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)
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Fallen Soldier Major (Res.) Itamar Sapir
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, this evening (Tuesday, 19 May 2026) [translated from Hebrew]:
“It is with deep sorrow that we were informed this evening that Major (Res.) Itamar Sapir, of blessed memory, had fallen in battle in southern Lebanon.
Itamar, of blessed memory, a resident of the community of Eli, was a courageous commander who fought heroically against Hezbollah terrorists to defend our northern border.
My wife Sara and I, together with all citizens of Israel, send our deepest condolences to his family and embrace them in this difficult hour.
May his memory be a blessing.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, this evening (Tuesday, 19 May 2026) [translated from Hebrew]:
“It is with deep sorrow that we were informed this evening that Major (Res.) Itamar Sapir, of blessed memory, had fallen in battle in southern Lebanon.
Itamar, of blessed memory, a resident of the community of Eli, was a courageous commander who fought heroically against Hezbollah terrorists to defend our northern border.
My wife Sara and I, together with all citizens of Israel, send our deepest condolences to his family and embrace them in this difficult hour.
May his memory be a blessing.”
Israel’s Supreme Court Rejects Petition by International Aid NGOs Operating in Judea and Samaria
NGOs Given Final 30 Days to Submit Employee Lists, Comply with Security Screening Procedures, or Cease Operations
Jerusalem, 20 May 20, 2026
Yesterday, Israel’s Supreme Court, sitting as the High Court of Justice, rejected a petition filed by AIDA, an umbrella organization representing 19 international non-governmental aid organizations operating in Gaza and Judea & Samaria, after the organizations refused to provide the State of Israel with lists of their local employees, as required under Israel’s NGO registration and security screening procedures.
The petition challenged the registration framework established by the Government of Israel in December 2024 and implemented by the inter-ministerial team led by the Ministry for Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism.
The Government of Israel stated that the framework is a security-driven regulatory system designed to ensure humanitarian aid is delivered safely, transparently, and without exploitation by terrorist organizations. According to the government, the objective of the framework is not to limit humanitarian assistance, but to protect its integrity and ensure it reaches civilians through legitimate and accountable channels. The government further stated that Israel remains committed to enabling large-scale humanitarian aid while ensuring it is not misused by terrorist organizations such as Hamas or Palestinian Islamic Jihad.
In a ruling delivered by a panel headed by Chief Justice Yitzhak Amit, the Court dismissed the petition and granted the organizations a final 30-day period to submit the required documentation. Organizations that comply will have their applications reviewed under the registration procedure. Organizations that fail to submit the required materials will be required to cease operations in Gaza and Judea & Samaria immediately.
The Court ruled that the State’s requirement to receive information regarding local employees - including Palestinian staff members - constitutes a legitimate and proportionate security measure.
“The information requirement... is a limited and proportionate measure, deriving from the State’s fundamental duty to protect its security and the security of its residents, while enabling the continued humanitarian activity of international aid organizations,” the Court stated.
The justices further emphasized that security screening “falls within the core sovereign powers of the State,” adding that self-assessments conducted by organizations cannot replace independent state security reviews.
The Court also clarified that the registration procedure is “a preliminary domestic process intended to ensure that entities seeking to utilize the State’s infrastructure do not endanger its security,” describing it as “a legitimate exercise of Israel’s sovereign authority.”
Minister for Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism Amichai Chikli welcomed the ruling: “The rejection of the petition sends a clear and unequivocal message - the State of Israel will not allow terrorist activity to operate under the guise of humanitarian aid.”
Director General of the Ministry and Head of the Inter-Ministerial Team Avi Cohen-Scali added: “We will continue acting decisively to ensure that only legitimate and transparent organizations are permitted to participate in humanitarian operations in the region.”
NGOs Given Final 30 Days to Submit Employee Lists, Comply with Security Screening Procedures, or Cease Operations
Jerusalem, 20 May 20, 2026
Yesterday, Israel’s Supreme Court, sitting as the High Court of Justice, rejected a petition filed by AIDA, an umbrella organization representing 19 international non-governmental aid organizations operating in Gaza and Judea & Samaria, after the organizations refused to provide the State of Israel with lists of their local employees, as required under Israel’s NGO registration and security screening procedures.
The petition challenged the registration framework established by the Government of Israel in December 2024 and implemented by the inter-ministerial team led by the Ministry for Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism.
The Government of Israel stated that the framework is a security-driven regulatory system designed to ensure humanitarian aid is delivered safely, transparently, and without exploitation by terrorist organizations. According to the government, the objective of the framework is not to limit humanitarian assistance, but to protect its integrity and ensure it reaches civilians through legitimate and accountable channels. The government further stated that Israel remains committed to enabling large-scale humanitarian aid while ensuring it is not misused by terrorist organizations such as Hamas or Palestinian Islamic Jihad.
In a ruling delivered by a panel headed by Chief Justice Yitzhak Amit, the Court dismissed the petition and granted the organizations a final 30-day period to submit the required documentation. Organizations that comply will have their applications reviewed under the registration procedure. Organizations that fail to submit the required materials will be required to cease operations in Gaza and Judea & Samaria immediately.
The Court ruled that the State’s requirement to receive information regarding local employees - including Palestinian staff members - constitutes a legitimate and proportionate security measure.
“The information requirement... is a limited and proportionate measure, deriving from the State’s fundamental duty to protect its security and the security of its residents, while enabling the continued humanitarian activity of international aid organizations,” the Court stated.
The justices further emphasized that security screening “falls within the core sovereign powers of the State,” adding that self-assessments conducted by organizations cannot replace independent state security reviews.
The Court also clarified that the registration procedure is “a preliminary domestic process intended to ensure that entities seeking to utilize the State’s infrastructure do not endanger its security,” describing it as “a legitimate exercise of Israel’s sovereign authority.”
Minister for Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism Amichai Chikli welcomed the ruling: “The rejection of the petition sends a clear and unequivocal message - the State of Israel will not allow terrorist activity to operate under the guise of humanitarian aid.”
Director General of the Ministry and Head of the Inter-Ministerial Team Avi Cohen-Scali added: “We will continue acting decisively to ensure that only legitimate and transparent organizations are permitted to participate in humanitarian operations in the region.”
The Court ruling confirms the legality and legitimacy of the framework adopted by the Government of Israel under Government Resolution No. 2542, approved in December 2024. The framework requires all international organizations providing humanitarian aid to Palestinian residents to register with the Ministry for Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism by December 31, 2025. Organizations that fail to comply risk losing authorization to operate.
The Government of Israel established the new screening and vetting mechanism following security gaps identified after the outbreak of the “War of Redemption.” Under the previous system, humanitarian organizations operating in Gaza were not subject to comprehensive security screening. Israeli authorities stated that terrorist organizations, including Hamas, exploited humanitarian infrastructure and aid frameworks for operational purposes.
The procedure prohibits the operation of organizations linked to terrorism, incitement, delegitimization campaigns against Israel, Holocaust denial, or denial of the October 7 massacre. It also establishes formal security screening and oversight mechanisms for NGOs operating in Gaza and Judea & Samaria.
According to government data, as of March 2026, 129 registration applications had been submitted to the inter-ministerial team. Of those, 30 were approved, 19 denied, 47 remain under review, and 34 organizations have yet to begin the registration process.
The inter-ministerial team includes representatives from the Ministry for Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism, the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of National Security, COGAT, the Israeli Security Agency, and the Israel Police.
Still photos attached:
Minister for Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism – Amichai Chikli; credit: Ministry of Diaspora and the Fight against Anti-Semitism.
Ministry Director General and Head of the Inter-Ministerial Team – Avi Cohen-Scali: credit: GPO
Media contact: Sara Libman, Puder PR, New York*
Office: 212-558-9400; in Israel: 03-722-0237; sara@puderpr.com
Roni Niv, Head of Communications & Spokesperson; Diaspora Affairs and Combatting Antisemitism Ministry: 050-2221862 & dover@pmo.gov.il
The Government of Israel established the new screening and vetting mechanism following security gaps identified after the outbreak of the “War of Redemption.” Under the previous system, humanitarian organizations operating in Gaza were not subject to comprehensive security screening. Israeli authorities stated that terrorist organizations, including Hamas, exploited humanitarian infrastructure and aid frameworks for operational purposes.
The procedure prohibits the operation of organizations linked to terrorism, incitement, delegitimization campaigns against Israel, Holocaust denial, or denial of the October 7 massacre. It also establishes formal security screening and oversight mechanisms for NGOs operating in Gaza and Judea & Samaria.
According to government data, as of March 2026, 129 registration applications had been submitted to the inter-ministerial team. Of those, 30 were approved, 19 denied, 47 remain under review, and 34 organizations have yet to begin the registration process.
The inter-ministerial team includes representatives from the Ministry for Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism, the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of National Security, COGAT, the Israeli Security Agency, and the Israel Police.
Still photos attached:
Minister for Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism – Amichai Chikli; credit: Ministry of Diaspora and the Fight against Anti-Semitism.
Ministry Director General and Head of the Inter-Ministerial Team – Avi Cohen-Scali: credit: GPO
Media contact: Sara Libman, Puder PR, New York*
Office: 212-558-9400; in Israel: 03-722-0237; sara@puderpr.com
Roni Niv, Head of Communications & Spokesperson; Diaspora Affairs and Combatting Antisemitism Ministry: 050-2221862 & dover@pmo.gov.il
GPO Closed for the Shavuot Holiday
The Government Press Office will be closed tomorrow (Thursday, 21 May 2026) for the Shavuot (https://www.jewfaq.org/shavuot) holiday and will reopen on Sunday, 24 May 2026.
The Government Press Office will be closed tomorrow (Thursday, 21 May 2026) for the Shavuot (https://www.jewfaq.org/shavuot) holiday and will reopen on Sunday, 24 May 2026.
Statement by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, today (Wednesday, 20 May 2026):
“Israel has every right to prevent provocative flotillas of Hamas terrorist supporters from entering our territorial waters and reaching Gaza.
However, the way that Minister Ben Gvir dealt with the flotilla activists is not in line with Israel’s values and norms.
I have instructed the relevant authorities to deport the provocateurs as soon as possible.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, today (Wednesday, 20 May 2026):
“Israel has every right to prevent provocative flotillas of Hamas terrorist supporters from entering our territorial waters and reaching Gaza.
However, the way that Minister Ben Gvir dealt with the flotilla activists is not in line with Israel’s values and norms.
I have instructed the relevant authorities to deport the provocateurs as soon as possible.”