Israel celebrates independence

Police arrest man suspected of burning flag

Police officers arrest 27-year-old Beit Shemesh resident suspected of burning Israeli flag on Independence Day.

Kisch shares late son’s struggle in emotional Israel Prize speech

Education Minister Yoav Kisch delivers emotional speech at Israel Prize ceremony, sharing late son's story and thanking founder of youth movement that supported him.

Houston synagogue, school close after threats

Houston synagogue and Jewish day school closed due to unspecified threats.

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Prime Minister walks in Hasataf Forest on Independence Day

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu surprised citizens when he arrived to enjoy the national Independence Day pastime of a walk in a national park.

During Independence Day:

Arabs attack a group of hikers near Ofra

Palestinian Arabs attacked a group of hikers who were walking from Ofra toward Givat Assaf. Several of the hikers were injured by stones and required medical treatment.

Watch: Ofir Akunis waves Israeli flag in New York

Israeli Consul General Ofir Akunis waves Israeli flag in New York, promises, 'We will not compromise on waving our flag, in every place and at every time.'

Smotrich:

We will return to Gush Katif as we returned to northern Samaria

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich participates in Independence Day ceremony in Samaria, promises return to Gush Katif.

Hodaya Cohen wins International Bible Quiz

On Israel's 78th Independence Day, Hodaya Cohen wins International Bible Quiz for Jewish youth; Akiva Schrier takes second place.

Physical altercation

Independence Day ceremony plagued by high-level disputes

A seating dispute involving Eyal Zamir and David Barnea sparked security tensions, as Itamar Ben-Gvir exited the event due to his own seating issue.

'Closure for me'

Captivity survivor and wounded warrior meet

At a Jerusalem ceremony, a former hostage and wounded Golani soldier recount captivity, loss, and recovery, highlighting resilience and hope.

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Independence Day reception for ambassadors and diplomats

Ambassadors to Israel and the diplomatic corps arrive at special President's Residence reception honoring Israel’s 78th Independence Day.

Division is a threat

Rabbi Lau's Independence Day message of unity

Former Chief Rabbi of Israel and Tel Aviv, Rabbi Yisrael Meir Lau, spoke to Arutz Sheva and called for unity ahead of Independence Day and elections.

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Festive Independence Day prayer service in Kiryat Shmona

Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu leads a festive musical prayer service, including Hallel, celebrating Israel's Independence Day near the Lebanese border.

After ceremony mix-up

TikTok figure mistaken for Chief Rabbi at Independence event

A TikTok personality dressed as the Chief Rabbi sparked confusion at Israel’s Independence Day ceremony, even prompting Rabbinate to consider legal action.

Watch: Festive Independence Day prayers at the Western Wall

Crowds arrive at Western Wall for festive Independence Day prayers, accompanied by song and dance, led by Rabbi Oury Cherki.

'A light to the world'

Amb. Huckabee's greeting for Israel's Independence Day

US Ambassador Mike Huckabee marks Israel’s 78th Independence Day, praising its resilience, historic roots, and enduring partnership with the US.

2,000 join Independence Day eve prayer in Jerusalem

Crowds at OU Israel's Independence Day prayer at the Ramada Hotel: 'They will never break our spirit.'

Hochul declares solidarity with Israel on Independence Day

New York Governor Kathy Hochul expresses strong solidarity with Israel on its 78th Independence Day, highlighting the state’s large Jewish population and the deep bond between New York and Israel.

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Israeli flag lights up Times Square for Independence Day

Israeli flag displayed on digital billboards in New York’s Times Square, marking Israel’s 78th Independence Day with the message “Israel 78, celebrating freedom."

Argentine President at Kotel:

'Here I feel close to God!'

Argentine President Javier Milei concludes his visit to Israel with an emotional prayer at the Western Wall on the eve of Independence Day.

Talik Gvili lights a torch: Pride is stronger than sorrow

Talik Gvili lights a torch on Independence Day in memory of her son Ran, who fell in battle at Kibbutz Alumim and kidnapped to Gaza, delivering a powerful message of heroism, unity, and victory.

From memorial to celebration

Prayer bridging national days of remembrance and hope

Tzohar Rabbinical Organization has released a special prayer to be recited in the period of transition between Israel’s Memorial Day and Independence Day.

Haredi brigade clarifies: There will be a Memorial Day ceremony

Hasmonean Brigade stresses that even its troops operating in Lebanon will mark Memorial Day with a special ceremony on the front line.

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Milei steals the show at torch-lighting ceremony rehearsal

Argentine President Javier Milei arrived, along with Prime Minister Netanyahu, for the dress rehearsal for the Independence Day torch-lighting ceremony and performed a song in Spanish.

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Final rehearsals of flag-bearers for torch-lighting ceremony

About 125 flag-bearers from across the IDF will march on the Mount Herzl plaza in formations symbolizing technological innovation.

Ahead of Independence Day: Israel in numbers

Israel’s population reaches over 10.2 million ahead of Independence Day, reflecting rapid growth driven by high birth rates, aliyah, and longevity.

Jerusalem mayor insists:

Independence Day celebrations to take place as usual

Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion pushes back against wave of event cancellations, insists capital city will celebrate Independence Day as usual.

Portugal:

Israel Declaration hailed as global human rights milestone

After years of attacks on Zionism, two human rights organizations recognize the unique global significance of Israel’s Declaration of Independence.

Assessment

Home Front Command to tighten restrictions on Independence Day

The government will convene to extend the special state of emergency on the home front. Assessments are growing that additional restrictions will be imposed ahead of Independence Day.

Argentine President Milei to light Independence Day torch

Argentine President Javier Milei selected to light torch at Mount Herzl, cited for strong support of Israel and fight against antisemitism.

Wounded warrior Ari Spitz to light Independence Day torch

Ari Spitz, who lost an arm and two legs in Gaza and went through a tough road to recovery, has been selected to light a torch at the Independence Day ceremony.

Kisch orders Israel Prize preparations amid possible Trump visit

Education Minister Yoav Kisch orders full preparations for the Israel Prize ceremony, including contingencies over security concerns and the potential attendance of US President Donald Trump.

Sara Netanyahu declines offer to light Independence Day torch

The Prime Minister's wife turned down the opportunity to partake in the Independence Day ceremony, saying that the honor belongs to the soldiers of the IDF.

Officials assess:

Trump to visit Israel on Independence Day, despite war

Israeli officials assess that US President Donald Trump will be in Israel on Israeli Independence Day to receive the Israel Prize.

Javier Milei to light torch on Mt. Herzl?

Transportation Minister Miri Regev intends to propose to Argentine President Javier Milei to light a torch on Israel's Independence Day.

Israel offers Trump the chance to light an Independence Day torch

Israel has officially reached out to U.S. President Donald Trump, inviting him to participate in the Independence Day torch-lighting ceremony and to receive the Israel Prize.

Capitol Hill

Congressional Israel Allies Caucus celebrates Independence Day

Over 300 rabbis and pastors gather in Washington, D.C. for Israel Advocacy Day and Independence Day reception.

Consul General to mark Independence Day with released hostage

Israeli consul Ofir Akunis has scheduled a celebration for next week, with the participation of released hostage Agam Berger and political figures.

King Charles to Herzog:

'Our thoughts and prayers remain with the hostages'

King Charles III sends official letter of congratulations to President Isaac Herzog on the occasion of Israel's 77th Independence Day, expresses solidarity with the people of Israel and acknowledging the ongoing pain of those still held hostage by Hamas in Gaza.

Hersh's mother reveals shocking details about her son's murder

Rachel Goldberg-Polin, mother of Hersh Goldberg-Polin who was murdered while in captivity, speaks to diplomatic staff stationed in Israel, reveals details about her son's murder in a Hamas tunnel.

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97-year-old War of Independence vet. dances on Independence Day

At 97, Lehi underground veteran and author Ezra Yakhin celebrated Israel's 77th Independence Day by dancing with the students of the Mitzpe Yericho Yeshiva.

Sa'ar to intl. community:

'Protect minorities in Syria from the regime's gangs of terror'

In a wide-ranging speech, Sa’ar celebrated Israel’s resilience, defended its right to self-defense, and urged international action on regional threats.

2nd Lt. N.'s story

The wounded officer who marched in the Independence Day ceremony

2nd Lt. N., who participated in the Independence Day opening ceremony, tells Arutz Sheva about his friends whom he lost in battle, his injury, and what IDF service means to him as an immigrant.

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Mossad agents light Independence Day torch

Three of the key agents in the Hezbollah pager operation were honored with lighting a torch for Independence Day. The agents identified themselves only by initials and remained masked throughout the ceremony.

Natasha Hausdorff:

'A torch for everyone who fights for Israel's right to exist'

Natasha Hausdorff, a prominent member of UK Lawyers For Israel, was honored with a torch lighting for Independence Day.

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Festive Independence Day prayers

Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu and Rabbi Tamir Granot are leading festive prayers for Independence Day in Jerusalem.

Ben Shapiro at ceremony:

'We stand united against enemies of Western civilization'

Ben Shapiro lit a torch for Independence Day and dedicated it 'as a Jew and an American, to Israel, a nation of champions and dreamers.'

Independence Day:

We will defeat them through joy!

This is the path to victory today - faith, not despair and sadness. Unity, not division. Strength, not weakness and a broken spirit. Confidence and determination, not despair and frailty.

Independence Day:

Haredi activist fights tears during torch lighting ceremony

Shai Graucher, a haredi activist who organized large charity drives for soldiers and those affected by the war, delivered an emotional declaration calling to help those impacted by the war - widows, orphans, and the survivors of captivity.

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Captivity survivor Agam Berger plays violin alongside Dudu Fisher

Captivity survivor Agam Berger plays an ancient violin and accompanies Dudu Fisher during the broadcast of the torchlighting ceremony marking the start of Independence Day celebrations.

Torch lighting ceremony:

Elisha Medan lit a torch and called for unity

"Our society needs healing – we must not be divided,' IDF soldier Elisha Medan, who was severely wounded in Gaza, expresses hope for social recovery.

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Independence Day opening torchlighting ceremony

The traditional torch-lighting ceremony is being held on Mount Herzl to mark the opening of the celebrations for the State of Israel's 77th Independence Day.

Due to inclement weather:

State Independence Day ceremony cancelled

Due to heavy winds, Minister Miri Regev announced that the state opening ceremony for Israel's Independence Day would be cancelled and instead the general rehearsal that was filmed this week will be broadcast.

Fallen soldier's brothers:

We mourn his loss, on Independence Day we will celebrate for him

The three brothers of Lieutenant Shahar Ben Nun speak to Arutz Sheva and describe their feelings on the first Memorial Day as bereaved brothers.

Hamas condemns Memorial and Independence Day ceremonies in Hebron

Hamas condemned the Memorial Day and Independence Day ceremonies at the Cave of the Patriarchs in Hebron, and called them 'a desecration of the holy al-Ibrahimi Sanctuary.'

President Herzog:

'We are a zestful nation, a fighting nation'

In a special Memorial Day interview with Arutz Sheva-Israel National News, President Isaac Herzog addresses national unity, the global response to October 7, and the enduring strength of the Jewish people.

No normal childhood:

Young boy who leads international advocacy to light torch

'It's a great honor,' says 10-year-old Ben Carasso, the spokeskid of Israel and youngest person ever to light a torch at Israel's Independence Day ceremony

Independence Day:

More than ten million citizens live in Israel

Israel's population has grown in the last decade at a rate of about 1.5% per year, which is among the highest in the Western world. 91% of Israelis report being satisfied with their lives.

Yarden Bibas:

'No independence while they are still there'

Released hostage Yarden Bibas posted a sobering message for the approaching Independence Day.

Prayer to bridge between Remembrance and Independence Days

Ahead of Israel's 77th Independence Day, Tzohar has published a prayer for the transition from Memorial Day to provide a source of inspiration and comfort amidst the ongoing war.