recognition of your nation warmed our hearts. I think this is a unique opportunity to develop dialogue with nations of Muslim countries who are so important in the region. You are facing many challenges, and we are here to assist and help with all the important fields of life, from food security, to energy, to science in order to enjoy prosperity together. So welcome, shalom to you, and hopefully we will go from strength to strength together.”
Ambassador Hagi of Somaliland:
“It’s an honor to be here today. We have built a great relationship, which is a strategic one that will pave the way forward on many things in all domains, whether that is development, political cooperation, security cooperation, and, of course, the people-to-people relationship.
“The people of Somaliland very much appreciate that Israel became the first country to recognize Somaliland in 1960, and again, after 35 years of independence and sovereignty, Israel again became the first country that recognized Somaliland. Our relationship is unique because it's not just about two governments, it's about the people of Israel and the people of Somaliland. In Somaliland, you can see lots of Israeli flags and people waving them in the streets and in rural areas as well.”
Upon receiving the diplomatic credentials of the Apostolic Nuncio of the Holy See, Monsignor Giorgio Lingua, President Herzog expressed the importance of open, frank and friendly interfaith dialogue between Judaism and Christianity. President Herzog stressed the importance of protecting freedom of religion and scared sites in the Holy Land, and unequivocally condemned all acts of violence and disrespect against symbols of Christianity. President Herzog also underlined the importance of working together with the Pope and the Holy See in the global fight against antisemitism.
During his meeting with the new Ambassador of Australia, President Herzog and Ambassador Hawkins discussed the deep historical ties between Israel and Australia, the President’s recent visit to Australia, and the importance of the ongoing fight against antisemitism.
Welcoming the new Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Israel, Park Inho, President Herzog expressed his intention to upgrade bilateral relations between Israel and the Republic of Korea in technology, trade, security, culture, and tourism.
Upon receiving the diplomatic credentials of the Ambassador of Vietnam to Israel, Nguyen Ky Son, President Herzog highlighted the opportunities to further strengthen the growing trade between our two countries and our ties in a range of other fields.
Video of President Herzog Receiving the Diplomatic Credentials of the Ambassador of Somaliland
https://wetransfer.com/downloads/a4e71bb251254b9ab2df0ed2b207f33020260518095135/648767f54cb6c1205ff8a4cb94d4888420260518095438/2a3f4e?utm_source=wt_sendgrid&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=TRN_DL_WTP_01&trk=TRN_DL_WTP_01
Video credit: Gregory Bado (GPO) / Sound credit: Gideon Arnold (GPO)
Attached photo credits: Kobi Gideon (GPO)
Benjamin Lee, benjaminl@president.gov.il, 050-6169572
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a conversation with the commander of Flotilla 3 during the takeover of the flotilla that left Turkey: "You are doing an outstanding job and neutralizing a malicious plan designed to break the isolation we are imposing on Hamas terrorists in Gaza."
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, today (Monday, 18 May 2026), went to the Navy's command center at the Kirya, along with Defense Minister Israel Katz and IDF Chief-of-Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir.
The Prime Minister was briefed by Navy Commander Vice Admiral Eyal Harel, and watched our forces take control of the terrorism-supporting flotilla boats that had left Turkey and which intended to break the naval blockade on the Gaza coast.
Prime Minister Netanyahu spoke over the radio with the commander of Flotilla 3 and praised the fighters:
"Please convey my congratulations to all the soldiers in the force. I think you are doing an outstanding job, both with the first flotilla and with this one, and effectively neutralizing a malicious plan designed to break the isolation we have imposed on Hamas terrorists in Gaza. You are doing this with great success, and I must say also quietly, and certainly with less prominence than our enemies expected – so, heartfelt congratulations. Keep going until the end. The water looks absolutely wonderful. I would love to be out there with you."
Attached photo credit: Haim Zach (GPO)
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, today (Monday, 18 May 2026), went to the Navy's command center at the Kirya, along with Defense Minister Israel Katz and IDF Chief-of-Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir.
The Prime Minister was briefed by Navy Commander Vice Admiral Eyal Harel, and watched our forces take control of the terrorism-supporting flotilla boats that had left Turkey and which intended to break the naval blockade on the Gaza coast.
Prime Minister Netanyahu spoke over the radio with the commander of Flotilla 3 and praised the fighters:
"Please convey my congratulations to all the soldiers in the force. I think you are doing an outstanding job, both with the first flotilla and with this one, and effectively neutralizing a malicious plan designed to break the isolation we have imposed on Hamas terrorists in Gaza. You are doing this with great success, and I must say also quietly, and certainly with less prominence than our enemies expected – so, heartfelt congratulations. Keep going until the end. The water looks absolutely wonderful. I would love to be out there with you."
Attached photo credit: Haim Zach (GPO)
(Communicated by the President’s Spokesperson)
Monday, 18 May 2026 / 2 Sivan 5786
President Isaac Herzog Welcomes Israel’s Eurovision Representative Noam Bettan to the President’s Residence
On May 18, 2026, President Isaac Herzog hosted Noam Bettan, Israel’s representative and runner-up at Eurovision 2026, together with a delegation from Kan, the Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation, at the President's Residence in Jerusalem.
President Isaac Herzog:
“The people of Israel love you very much and when you ended your performance at Eurovision with ‘Am Yisrael Chai,’ you moved all of our hearts. You brought great joy and pride to the people of Israel, and stood courageously in the face of waves of hatred and hostility. You brought Israel's name into almost every home in the world, and I commend you for that.”
Noam Bettan:
“It is a great honor for me to be at the President's Residence today, to meet the President of the State of Israel and to receive this embrace and appreciation after this moving journey. Thank you to everyone who supported, voted, and sent love throughout the entire journey. I felt the embrace of the people of Israel at every moment and it gave me tremendous strength to step onto the stage and give it my all.”
Golan Yochpaz, CEO of the Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation, Kan:
“Noam's performance, as Kan's representative at Eurovision, brought the Israeli spirit and culture, in all their beauty and power, to the forefront of the world's biggest stage. There were many challenges that almost prevented us from being at Eurovision this year, and thanks to very significant work by the Corporation and by you, Mr. President, and with the help of additional parties who fought, we succeeded in taking the stage and sending such a talented representative who did the job brilliantly.”
Attached photo credits: Kobi Gideon (GPO)
Benjamin Lee, benjaminl@president.gov.il, 050-6169572
Monday, 18 May 2026 / 2 Sivan 5786
President Isaac Herzog Welcomes Israel’s Eurovision Representative Noam Bettan to the President’s Residence
On May 18, 2026, President Isaac Herzog hosted Noam Bettan, Israel’s representative and runner-up at Eurovision 2026, together with a delegation from Kan, the Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation, at the President's Residence in Jerusalem.
President Isaac Herzog:
“The people of Israel love you very much and when you ended your performance at Eurovision with ‘Am Yisrael Chai,’ you moved all of our hearts. You brought great joy and pride to the people of Israel, and stood courageously in the face of waves of hatred and hostility. You brought Israel's name into almost every home in the world, and I commend you for that.”
Noam Bettan:
“It is a great honor for me to be at the President's Residence today, to meet the President of the State of Israel and to receive this embrace and appreciation after this moving journey. Thank you to everyone who supported, voted, and sent love throughout the entire journey. I felt the embrace of the people of Israel at every moment and it gave me tremendous strength to step onto the stage and give it my all.”
Golan Yochpaz, CEO of the Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation, Kan:
“Noam's performance, as Kan's representative at Eurovision, brought the Israeli spirit and culture, in all their beauty and power, to the forefront of the world's biggest stage. There were many challenges that almost prevented us from being at Eurovision this year, and thanks to very significant work by the Corporation and by you, Mr. President, and with the help of additional parties who fought, we succeeded in taking the stage and sending such a talented representative who did the job brilliantly.”
Attached photo credits: Kobi Gideon (GPO)
Benjamin Lee, benjaminl@president.gov.il, 050-6169572