Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Fallen Soldiers Maj. (Res.) Harel Birenstock and Master-Sgt. (Res.) Tamir Vaknin
Prime Minister Benjamin, today (Thursday, 6 August 2026) [translated from Hebrew]:
“Together with all citizens of Israel, my wife and I mourn the fall of Maj. (Res.) Harel Birenstock and Master Sgt. (Res.) Tamir Vaknin, of blessed memory, who fell in battle in southern Lebanon.
Harel and Tamir were among our finest sons, courageous fighters who reported for reserve duty and fought heroically to defend the residents of the north and the State of Israel.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost what is most precious to them, and we wish a complete recovery to our fighters who were wounded in that same incident.
May the memory of our heroes be blessed and enshrined in the heart of the nation.”
Prime Minister Benjamin, today (Thursday, 6 August 2026) [translated from Hebrew]:
“Together with all citizens of Israel, my wife and I mourn the fall of Maj. (Res.) Harel Birenstock and Master Sgt. (Res.) Tamir Vaknin, of blessed memory, who fell in battle in southern Lebanon.
Harel and Tamir were among our finest sons, courageous fighters who reported for reserve duty and fought heroically to defend the residents of the north and the State of Israel.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost what is most precious to them, and we wish a complete recovery to our fighters who were wounded in that same incident.
May the memory of our heroes be blessed and enshrined in the heart of the nation.”
Israel Ministry of Defense Spokesperson's Statement:
Israel MOD Director General Meets Leading Defense-Tech and Startup CEOs on Strategy: Ministry Orders Reached Approximately $330 Million - Double the Same Period Last Year
Israel Ministry of Defense (IMOD) Director General, Maj. Gen. (Res.) Amir Baram held a brainstorming session with the CEOs of roughly 20 leading defense-tech and startup companies, focused on the Ministry's strategy to advance Israel's munitions independence, strengthen its qualitative and technological-defense edge, and deepen cooperation with the defense establishment.
The meeting was attended by the Head of the Directorate of Defense Research and Development (DDR&D), Brig. Gen. (Res.) Dr. Daniel Gold, the Head of the Budget Department and Economic Advisor to the IDF Chief of the General Staff, Brig. Gen. Nir Weingold; the Deputy Director General and Head of the Planning Department, Racheli Chen; the Deputy Director General and Head of the Defense Procurement Directorate (DPD), Ze’ev Landau; and additional senior officials. Companies represented at the forum included Xtend, SmartShooter, Kela, Ondas, Esh-Tech, and others.
The Director-General and senior ministry officials presented the CEOs with the IMOD's strategy, centered on: strengthening Israel's munitions independence; preserving and expanding its qualitative edge through the development of "the next surprises"; increasing defense exports; and broadening the strategic partnership with the United States and other countries. The meeting enabled the companies to raise the key challenges facing defense startups, allowed the Ministry to deepen its support for them, and advanced Israel’s unique defense-tech ecosystem, widely regarded as one of the world's leading.
According to figures presented by the Head of the DDR&D, orders to defense startups in the first half of 2026 totaled approximately $330 million (approximately NIS 1 billion) - double the amount in the same period last year. The number of defense-tech companies operating under the Ministry's oversight since the start of the war has risen to 322, driven by growing demand at home and abroad and by a series of measures taken by the Ministry, led by the DDR&D together with the Budget Department and other departments, to strengthen the defense-tech and defense-startup ecosystem in Israel.
IMOD Director-General, Maj.-Gen. (Res.) Amir Baram: “One of our strategic goals is munitions independence in critical components - we cannot allow our operational capability to depend on a supply chain we do not control. This is a process that takes time, but it begins with the decisions we make every day, and you, the startups, are part of that solution. We are not choosing between startups and the major manufacturers - we need both: we want healthy competition that drives innovation and competitive pricing, and we want partnerships that allow small, agile capabilities to integrate into large, proven systems. This is a balance we expect every player in the industry to respect, in accordance with our code of ethics.
“We will encourage and assist, to the best of our ability, in strengthening every component of the ecosystem: entrepreneurs, venture capital investors, government funding, long-term contracts that provide certainty, and exports that open additional markets. Together, these form the engine that can drive the national growth of Israel's defense-tech industry - not only as a defense solution, but as a genuine economic driver. Defense-tech is part of the State of Israel's unique advantage, built on combat-proven capabilities that Israeli talent has successfully demonstrated on the battlefield time and again.”
Israel MOD Director General Meets Leading Defense-Tech and Startup CEOs on Strategy: Ministry Orders Reached Approximately $330 Million - Double the Same Period Last Year
Israel Ministry of Defense (IMOD) Director General, Maj. Gen. (Res.) Amir Baram held a brainstorming session with the CEOs of roughly 20 leading defense-tech and startup companies, focused on the Ministry's strategy to advance Israel's munitions independence, strengthen its qualitative and technological-defense edge, and deepen cooperation with the defense establishment.
The meeting was attended by the Head of the Directorate of Defense Research and Development (DDR&D), Brig. Gen. (Res.) Dr. Daniel Gold, the Head of the Budget Department and Economic Advisor to the IDF Chief of the General Staff, Brig. Gen. Nir Weingold; the Deputy Director General and Head of the Planning Department, Racheli Chen; the Deputy Director General and Head of the Defense Procurement Directorate (DPD), Ze’ev Landau; and additional senior officials. Companies represented at the forum included Xtend, SmartShooter, Kela, Ondas, Esh-Tech, and others.
The Director-General and senior ministry officials presented the CEOs with the IMOD's strategy, centered on: strengthening Israel's munitions independence; preserving and expanding its qualitative edge through the development of "the next surprises"; increasing defense exports; and broadening the strategic partnership with the United States and other countries. The meeting enabled the companies to raise the key challenges facing defense startups, allowed the Ministry to deepen its support for them, and advanced Israel’s unique defense-tech ecosystem, widely regarded as one of the world's leading.
According to figures presented by the Head of the DDR&D, orders to defense startups in the first half of 2026 totaled approximately $330 million (approximately NIS 1 billion) - double the amount in the same period last year. The number of defense-tech companies operating under the Ministry's oversight since the start of the war has risen to 322, driven by growing demand at home and abroad and by a series of measures taken by the Ministry, led by the DDR&D together with the Budget Department and other departments, to strengthen the defense-tech and defense-startup ecosystem in Israel.
IMOD Director-General, Maj.-Gen. (Res.) Amir Baram: “One of our strategic goals is munitions independence in critical components - we cannot allow our operational capability to depend on a supply chain we do not control. This is a process that takes time, but it begins with the decisions we make every day, and you, the startups, are part of that solution. We are not choosing between startups and the major manufacturers - we need both: we want healthy competition that drives innovation and competitive pricing, and we want partnerships that allow small, agile capabilities to integrate into large, proven systems. This is a balance we expect every player in the industry to respect, in accordance with our code of ethics.
“We will encourage and assist, to the best of our ability, in strengthening every component of the ecosystem: entrepreneurs, venture capital investors, government funding, long-term contracts that provide certainty, and exports that open additional markets. Together, these form the engine that can drive the national growth of Israel's defense-tech industry - not only as a defense solution, but as a genuine economic driver. Defense-tech is part of the State of Israel's unique advantage, built on combat-proven capabilities that Israeli talent has successfully demonstrated on the battlefield time and again.”
Attached for your use are photos from the meeting. Companies pictured: Xtend, SpectralX, SpearUAV, Intact, Dream, Ottopia, Skana, Airis, Esh-Tech, OZ, Kela, ShiftersAI, Next Dim, SmartShooter, Ondas, Classiq, Heaven Drones.
Photo credit: Israel Ministry of Defense
Media and Public Affairs Bureau
Israel Ministry of Defense
For any media-related queries, please contact Nina Zaydenberg, IMOD Spokesperson to International Media: 0544622513 | 0506291093 | [email protected]
Photo credit: Israel Ministry of Defense
Media and Public Affairs Bureau
Israel Ministry of Defense
For any media-related queries, please contact Nina Zaydenberg, IMOD Spokesperson to International Media: 0544622513 | 0506291093 | [email protected]
Remarks by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the Start of the Government Meeting: "Israel does not accept the 15-point document. The IDF will not carry out any withdrawal until Hamas is genuinely disarmed, and it will continue to thwart threats against our forces and citizens."
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, today (Sunday, 9 August 2026), at the start of the Government meeting [translated from Hebrew]:
“You have surely noticed an interesting point: Iran attacks all the countries in the region, and even outside the region, but there is one country it does not attack – the State of Israel. It has not attacked thus far; it might attack, but why have long weeks passed and it has not attacked us? Because it knows the massive blow we will inflict upon it if it does so.
I am saying this because lately, over the past two days, we have been flooded with a wave of rumors about Israeli weakness and Israeli withdrawals on all fronts. The most amusing thing is that these attacks come from people who preached withdrawing from the entire Gaza Strip, not entering Lebanon at all, and not striking Iran. Therefore, I ask to go over the fronts with you briefly, one by one.
First of all, Iran. I greatly appreciate President Trump. He is the greatest of our friends in the White House. I greatly appreciate the historical partnership with the US against Iran's attempts to acquire nuclear weapons. And I wish to emphasize once again: With or without an agreement, as long as I am Prime Minister, Iran will not have a nuclear weapon. Because the existence of our precious country, the country of all of us, the existence of Israel, is not up for negotiation.
Regarding Lebanon: In Lebanon, too, we hear all sorts of rumors. I wish to clarify: In recent days, Israel has acted with force in Lebanon, eliminating terrorists, including on the Ali Taher ridge. I cannot elaborate on this. We are in the midst of a very important operation. We are working prudently and wisely—with both determination and wisdom, alongside the Israel Defense Forces—and eliminating threats.
As for the Gaza Strip: First and foremost, I wish to clarify the main point: As long as I am Prime Minister, a Palestinian state will not be established, neither in Gaza nor in Judea and Samaria. Neither 'Fatahstan' nor 'Hamastan'.
Regarding specific matters surfacing in the news lately, I wish to be precise here: Israel does not accept the 15-point document.
I have heard people saying: 'You didn't say it.' So here I am saying it again: Israel does not accept the 15-point document. The IDF will not carry out any withdrawal until Hamas is disarmed. And when I say the disarming of Hamas, it means heavy weaponry, lighter weaponry, all weaponry. And we are talking about genuine disarmament, not fictitious disarmament. Right now, we are talking with the Americans about this issue. They have ideas, some of which are acceptable to us and some of which are unacceptable, and we know how to stand firm against these things. We have proven this in the past and we are proving it today as well. Furthermore, the IDF will continue to thwart threats against our forces and our citizens.
The existence of Israel and the security of all Israeli citizens are not up for negotiation. We stand firm on these interests. We do not do this in advertising agencies; we actually do it on the ground. We proved this all over and over – when we entered Rafah and the Philadelphi Corridor, when we entered Lebanon and eliminated Nasrallah and the rocket stockpile there, and when we struck Iran twice. Unlike all those who lecture us, we do what needs to be done for Israel's security, and we can and know how to stand our ground, even against our best friends when necessary."
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, today (Sunday, 9 August 2026), at the start of the Government meeting [translated from Hebrew]:
“You have surely noticed an interesting point: Iran attacks all the countries in the region, and even outside the region, but there is one country it does not attack – the State of Israel. It has not attacked thus far; it might attack, but why have long weeks passed and it has not attacked us? Because it knows the massive blow we will inflict upon it if it does so.
I am saying this because lately, over the past two days, we have been flooded with a wave of rumors about Israeli weakness and Israeli withdrawals on all fronts. The most amusing thing is that these attacks come from people who preached withdrawing from the entire Gaza Strip, not entering Lebanon at all, and not striking Iran. Therefore, I ask to go over the fronts with you briefly, one by one.
First of all, Iran. I greatly appreciate President Trump. He is the greatest of our friends in the White House. I greatly appreciate the historical partnership with the US against Iran's attempts to acquire nuclear weapons. And I wish to emphasize once again: With or without an agreement, as long as I am Prime Minister, Iran will not have a nuclear weapon. Because the existence of our precious country, the country of all of us, the existence of Israel, is not up for negotiation.
Regarding Lebanon: In Lebanon, too, we hear all sorts of rumors. I wish to clarify: In recent days, Israel has acted with force in Lebanon, eliminating terrorists, including on the Ali Taher ridge. I cannot elaborate on this. We are in the midst of a very important operation. We are working prudently and wisely—with both determination and wisdom, alongside the Israel Defense Forces—and eliminating threats.
As for the Gaza Strip: First and foremost, I wish to clarify the main point: As long as I am Prime Minister, a Palestinian state will not be established, neither in Gaza nor in Judea and Samaria. Neither 'Fatahstan' nor 'Hamastan'.
Regarding specific matters surfacing in the news lately, I wish to be precise here: Israel does not accept the 15-point document.
I have heard people saying: 'You didn't say it.' So here I am saying it again: Israel does not accept the 15-point document. The IDF will not carry out any withdrawal until Hamas is disarmed. And when I say the disarming of Hamas, it means heavy weaponry, lighter weaponry, all weaponry. And we are talking about genuine disarmament, not fictitious disarmament. Right now, we are talking with the Americans about this issue. They have ideas, some of which are acceptable to us and some of which are unacceptable, and we know how to stand firm against these things. We have proven this in the past and we are proving it today as well. Furthermore, the IDF will continue to thwart threats against our forces and our citizens.
The existence of Israel and the security of all Israeli citizens are not up for negotiation. We stand firm on these interests. We do not do this in advertising agencies; we actually do it on the ground. We proved this all over and over – when we entered Rafah and the Philadelphi Corridor, when we entered Lebanon and eliminated Nasrallah and the rocket stockpile there, and when we struck Iran twice. Unlike all those who lecture us, we do what needs to be done for Israel's security, and we can and know how to stand our ground, even against our best friends when necessary."
Good News for Reservists: Approximately 20,000 Opportunities to Purchase an Apartment or Land under Preferential Conditions in the Next Two Years
The Prime Minister, the Minister of Construction and Housing, and the Minister of Finance issued a joint statement today and presented the ‘From Reserve Duty to a Key’ program to expand housing benefits for reservists. Among the benefits: Approximately 20,000 housing solutions in 2026–2027, increased priority in the ‘Discount Apartment’ lotteries, and expanded ground-adjacent benefits.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Construction and Housing Minister Chaim Katz, and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich issued a joint statement today (Sunday, 9 August 2026), in which they presented the ‘From Reserve Duty to a Key’ program that will significantly expand housing benefits for reservists. The program is designed to provide a wide-ranging response for thousands of reservists and enable them to purchase an apartment or land under preferential terms and with significant discounts.
The program was formulated against the backdrop of high demand among reservists: In the latest "Discount Apartment" lottery, 25,354 reservists registered, of whom 4,734 won. Under the program, approximately 20,000 housing solutions will be added for reservists across the country during the years 2026–2027, including about 16,000 apartments under the ‘Target Price’ program and about 4,000 plots for ground-adjacent construction.
As part of the Target Price lotteries, priority for reservists will be expanded from 50% to 75% of the apartments, with an additional 25% allocated with preference for combat reservists. The discount on purchasing an apartment will amount to over NIS 500,000.
In addition, benefits for reservists purchasing plots for ground-adjacent construction in National Priority Areas A will be expanded, granting a full exemption from payment for the value of the land (excluding development costs).
The move is intended to significantly expand the supply of housing solutions for reservists and provide a response to those who have borne the burden throughout the years of war, by increasing the number of apartments and plots made available to them and deepening the benefits granted to them.
(All remarks have been translated from Hebrew.)
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu:
"Our heroic reservists give everything for the country, and they deserve everything. To date, the government has transferred, either through Government decisions or legislation, a massive sum of NIS 25 billion to the reservists and their families as well. And today we are bringing more news about massive support in housing. The Government is going to instruct the Land Authority, and the Housing Minister will speak about this shortly. We are going to instruct to provide either land for free in Priority Area A, or discounts of up to NIS 500,000. That is over NIS 500,000 in the Target Price program. This is huge news for 20,000 reservists who are without housing. They will be able to access and receive these things either this year, 2026, or by the year 2027. There has never been anything like this. It is about time."
Minister of Construction and Housing Chaim Katz:
"A month ago, we concluded a 'Discount Apartment' lottery, to which 25,000 reservists registered and about 4,000 of them won. We decided to make another 20,000 apartments available to the reservists, over 4,000 of which already this year and another 10,000 in 2027, with each of the winners enjoying a discount of over NIS 500,000. Those who gave must also know how to receive, and the state will give back to its reservists, because they are the main resource we have today."
The Prime Minister, the Minister of Construction and Housing, and the Minister of Finance issued a joint statement today and presented the ‘From Reserve Duty to a Key’ program to expand housing benefits for reservists. Among the benefits: Approximately 20,000 housing solutions in 2026–2027, increased priority in the ‘Discount Apartment’ lotteries, and expanded ground-adjacent benefits.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Construction and Housing Minister Chaim Katz, and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich issued a joint statement today (Sunday, 9 August 2026), in which they presented the ‘From Reserve Duty to a Key’ program that will significantly expand housing benefits for reservists. The program is designed to provide a wide-ranging response for thousands of reservists and enable them to purchase an apartment or land under preferential terms and with significant discounts.
The program was formulated against the backdrop of high demand among reservists: In the latest "Discount Apartment" lottery, 25,354 reservists registered, of whom 4,734 won. Under the program, approximately 20,000 housing solutions will be added for reservists across the country during the years 2026–2027, including about 16,000 apartments under the ‘Target Price’ program and about 4,000 plots for ground-adjacent construction.
As part of the Target Price lotteries, priority for reservists will be expanded from 50% to 75% of the apartments, with an additional 25% allocated with preference for combat reservists. The discount on purchasing an apartment will amount to over NIS 500,000.
In addition, benefits for reservists purchasing plots for ground-adjacent construction in National Priority Areas A will be expanded, granting a full exemption from payment for the value of the land (excluding development costs).
The move is intended to significantly expand the supply of housing solutions for reservists and provide a response to those who have borne the burden throughout the years of war, by increasing the number of apartments and plots made available to them and deepening the benefits granted to them.
(All remarks have been translated from Hebrew.)
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu:
"Our heroic reservists give everything for the country, and they deserve everything. To date, the government has transferred, either through Government decisions or legislation, a massive sum of NIS 25 billion to the reservists and their families as well. And today we are bringing more news about massive support in housing. The Government is going to instruct the Land Authority, and the Housing Minister will speak about this shortly. We are going to instruct to provide either land for free in Priority Area A, or discounts of up to NIS 500,000. That is over NIS 500,000 in the Target Price program. This is huge news for 20,000 reservists who are without housing. They will be able to access and receive these things either this year, 2026, or by the year 2027. There has never been anything like this. It is about time."
Minister of Construction and Housing Chaim Katz:
"A month ago, we concluded a 'Discount Apartment' lottery, to which 25,000 reservists registered and about 4,000 of them won. We decided to make another 20,000 apartments available to the reservists, over 4,000 of which already this year and another 10,000 in 2027, with each of the winners enjoying a discount of over NIS 500,000. Those who gave must also know how to receive, and the state will give back to its reservists, because they are the main resource we have today."
Minister of Finance Bezalel Smotrich:
"From the very first day of the war, we have been wrapping IDF fighters and commanders, in both regular and reserve service, in a huge umbrella of billions upon billions. Following the discounts and priority for reservists, we have made a significant decision together with the Prime Minister and the Housing Minister, according to which all reservists without housing who applied for the 'Discount Apartment' lottery will receive an apartment. Dear reservists – you deserve this."
Attached photo credits: Ma’ayan Toaf (GPO)
"From the very first day of the war, we have been wrapping IDF fighters and commanders, in both regular and reserve service, in a huge umbrella of billions upon billions. Following the discounts and priority for reservists, we have made a significant decision together with the Prime Minister and the Housing Minister, according to which all reservists without housing who applied for the 'Discount Apartment' lottery will receive an apartment. Dear reservists – you deserve this."
Attached photo credits: Ma’ayan Toaf (GPO)
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the Launch of the National AI Program: "We stand at the threshold of a new era. AI is not just another technology – it is going to change the world. We will ensure the future, security, and prosperity of the State of Israel as a global AI superpower."
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Head of the National AI Directorate, Brig.-Gen. (Res.) Erez Eskel, yesterday (Sunday, 9 August 2026), launched the National AI Program at a joint conference with the government agencies that have spent the past few months formulating it.
Prime Minister Netanyahu emphasized that the national program has two main goals: To ensure that the State of Israel is a global superpower in the field, and to guarantee the prosperity of the Israeli economy and public. The launched program is an expansion of Government Decision #4255 and details Israel's areas of differentiation, the enabling factors, and the steps required to ensure survival and continuity. At yesterday's conference, government officials transitioned to the operational phase of translating the national program into practical steps.
(All remarks are translated from Hebrew.)
Prime Minister Netanyahu:
"We stand at the threshold of a new era. AI is not just another technology, it is going to change the world. It is going to change the lives of each and every one of us, of our children, and of generations to come. Quite a change is taking place, much like the Industrial Revolution. We are in a historical window of opportunity, but a very short one, because the pace of change is so great that if you do not safeguard and advance yourself in this wave, you will simply be left behind. And we cannot be left behind. We have no time to waste, and we do not just want to avoid being left behind; we want to be in the number one place, a leading place.
I said this back in the day regarding cyber as well; I said we would be among the top five countries in the world. People did not quite buy it. That was about ten years ago, and today we are in second place in investments in cyber ventures. Israel is second only to the United States. This means we have immense capabilities.
We want to ensure two fundamental things in this program: First, securing Israel as a global superpower, and I emphasize, a global superpower, in the fields of AI, and second, promoting prosperity for the Israeli economy, as well as for Israel's citizens and Israel's children. This is important. Not only did we do this in cyber, we did it in agriculture, medicine, medical devices, and many other fields that you know, and we will do it here too, in artificial intelligence."
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Head of the National AI Directorate, Brig.-Gen. (Res.) Erez Eskel, yesterday (Sunday, 9 August 2026), launched the National AI Program at a joint conference with the government agencies that have spent the past few months formulating it.
Prime Minister Netanyahu emphasized that the national program has two main goals: To ensure that the State of Israel is a global superpower in the field, and to guarantee the prosperity of the Israeli economy and public. The launched program is an expansion of Government Decision #4255 and details Israel's areas of differentiation, the enabling factors, and the steps required to ensure survival and continuity. At yesterday's conference, government officials transitioned to the operational phase of translating the national program into practical steps.
(All remarks are translated from Hebrew.)
Prime Minister Netanyahu:
"We stand at the threshold of a new era. AI is not just another technology, it is going to change the world. It is going to change the lives of each and every one of us, of our children, and of generations to come. Quite a change is taking place, much like the Industrial Revolution. We are in a historical window of opportunity, but a very short one, because the pace of change is so great that if you do not safeguard and advance yourself in this wave, you will simply be left behind. And we cannot be left behind. We have no time to waste, and we do not just want to avoid being left behind; we want to be in the number one place, a leading place.
I said this back in the day regarding cyber as well; I said we would be among the top five countries in the world. People did not quite buy it. That was about ten years ago, and today we are in second place in investments in cyber ventures. Israel is second only to the United States. This means we have immense capabilities.
We want to ensure two fundamental things in this program: First, securing Israel as a global superpower, and I emphasize, a global superpower, in the fields of AI, and second, promoting prosperity for the Israeli economy, as well as for Israel's citizens and Israel's children. This is important. Not only did we do this in cyber, we did it in agriculture, medicine, medical devices, and many other fields that you know, and we will do it here too, in artificial intelligence."
The Prime Minister added: "I am counting on you. Our ministries, all government ministries have enlisted in this, and all the people present here, as well as many who are not present here. We are acting to create our competitive advantage. Not just to create it, it already exists, but to preserve and expand it. The future will not wait for us; we are creating it. With our brilliant minds, determination, vision, and the work of all of you, we will ensure the future, security, and prosperity of the State of Israel as a global AI superpower."
Head of the National AI Directorate, Brig.-Gen. (Res.) Erez Eskel:
"Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister’s Office Director-General Drorit, Civil Service Commissioner Doron, and everyone sitting here in the audience, all government ministries and working agencies that have been working with us day in and day out, bringing the State of Israel a national program to accelerate AI, a very ambitious program, but it is only the first step on our path forward.
We are launching this program, which takes into account the distinct advantages of the State of Israel in the fields of cyber, physical AI, and solving life's problems with AI, while providing infrastructure for the needs of the country and the economy, whether that is Compute infrastructure, powerhouse computing capabilities that almost no countries currently possess, a national quantum computer, and addressing the central and most important issue, the human capital in the State of Israel, which is our true engine.
We are already in a good position. We have dedicated extensive resources and programs to set a much higher standard, and above all to increase the numbers, so that the State of Israel enters a position of very significant leadership into this vital era.
Mr. Prime Minister, this is an opportunity to say thank you for your support and for establishing the Directorate. You established it about half a year ago. I think the results speak for themselves. We already have real results, and we have programs entering the operational phase that are now starting to define clear outcomes that make an impact: First, on the resilience of the State of Israel, and second, on the service that every citizen in the State of Israel receives, ensuring that they receive it in the best possible way."
The conference, led by senior officials of the National AI Directorate, was also attended by representatives from the Prime Minister's Office, the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Finance, the Bank of Israel, the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Economy and Industry, the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Labor, the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, the Ministry of Tourism, the Civil Service Commission, the Planning and Budgeting Committee, the Council for Higher Education, the Central Bureau of Statistics, the National Economic Council, the National Insurance Institute, the Israel Innovation Authority, the Israel Securities Authority, the Israel Space Agency, the Electricity Authority, the Tax Authority, and the Employment Service.
For the full program:
https://go.gov.il/livedai
Attached photo credits: Ma’ayan Toaf (GPO)
Head of the National AI Directorate, Brig.-Gen. (Res.) Erez Eskel:
"Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister’s Office Director-General Drorit, Civil Service Commissioner Doron, and everyone sitting here in the audience, all government ministries and working agencies that have been working with us day in and day out, bringing the State of Israel a national program to accelerate AI, a very ambitious program, but it is only the first step on our path forward.
We are launching this program, which takes into account the distinct advantages of the State of Israel in the fields of cyber, physical AI, and solving life's problems with AI, while providing infrastructure for the needs of the country and the economy, whether that is Compute infrastructure, powerhouse computing capabilities that almost no countries currently possess, a national quantum computer, and addressing the central and most important issue, the human capital in the State of Israel, which is our true engine.
We are already in a good position. We have dedicated extensive resources and programs to set a much higher standard, and above all to increase the numbers, so that the State of Israel enters a position of very significant leadership into this vital era.
Mr. Prime Minister, this is an opportunity to say thank you for your support and for establishing the Directorate. You established it about half a year ago. I think the results speak for themselves. We already have real results, and we have programs entering the operational phase that are now starting to define clear outcomes that make an impact: First, on the resilience of the State of Israel, and second, on the service that every citizen in the State of Israel receives, ensuring that they receive it in the best possible way."
The conference, led by senior officials of the National AI Directorate, was also attended by representatives from the Prime Minister's Office, the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Finance, the Bank of Israel, the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Economy and Industry, the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Labor, the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, the Ministry of Tourism, the Civil Service Commission, the Planning and Budgeting Committee, the Council for Higher Education, the Central Bureau of Statistics, the National Economic Council, the National Insurance Institute, the Israel Innovation Authority, the Israel Securities Authority, the Israel Space Agency, the Electricity Authority, the Tax Authority, and the Employment Service.
For the full program:
https://go.gov.il/livedai
Attached photo credits: Ma’ayan Toaf (GPO)
Hostages_Square_Officially_Named_in_Tel_Aviv,_Cementing_the_Legacy.docx
3.6 MB
Tel Aviv-Yafo Municipality: Hostages Square Officially Named in Tel Aviv, Cementing the Legacy of a Years-Long Struggle
Please see the attached Word file
Please see the attached Word file
(Communicated by the President’s Spokesperson)
Wednesday, 12 August 2026 / 29 Menachem Av 5786
President Isaac Herzog Presented With Honorary Degree from the Jewish Theological Seminary
On August 12, 2026, President Isaac Herzog was presented with an honorary degree from the Jewish Theological Seminary in a special ceremony at the President's Residence in Jerusalem. Chancellor Emerita Shuly Rubin Schwartz of JTS formally presented President Herzog with the degree, which was conferred upon the President at the JTS 2026 Commencement in New York. President Herzog was awarded the honorary degree in recognition of his leadership and public service to the State of Israel and the Jewish people, as well as his commitment to democracy, Jewish pluralism, and unity in Israeli society.
Upon receiving the honorary degree from JTS, President Isaac Herzog said: “The State of Israel and Diaspora Jewry are both facing their own challenges, but the Jewish people have a shared destiny and a shared responsibility. This is one of the cornerstones I set for myself in my tenure as President of the State of Israel, and I reaffirm that I am doing everything, and will do everything, so that we stand together in the face of these challenges.
“The conferral of an honorary degree from the distinguished institution of JTS in New York upon the President of the State of Israel at the President's Residence in Jerusalem is not only a great honor for me but also an occasion that is in its very essence a bridge between parallel and complementary worlds. It sends a message from Jerusalem that we — on both sides of the ocean — are inseparable. We are one.”
"May we all continue to build together that same wondrous chain of the Jewish people: a chain connecting tradition to scholarship, Judaism to the wider world, Israel to the Diaspora, and past to future. This is the mission of JTS, and this is the mission of the State of Israel. It is also my mission, and my life’s work.”
Upon presenting President Herzog with the honorary degree from JTS, Chancellor Emerita Shuly Rubin Schwartz said: “Throughout your life and career you have been a sterling exemplar of love for and service to the entire Jewish people. During this unprecedented time in Israeli history, you have embraced your responsibilities with unwavering composure, steadfast resolve, and exemplary dignity.”
Attached photo credits: Ma'ayan Toaf
Benjamin Lee, [email protected], 050-6169572
Wednesday, 12 August 2026 / 29 Menachem Av 5786
President Isaac Herzog Presented With Honorary Degree from the Jewish Theological Seminary
On August 12, 2026, President Isaac Herzog was presented with an honorary degree from the Jewish Theological Seminary in a special ceremony at the President's Residence in Jerusalem. Chancellor Emerita Shuly Rubin Schwartz of JTS formally presented President Herzog with the degree, which was conferred upon the President at the JTS 2026 Commencement in New York. President Herzog was awarded the honorary degree in recognition of his leadership and public service to the State of Israel and the Jewish people, as well as his commitment to democracy, Jewish pluralism, and unity in Israeli society.
Upon receiving the honorary degree from JTS, President Isaac Herzog said: “The State of Israel and Diaspora Jewry are both facing their own challenges, but the Jewish people have a shared destiny and a shared responsibility. This is one of the cornerstones I set for myself in my tenure as President of the State of Israel, and I reaffirm that I am doing everything, and will do everything, so that we stand together in the face of these challenges.
“The conferral of an honorary degree from the distinguished institution of JTS in New York upon the President of the State of Israel at the President's Residence in Jerusalem is not only a great honor for me but also an occasion that is in its very essence a bridge between parallel and complementary worlds. It sends a message from Jerusalem that we — on both sides of the ocean — are inseparable. We are one.”
"May we all continue to build together that same wondrous chain of the Jewish people: a chain connecting tradition to scholarship, Judaism to the wider world, Israel to the Diaspora, and past to future. This is the mission of JTS, and this is the mission of the State of Israel. It is also my mission, and my life’s work.”
Upon presenting President Herzog with the honorary degree from JTS, Chancellor Emerita Shuly Rubin Schwartz said: “Throughout your life and career you have been a sterling exemplar of love for and service to the entire Jewish people. During this unprecedented time in Israeli history, you have embraced your responsibilities with unwavering composure, steadfast resolve, and exemplary dignity.”
Attached photo credits: Ma'ayan Toaf
Benjamin Lee, [email protected], 050-6169572