Mishelle Sirota

In 1996, Prime Minister Netanyahu said that Israel would gradually end U.S. financial support of $1.2 billion. He did just that. Thirty years later, Prime Minister Netanyahu said that Israel is strong enough economically to gradually end military support. Today, Israel has a strong and stable economy, and Israel and the United States are making the important move from aid to partnership. Prime Minister Netanyahu set out the direction on CBS’s 60 Minutes in May: “I want to draw down to zero the American financial support.” Secretary of State Marco Rubio affirmed it this week in Paris, calling it “something the Israelis themselves have offered us.” This joint move by Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Trump shows the strength of our relationship and its ability to adapt to changing circumstances.

Statement on Gaza and the Board of Peace

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu together with Education Minister Yoav Kisch and the Minister responsible for the rebuilding of the north and south, Ze'ev Elkin, went to Kiryat Shmona to mark the opening of the academic year and the transformation of Tel Hai College into Kiryat Shmona - Tel Hai University, a historic effort accompanied by a government investment of NIS 694 million. Prime Minister Netanyahu set a clear target that has become a reality today: The establishment of a university in Kiryat Shmona as part of building a new future for the north. In accordance with his directive, the establishment of the university was promoted as a strategic anchor for the development of the city and the entire region, to create opportunities for young people, attract researchers and professionals, and strengthen employment, research, and innovation in the north. During the visit, the Prime Minister met with the university's management, faculty members, and students, emphasizing the importance of the move as part of a broad governmental policy: Not merely to rebuild, but to lead a long-term growth momentum that will establish Kiryat Shmona as an academic, economic, and social hub. The program includes the expansion of the campus and research infrastructure, the recruitment of leading faculty members, and a dedicated scholarship system, including full funding for engineering studies and a master’s degree with a thesis in the sciences, alongside strengthening the connection between the university, the city, and the community. Academic revolution from the north to the south: The establishment of Kiryat Shmona University is part of a national initiative led by the Prime Minister to expand access to higher education and strengthen the periphery. The effort includes promoting new medical schools and expanding academic activity in additional cities, including Dimona, Nahariya, and Eilat. At the same time, the government is promoting a support package for reserve soldiers, including tuition assistance and academic adjustments, in accordance with programs and eligibility conditions. Broad program for rebuilding and developing the north: Alongside the establishment of the university, the government, in accordance with the Prime Minister's directive, is leading a sweeping program for the fortification and development of the north with an investment of approximately NIS 6.8 billion. The program includes assistance in fortifying residential homes, deploying 1,800 mobile bomb shelters, and renovating 500 public bomb shelters. Concurrently, efforts are being advanced to upgrade infrastructure and renew the city center, develop industry and food-tech, strengthen personal security and healthcare services, and provide transportation solutions to improve accessibility to Kiryat Shmona and connect it to Israel's economic hubs. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: "This is a historic day and tremendous news for Kiryat Shmona and the entire Galilee. I promised that a university be established in Kiryat Shmona, and today we are fulfilling that promise. A university is much more than an academic institution, it is an anchor of growth, research, innovation, and employment, and it expresses our belief in the future of Kiryat Shmona and the entire north. In accordance with my directive, we are working simultaneously to strengthen security, upgrade infrastructure, expand employment, and improve education and healthcare services. The north will flourish and thrive more than ever before."