President Herzog has welcomed a partnership between Intel Ignite, Intel's startup accelerator program, and Orthodox entrepreneurship program Dos Ventures, which aims to enable Orthodox Jews' integration into the hi-tech sector. The collaboration is in line with the principles of the "Exchange Word" initiative launched by the president recently, promoting dialogue among different groups within Israel. Benefits of integrating Orthodox Jews into the Israeli hi-tech market include workforce diversification, access to high-paying employment opportunities and a wider talent pool. The partnership will provide tools for managing the acceleration program, including mentoring sessions, product adaptation and raising capital. The program aims to encourage young people from the Orthodox community to embark on an entrepreneurial path.

Israeli forces killed three members of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad terrorist group during a raid in the West Bank town of Jaba. The militants had opened fire on Israeli soldiers and border police officers from a vehicle. Weapons and explosives were later found in the car. The Palestinians were identified as 26-year-old Sufyan Adnan Ismail Al-Fakhouri, 22-year-old Ahmed Muhammad Dheeb Fashafsha, and 25-year-old Nayef Ahmed Yusef Malaysha. The Israeli forces came under attack again as they left Jaba, with one further militant shot by soldiers. Six Palestinians died during a previous raid in Jenin earlier in the week. In response, Hamas warned that there will be a response to the deaths, but Israeli officials congratulated their security forces on the operation.

During a visit to Israel Aerospace Industries, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel and the US have a “common agenda” to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and to expand the circle of peace. The prime minister emphasized that the two countries are working together to maintain the security and prosperity of the region. US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin expressed the US’s commitment to the security of Israel and hinted that one of the important topics for discussion would be the Iranian nuclear issue. Austin is also expected to discuss the escalating tensions between Israel and Palestinians in the West Bank during his visit.

JENNIFER LOPEZ