(Communicated by the President’s Spokesperson)
Sunday, 2 August 2026 / 19 Menachem Av 5786
Media Advisory – President Herzog's Schedule for Monday, August 3, 2026
President Herzog to Receive Diplomatic Credentials of Ambassadors of Sri Lanka, Georgia, Nigeria, Germany, Chile, and Honduras
On Monday, August 3, 2026 at 8:45am, President Isaac Herzog will receive the diplomatic credentials of the new Ambassadors of Sri Lanka, Georgia, Nigeria, Germany, Chile, and Honduras in a formal ceremony to be held at the President's Residence.
Schedule:
08:45 — Ambassador of Sri Lanka, Mr. Saman Kumar Chandrasiri
09:20 — Ambassador of Georgia, Mr. Beka Dvali
09:55 — Ambassador of Nigeria, Mr. Nkechi Linda Ufochukwu
10:35 — Ambassador of Germany, Mr. Alexander Graf Lambsdorff
11:20 — Ambassador of Chile, Mr. Gabriel Alejandro Zaliasnik Schilkurt
12:05 — Ambassador of Honduras, Mr. Jose Luis Nunez Bennet
The credentials ceremonies will be open to media coverage for journalists that register in advance. Media registration must be completed by tomorrow (Monday) at 07:00 via email: [email protected]. Registered media will be admitted up to 45 minutes before the start of each ceremony, subject to security screening and presentation of valid ID and a valid GPO press card only. The event will also be documented by the GPO, with press materials distributed at its conclusion.
Benjamin Lee, [email protected], 050-6169572
Sunday, 2 August 2026 / 19 Menachem Av 5786
Media Advisory – President Herzog's Schedule for Monday, August 3, 2026
President Herzog to Receive Diplomatic Credentials of Ambassadors of Sri Lanka, Georgia, Nigeria, Germany, Chile, and Honduras
On Monday, August 3, 2026 at 8:45am, President Isaac Herzog will receive the diplomatic credentials of the new Ambassadors of Sri Lanka, Georgia, Nigeria, Germany, Chile, and Honduras in a formal ceremony to be held at the President's Residence.
Schedule:
08:45 — Ambassador of Sri Lanka, Mr. Saman Kumar Chandrasiri
09:20 — Ambassador of Georgia, Mr. Beka Dvali
09:55 — Ambassador of Nigeria, Mr. Nkechi Linda Ufochukwu
10:35 — Ambassador of Germany, Mr. Alexander Graf Lambsdorff
11:20 — Ambassador of Chile, Mr. Gabriel Alejandro Zaliasnik Schilkurt
12:05 — Ambassador of Honduras, Mr. Jose Luis Nunez Bennet
The credentials ceremonies will be open to media coverage for journalists that register in advance. Media registration must be completed by tomorrow (Monday) at 07:00 via email: [email protected]. Registered media will be admitted up to 45 minutes before the start of each ceremony, subject to security screening and presentation of valid ID and a valid GPO press card only. The event will also be documented by the GPO, with press materials distributed at its conclusion.
Benjamin Lee, [email protected], 050-6169572
U.S Based Delegitimization Groups July 2026.pdf
5.6 MB
Ministry of Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism Reveals Unique Study with Financial Data of Approximately 20 U.S. Delegitimization Organizations expressing support for terrorist groups and raising over $250,000,000
The report analyzes the operational patterns, funding sources, and network of connections between organizations and entities involved in incitement, terrorism, and illegal activity.
Please see the attached Word and PDF files
The report analyzes the operational patterns, funding sources, and network of connections between organizations and entities involved in incitement, terrorism, and illegal activity.
Please see the attached Word and PDF files
(Communicated by the President’s Spokesperson)
Monday, 3 August 2026 / 20 Menachem Av 5786
President Isaac Herzog Receives Diplomatic Credentials of New Ambassadors to Israel, as Chile and Honduras Return Ambassadors for the First Time Since October 7th
President Herzog on the steps taken by the Board of Peace on Gaza: “This is a very positive step, with the clear caveat and undertaking that Hamas must be disarmed fully. This is clearly the basis of moving forward to the next phase by bringing in the government of technocrats”
On August 3, 2026, President Isaac Herzog received the diplomatic credentials of six new Ambassadors to Israel, including from Chile and Honduras, whose countries returned Ambassadors to Israel for the first time since October 7th. In formal ceremonies held at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem, the new Ambassadors of Germany, Alexander Graf Lambsdorff; Chile, Gabriel Alejandro Zaliasnik Schilkurt; Honduras, Jose Luis Nunez Bennet; Nigeria, Nkechi Linda Ufochukwu; Georgia, Beka Dvali; and Sri Lanka, Saman Kumar Chandrasiri, all presented their diplomatic credentials.
Upon receiving the diplomatic credentials of the new ambassadors, President Herzog addressed the steps taken on Gaza by the Board of Peace: “I see a lot of positive elements in the efforts of the Board of Peace, under the auspices of President Trump and his leadership. I think his 20-Point Plan, which was adopted by the UN Security Council, and now, moving forward with the guidelines and the agreements that are going to be reached, is a very positive step with the clear caveat and undertaking that Hamas must be disarmed, and I hope Hamas will be disarmed fully. This is clearly the basis of moving forward to the next phase by bringing in the government of technocrats. The efforts of the Americans, the Board of Peace, President Trump, and CEO of the Board of Peace Nickolay Mladenov can bring a certain vision of hope, also to the people of Gaza and to the people of Israel. I sincerely hope and pray that we will find ways to move forward with our Palestinian neighbors on all fronts, to have a dialogue with our Palestinian neighbors.”
Welcoming the new Ambassador of Germany to Israel, Alexander Graf Lambsdorff, President Herzog stated: “I welcome Ambassador Lambsdorff to Israel. The special relationship between Israel and Germany is rooted in a painful history, but today stands as a strong and vibrant partnership across so many fields. I wish Ambassador Lambsdorff every success in continuing to strengthen the important ties between our two nations.”
Greeting Ambassador Zaliasnik of Chile, President Herzog said: “During my excellent meeting with President Kast in May, he informed me that he would be shortly returning Chile’s Ambassador to Israel. I am now delighted to welcome Ambassador Zaliasnik here in Israel, who comes with a message on behalf of all Chileans to increase ties with Israel. This is a milestone in our relations, and I wish him every success as we reinvigorate the important ties between Israel and Chile.”
Upon receiving the new Ambassador of Honduras, President Herzog remarked: “In my recent meeting with my good friend President Asfura of Honduras, I was delighted to hear that Honduras would soon be returning its Ambassador to Israel. I am now pleased to receive the diplomatic credentials of Ambassador Jose Luis Nunez Bennet, as the relations between Israel and Honduras continue to reach new heights.”
Monday, 3 August 2026 / 20 Menachem Av 5786
President Isaac Herzog Receives Diplomatic Credentials of New Ambassadors to Israel, as Chile and Honduras Return Ambassadors for the First Time Since October 7th
President Herzog on the steps taken by the Board of Peace on Gaza: “This is a very positive step, with the clear caveat and undertaking that Hamas must be disarmed fully. This is clearly the basis of moving forward to the next phase by bringing in the government of technocrats”
On August 3, 2026, President Isaac Herzog received the diplomatic credentials of six new Ambassadors to Israel, including from Chile and Honduras, whose countries returned Ambassadors to Israel for the first time since October 7th. In formal ceremonies held at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem, the new Ambassadors of Germany, Alexander Graf Lambsdorff; Chile, Gabriel Alejandro Zaliasnik Schilkurt; Honduras, Jose Luis Nunez Bennet; Nigeria, Nkechi Linda Ufochukwu; Georgia, Beka Dvali; and Sri Lanka, Saman Kumar Chandrasiri, all presented their diplomatic credentials.
Upon receiving the diplomatic credentials of the new ambassadors, President Herzog addressed the steps taken on Gaza by the Board of Peace: “I see a lot of positive elements in the efforts of the Board of Peace, under the auspices of President Trump and his leadership. I think his 20-Point Plan, which was adopted by the UN Security Council, and now, moving forward with the guidelines and the agreements that are going to be reached, is a very positive step with the clear caveat and undertaking that Hamas must be disarmed, and I hope Hamas will be disarmed fully. This is clearly the basis of moving forward to the next phase by bringing in the government of technocrats. The efforts of the Americans, the Board of Peace, President Trump, and CEO of the Board of Peace Nickolay Mladenov can bring a certain vision of hope, also to the people of Gaza and to the people of Israel. I sincerely hope and pray that we will find ways to move forward with our Palestinian neighbors on all fronts, to have a dialogue with our Palestinian neighbors.”
Welcoming the new Ambassador of Germany to Israel, Alexander Graf Lambsdorff, President Herzog stated: “I welcome Ambassador Lambsdorff to Israel. The special relationship between Israel and Germany is rooted in a painful history, but today stands as a strong and vibrant partnership across so many fields. I wish Ambassador Lambsdorff every success in continuing to strengthen the important ties between our two nations.”
Greeting Ambassador Zaliasnik of Chile, President Herzog said: “During my excellent meeting with President Kast in May, he informed me that he would be shortly returning Chile’s Ambassador to Israel. I am now delighted to welcome Ambassador Zaliasnik here in Israel, who comes with a message on behalf of all Chileans to increase ties with Israel. This is a milestone in our relations, and I wish him every success as we reinvigorate the important ties between Israel and Chile.”
Upon receiving the new Ambassador of Honduras, President Herzog remarked: “In my recent meeting with my good friend President Asfura of Honduras, I was delighted to hear that Honduras would soon be returning its Ambassador to Israel. I am now pleased to receive the diplomatic credentials of Ambassador Jose Luis Nunez Bennet, as the relations between Israel and Honduras continue to reach new heights.”
President Herzog received the diplomatic credentials of the new Ambassador of Nigeria to Israel, Nkechi Linda Ufochukwu, and underscored Israel’s great respect for the Nigerian nation and people and Nigeria’s leading role in Africa, as well as the importance of the country’s historic ties with Israel.
In his meeting with the Ambassador of Georgia, Beka Dvali, President Herzog highlighted the deep historical ties between Israel and Georgia, with the Georgian Jewish community serving as a bridge between the two nations, and affirmed the importance of strengthening bilateral cooperation.
Welcoming Sri Lanka’s new Ambassador to Israel, Saman Kumar Chandrasiri, President Herzog affirmed the importance of people-to-people exchanges between Israel and Sri Lanka and upgrading bilateral ties in a range of fields.
Video of President Herzog's Remarks on Gaza (in English) and the Diplomatic Credentials Ceremonies
https://wetransfer.com/downloads/30aae64bd0a91d074f0c081be1f51ba220260803101253/78724b926d42084a7b46b14f3dc10e7f20260803101450/c017cb?utm_source=wt_sendgrid&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=TRN_DL_WTP_01&trk=TRN_DL_WTP_01
Attached video credit: Gregory Bado (GPO) / Sound credit: Avner Dvir (GPO)
Attached photo credits: Oz Schechter
Benjamin Lee, [email protected], 050-6169572
In his meeting with the Ambassador of Georgia, Beka Dvali, President Herzog highlighted the deep historical ties between Israel and Georgia, with the Georgian Jewish community serving as a bridge between the two nations, and affirmed the importance of strengthening bilateral cooperation.
Welcoming Sri Lanka’s new Ambassador to Israel, Saman Kumar Chandrasiri, President Herzog affirmed the importance of people-to-people exchanges between Israel and Sri Lanka and upgrading bilateral ties in a range of fields.
Video of President Herzog's Remarks on Gaza (in English) and the Diplomatic Credentials Ceremonies
https://wetransfer.com/downloads/30aae64bd0a91d074f0c081be1f51ba220260803101253/78724b926d42084a7b46b14f3dc10e7f20260803101450/c017cb?utm_source=wt_sendgrid&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=TRN_DL_WTP_01&trk=TRN_DL_WTP_01
Attached video credit: Gregory Bado (GPO) / Sound credit: Avner Dvir (GPO)
Attached photo credits: Oz Schechter
Benjamin Lee, [email protected], 050-6169572
Joint Statement by the Prime Minister's Office National AI Directorate and the Finance Ministry Accountant General's Department: Israel's AI Leap – The National Directorate Launches its Flagship Initiatives
Publication of a series of national projects: "Project Nexus", a tender to establish a national "Blue and White" quantum computing platform, and two Requests for Information (RFIs) for Physical AI infrastructure and the development of AI models.
The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) National AI Directorate, together with the Finance Ministry Accountant General's Department, is today (Tuesday, 4 August 2026) launching a series of inaugural applied projects, pursuant to Government Decision 4255, and the formulation of the national AI strategy. The Special Tenders Committee for National AI Directorate affairs at the Ministry of Finance Accountant General's Department has approved the publication of the tenders and RFIs, enabling the implementation of the national plan.
These initial steps mark the beginning of the implementation phase of the national plan, aimed at ensuring growth engines, technological sovereignty, and global leadership for the State of Israel in the coming years.
The transition to the implementation phase is significant news for the local industry and ecosystem, with the launch of three primary initiatives:
1. Establishment of a locally produced quantum computer: "Project Nexus", a tender for a national quantum computing platform with the goal of establishing global leadership and supporting the diverse technologies existing in Israel,
A tender for a national quantum computer is being published under "Project Nexus." This move will guarantee the existence of a locally produced quantum computer and the State of Israel’s status as a global leader.
2. Physical AI - Establishment of a national testing ground for the next generation of AI as part of the national goal to achieve global leadership in Physical AI.
The National Directorate is publishing a Request for Information (RFI) to examine the establishment of a national testing ground for Physical AI, which will serve as a global center for real-world simulations. The complex is designed to enable the simulation of edge-case scenarios in various environments, such as highways, medical facilities, advanced manufacturing environments, agriculture, and more.
This project aims to drive breakthroughs in robotics, edge computing, sensing, data processing, and more, combining global commercial activity with distinctive Israeli capabilities.
3. Looking to the Future: Request for Information (RFI) to characterize national action paths in foundational models against the backdrop of AI models becoming a critical strategic infrastructure.
The National Directorate is publishing an RFI to advance the establishment of Israeli sovereignty in foundational models, promote Israeli leadership, map market capabilities, and examine measures to maximize the State of Israel's comparative advantages.
(All remarks are translated from Hebrew.)
Director of the National AI Directorate, Brig.-Gen. (Res.) Erez Eskel:
"Government Decision 4255 aims to secure Israel's place at the forefront of global AI. Our role is to accelerate the advancement of AI in Israel, which is why we are transitioning swiftly and professionally from defining vision and strategy to practical implementation on the ground, together with all government partners. The steps we are launching now are a central phase in securing our sovereign infrastructure while continuing to focus our efforts on the State of Israel's comparative advantages for long-term global leadership."
Publication of a series of national projects: "Project Nexus", a tender to establish a national "Blue and White" quantum computing platform, and two Requests for Information (RFIs) for Physical AI infrastructure and the development of AI models.
The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) National AI Directorate, together with the Finance Ministry Accountant General's Department, is today (Tuesday, 4 August 2026) launching a series of inaugural applied projects, pursuant to Government Decision 4255, and the formulation of the national AI strategy. The Special Tenders Committee for National AI Directorate affairs at the Ministry of Finance Accountant General's Department has approved the publication of the tenders and RFIs, enabling the implementation of the national plan.
These initial steps mark the beginning of the implementation phase of the national plan, aimed at ensuring growth engines, technological sovereignty, and global leadership for the State of Israel in the coming years.
The transition to the implementation phase is significant news for the local industry and ecosystem, with the launch of three primary initiatives:
1. Establishment of a locally produced quantum computer: "Project Nexus", a tender for a national quantum computing platform with the goal of establishing global leadership and supporting the diverse technologies existing in Israel,
A tender for a national quantum computer is being published under "Project Nexus." This move will guarantee the existence of a locally produced quantum computer and the State of Israel’s status as a global leader.
2. Physical AI - Establishment of a national testing ground for the next generation of AI as part of the national goal to achieve global leadership in Physical AI.
The National Directorate is publishing a Request for Information (RFI) to examine the establishment of a national testing ground for Physical AI, which will serve as a global center for real-world simulations. The complex is designed to enable the simulation of edge-case scenarios in various environments, such as highways, medical facilities, advanced manufacturing environments, agriculture, and more.
This project aims to drive breakthroughs in robotics, edge computing, sensing, data processing, and more, combining global commercial activity with distinctive Israeli capabilities.
3. Looking to the Future: Request for Information (RFI) to characterize national action paths in foundational models against the backdrop of AI models becoming a critical strategic infrastructure.
The National Directorate is publishing an RFI to advance the establishment of Israeli sovereignty in foundational models, promote Israeli leadership, map market capabilities, and examine measures to maximize the State of Israel's comparative advantages.
(All remarks are translated from Hebrew.)
Director of the National AI Directorate, Brig.-Gen. (Res.) Erez Eskel:
"Government Decision 4255 aims to secure Israel's place at the forefront of global AI. Our role is to accelerate the advancement of AI in Israel, which is why we are transitioning swiftly and professionally from defining vision and strategy to practical implementation on the ground, together with all government partners. The steps we are launching now are a central phase in securing our sovereign infrastructure while continuing to focus our efforts on the State of Israel's comparative advantages for long-term global leadership."
Senior Finance Ministry Deputy Accountant General for Innovation and Technology and Chairman of the Special Tenders Committee Evyatar Peretz:
"The Finance Ministry Accountant General's Department is committed to realizing Israel's national vision in artificial intelligence. The close collaboration between the Accountant General's Department and the National Directorate enables us to translate government decisions into practical, contractual mechanisms that will establish the required infrastructure on the ground. The steps we are leading today – from quantum computing to Physical AI and foundational models – provide the industry and the economy with the necessary foundation to lower barriers, ensure technological sovereignty, and make global breakthroughs."
"The Finance Ministry Accountant General's Department is committed to realizing Israel's national vision in artificial intelligence. The close collaboration between the Accountant General's Department and the National Directorate enables us to translate government decisions into practical, contractual mechanisms that will establish the required infrastructure on the ground. The steps we are leading today – from quantum computing to Physical AI and foundational models – provide the industry and the economy with the necessary foundation to lower barriers, ensure technological sovereignty, and make global breakthroughs."
Press Release 2026 IAA English.docx
50 KB
Israel Antiquities Authority: The Central Bimah of the Great Synagogue of Vilna Fully Exposed
Please see the attached Word file
Please see the attached Word file
Tel_Aviv_Unfiltered_“Messy_&_Beautiful”_Press_release.docx
5.4 MB
Tel Aviv-Yafo Municipality: Tel Aviv Unfiltered - New “Messy & Beautiful” Video Celebrates the City as It Really Is
A celebration of Tel Aviv’s authenticity, energy, contradictions and beauty in imperfection.
Please see the attached Word file
A celebration of Tel Aviv’s authenticity, energy, contradictions and beauty in imperfection.
Please see the attached Word file
Prime Minister Netanyahu meets with Artillery Corps and Givati Brigade recruits at the Bakum induction center
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited today (Wednesday, 5 August 2026) the IDF Tel HaShomer induction base (Bakum), and met with recruits to the Artillery Corps and the Givati Brigade.
The Prime Minister met the recruits along the induction chain prior to their donning of the uniforms, and later held a discussion with the recruits and responded to their questions.
Prime Minister Netanyahu [translated from Hebrew]:
"I held a conversation just now with recruits enlisting for combat service at the induction base, a deeply moving one. They come from all parts of the country, religious and secular, north and south, cities and villages: an Israeli mosaic. I told them that the unity among us is much broader than is commonly thought. We come to defend our one homeland. We repel our enemies and we know that our future is a shared future for all of us."
The Prime Minister further told the recruits:
"Tell your fathers and mothers that you are going to have our backing. We are sending you to protect the homeland, and we will also protect you. Go forth and succeed."
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited today (Wednesday, 5 August 2026) the IDF Tel HaShomer induction base (Bakum), and met with recruits to the Artillery Corps and the Givati Brigade.
The Prime Minister met the recruits along the induction chain prior to their donning of the uniforms, and later held a discussion with the recruits and responded to their questions.
Prime Minister Netanyahu [translated from Hebrew]:
"I held a conversation just now with recruits enlisting for combat service at the induction base, a deeply moving one. They come from all parts of the country, religious and secular, north and south, cities and villages: an Israeli mosaic. I told them that the unity among us is much broader than is commonly thought. We come to defend our one homeland. We repel our enemies and we know that our future is a shared future for all of us."
The Prime Minister further told the recruits:
"Tell your fathers and mothers that you are going to have our backing. We are sending you to protect the homeland, and we will also protect you. Go forth and succeed."