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
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the Inauguration of the Eastern Railway: "We are changing the speed of transportation across the entire country; this is the rail car of vision"
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, together with Transportation Minister Miri Regev, this evening (Tuesday, 19 May 2026), at the Samaria-Tayibe station, inaugurated the Israel Railways’ Eastern Railway (https://www.rail.co.il/?page=eastern-railroad-project) in a festive ceremony.
From Prime Minister Netanyahu's remarks [translated from Hebrew]:
"There is immense news here for the citizens of Israel. First and foremost, we are reducing the traffic load on the coastal route. We are enabling a parallel route. You know exactly what this will do for the area between them and the area to their east, for all of our residents, all of our citizens – Jews and Arabs alike. This is a very significant change. It is going to bring a massive momentum of development, and also separate the freight trains that are currently blocking the coastal railway. By bringing them here, you change the speed of transportation across the entire country.
But we are also hitched, I would say, to the rail car of vision. The car of vision genuinely spans from Kiryat Shmona to Eilat. I want to add to that. There are very fast sections there, 250 [km/h], and I say: Ultimately, there will be something additional. That is for down the line. First, we will handle this project; we will handle the next 10 to 20 years. But after that, an underground bullet train, from Karmiel to Be’er Sheva, in minutes. You will see what happens in this country. This country is developing tremendously. Everything we said we would do, including at the beginning of this term, and despite those who dismissed it and said, 'It won't happen.' Of course, we also had a war, and we still do. We still face a very complex situation, even in these very days and hours. But we carried it out, you carried it out. And I believe the blessing and well-being this will provide to the citizens of Israel is immense.
As someone who used to travel this path, or rather, pedaled along this path, I want to thank you for saving people from traffic jams, and for truly giving the citizens of Israel well-being and enjoyment. A double pleasure, a massive thing. Thank you very much, be blessed, and continue north and south. This is west and east, north and south."
Attached photo credits: Ma’ayan Toaf (GPO)
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, together with Transportation Minister Miri Regev, this evening (Tuesday, 19 May 2026), at the Samaria-Tayibe station, inaugurated the Israel Railways’ Eastern Railway (https://www.rail.co.il/?page=eastern-railroad-project) in a festive ceremony.
From Prime Minister Netanyahu's remarks [translated from Hebrew]:
"There is immense news here for the citizens of Israel. First and foremost, we are reducing the traffic load on the coastal route. We are enabling a parallel route. You know exactly what this will do for the area between them and the area to their east, for all of our residents, all of our citizens – Jews and Arabs alike. This is a very significant change. It is going to bring a massive momentum of development, and also separate the freight trains that are currently blocking the coastal railway. By bringing them here, you change the speed of transportation across the entire country.
But we are also hitched, I would say, to the rail car of vision. The car of vision genuinely spans from Kiryat Shmona to Eilat. I want to add to that. There are very fast sections there, 250 [km/h], and I say: Ultimately, there will be something additional. That is for down the line. First, we will handle this project; we will handle the next 10 to 20 years. But after that, an underground bullet train, from Karmiel to Be’er Sheva, in minutes. You will see what happens in this country. This country is developing tremendously. Everything we said we would do, including at the beginning of this term, and despite those who dismissed it and said, 'It won't happen.' Of course, we also had a war, and we still do. We still face a very complex situation, even in these very days and hours. But we carried it out, you carried it out. And I believe the blessing and well-being this will provide to the citizens of Israel is immense.
As someone who used to travel this path, or rather, pedaled along this path, I want to thank you for saving people from traffic jams, and for truly giving the citizens of Israel well-being and enjoyment. A double pleasure, a massive thing. Thank you very much, be blessed, and continue north and south. This is west and east, north and south."
Attached photo credits: Ma’ayan Toaf (GPO)