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
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Orders the Immediate Dispatch of an Aid Delegation to Colombia
Following a request from Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has, this evening (Wednesday, 12 August 2026), ordered the immediate dispatch of an aid delegation to Colombia following the earthquake disaster that struck the country.
The State of Israel shares in the grief of the families of those killed in the disaster and will provide full assistance to the Republic of Colombia.
Following a request from Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has, this evening (Wednesday, 12 August 2026), ordered the immediate dispatch of an aid delegation to Colombia following the earthquake disaster that struck the country.
The State of Israel shares in the grief of the families of those killed in the disaster and will provide full assistance to the Republic of Colombia.
Have the oldest streets in Ramat Gan been uncovered.docx
73.1 KB
Israel Antiquities Authority: Have the oldest streets in Ramat Gan been uncovered?
A 1,300-year-old complex was discovered near Winter Stadium
A 1,300-year-old complex was discovered near Winter Stadium
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Congratulates Israeli Men’s Marathon Team on their Historic Win
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, today (Sunday, 16 August 2026) [translated from Hebrew]:
“I congratulate the Israeli men's marathon team on their historic win of the team gold medal at the European Athletics Championships in Birmingham.
Our athletes displayed extraordinary determination, dedication, and teamwork, bringing immense honor and a great source of national pride to the State of Israel. Well done!”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, today (Sunday, 16 August 2026) [translated from Hebrew]:
“I congratulate the Israeli men's marathon team on their historic win of the team gold medal at the European Athletics Championships in Birmingham.
Our athletes displayed extraordinary determination, dedication, and teamwork, bringing immense honor and a great source of national pride to the State of Israel. Well done!”
Israel Ministry of Defense Spokesperson's Statement:
Israel and Honduras Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Deepen Defense Cooperation
Minister of Defense Israel Katz today (Sunday, 16 August 2026) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Honduras’ Minister of Defense, Enrique Rodríguez Burchard, to deepen defense cooperation between the State of Israel and the Republic of Honduras.
The signing ceremony took place during an official visit by a senior delegation from Honduras’ Ministry of Defense to Israel, attended by Israel Ministry of Defense (IMOD) Director General Maj. Gen. (Res.) Amir Baram, the Senior Deputy Head of the Policy and Political-Military Bureau, Israel’s Defense Attaché to Honduras, and additional senior officials from the defense ministries of both countries.
Honduras is an important partner of Israel in Central America, and has been notable over the years for its support of Israel in the international arena. The MOU signed today constitutes a significant milestone in strengthening defense relations between the two countries and establishes a framework for long-term cooperation based on shared interests and values.
During the visit, the Honduran Minister of Defense, the Minister of Internal Security, and the Chief of the Joint Staff of the Honduran Armed Forces held wide-ranging security discussions, during which IMOD Director General Maj. Gen. (Res.) Amir Baram presented the Ministry’s strategy.
As part of the dialogue, the parties discussed a range of shared strategic and security issues and examined ways to expand cooperation between the two countries. The Honduran delegation received a briefing on the security and operational challenges Israel has faced in recent years, including key lessons from the multi-front war and from contending with evolving and emerging threats in the region.
The delegation was briefed on the IMOD’s capabilities and activities, as well as key aspects of Israel’s defense and defense-industrial establishment. The parties explored relevant opportunities to expand defense cooperation, including in areas of mutual interest.
The MOU with Honduras joins a series of defense cooperation agreements advanced by the IMOD over the past year with partners around the world, as part of the Ministry’s strategy to expand Israel’s circle of defense partnerships, strengthen strategic ties with friendly nations, and deepen cooperation between Israel’s defense industries and international markets.
Attached are photos for your use.
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]
Israel and Honduras Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Deepen Defense Cooperation
Minister of Defense Israel Katz today (Sunday, 16 August 2026) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Honduras’ Minister of Defense, Enrique Rodríguez Burchard, to deepen defense cooperation between the State of Israel and the Republic of Honduras.
The signing ceremony took place during an official visit by a senior delegation from Honduras’ Ministry of Defense to Israel, attended by Israel Ministry of Defense (IMOD) Director General Maj. Gen. (Res.) Amir Baram, the Senior Deputy Head of the Policy and Political-Military Bureau, Israel’s Defense Attaché to Honduras, and additional senior officials from the defense ministries of both countries.
Honduras is an important partner of Israel in Central America, and has been notable over the years for its support of Israel in the international arena. The MOU signed today constitutes a significant milestone in strengthening defense relations between the two countries and establishes a framework for long-term cooperation based on shared interests and values.
During the visit, the Honduran Minister of Defense, the Minister of Internal Security, and the Chief of the Joint Staff of the Honduran Armed Forces held wide-ranging security discussions, during which IMOD Director General Maj. Gen. (Res.) Amir Baram presented the Ministry’s strategy.
As part of the dialogue, the parties discussed a range of shared strategic and security issues and examined ways to expand cooperation between the two countries. The Honduran delegation received a briefing on the security and operational challenges Israel has faced in recent years, including key lessons from the multi-front war and from contending with evolving and emerging threats in the region.
The delegation was briefed on the IMOD’s capabilities and activities, as well as key aspects of Israel’s defense and defense-industrial establishment. The parties explored relevant opportunities to expand defense cooperation, including in areas of mutual interest.
The MOU with Honduras joins a series of defense cooperation agreements advanced by the IMOD over the past year with partners around the world, as part of the Ministry’s strategy to expand Israel’s circle of defense partnerships, strengthen strategic ties with friendly nations, and deepen cooperation between Israel’s defense industries and international markets.
Attached are photos for your use.
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]