Israel National News

Israel National News

The Israel National News - Arutz Sheva website

Stories written by the Israel National News team have been compiled and edited by several news writers

News by Israel National News

Before becoming president

Before becoming president: The secret legal opinion Herzog received on Netanyahu pardon

A secret legal opinion prepared by those close to the president dealt with the possibility of granting Netanyahu a pardon before the indictment was filed against him. Herzog's office denies the report.

Before becoming president: The secret legal opinion Herzog received on Netanyahu pardon

Burned car, bloodstains

Burned car, bloodstains: Man found dead in well near Beit Guvrin

A body was discovered about 10 meters deep in a well near Beit Guvrin. The police are investigating a possible connection between the event and a missing Jerusalem resident in recent days.

Burned car, bloodstains: Man found dead in well near Beit Guvrin

Watch

Watch: Drug, weapons smuggling ring on western border busted

IDF, Shin Bet, and Israel Police Southern Command forces worked together and succeeded in arresting a gang of weapons and drug smugglers.

Watch: Drug, weapons smuggling ring on western border busted

Ronen Bar's first speech after being fired

Half a year after leaving his post, former ISA director Ronen Bar criticized the Prime Minister over the October 7th massacre and called for the establishment of a state commission of inquiry.

Ronen Bar's first speech after being fired

Watch

Watch: IDF forces return to tunnel where Hadar Goldin was held

A year and a half after first entering, the IDF's Shayetet 13, Yahalom, and Engineering forces return to the tunnel where Hadar Goldin’s body was held.

Watch: IDF forces return to tunnel where Hadar Goldin was held

Ambassadors Danon, Waltz take security tour of northern Israel

US and Israeli UN ambassadors tour northern border observ the threats on the Lebanese and Syrian borders.

Ambassadors Danon, Waltz take security tour of northern Israel

IDF spokesman reveals how Arabic videos influenced Hamas

At a Knesset hearing, the IDF Arabic spokesman revealed that an Arabic informational video he published, responding to Hamas messages, reached the terrorists holding the hostages.

IDF spokesman reveals how Arabic videos influenced Hamas

New report

New report: Strategic farms lead to dramatic decrease in terrorist attacks

A new report indicates a significant drop in terrorism incidents along the Alon Road following the establishment of strategic farms along the route.

New report: Strategic farms lead to dramatic decrease in terrorist attacks

2.5 months after deadly attack:

2.5 months after deadly attack: Allenby Crossing to reopen to Gaza shipments

The Allenby Crossing will reopen for cargo and aid after two and a half months, following security upgrades on both sides of the border after the terror attack that killed two IDF soldiers.

2.5 months after deadly attack: Allenby Crossing to reopen to Gaza shipments

12th case:

12th case: 11-month-old infant dies of measles complications

The Health Ministry announced that an 11-month-old unvaccinated infant with no preexisting conditions passed away from complications of the measles.

12th case: 11-month-old infant dies of measles complications

Senior IDF officers:

Senior IDF officers: 'This is how the plan to eliminate Sinwar and Deif was blocked'

Senior IDF officers disclose one of the most dramatic operational blunders in recent years, when the political echelon blocked Shin Bet initiatives to eliminate Hamas leaders, for fear of escalation.

Senior IDF officers: 'This is how the plan to eliminate Sinwar and Deif was blocked'

Unlikely study buddies in the Knesset: MKs Sukkot and Kariv agree to study Tanya together

In a special plenum address, MK Tzvi Succot praised the legacy of Rabbi Shneur Zalman and publicly invited Reform MK Gilad Kariv to study Tanya together.

Unlikely study buddies in the Knesset: MKs Sukkot and Kariv agree to study Tanya together

'Significant shortcomings'

State Comptroller warns of foreign meddling in 2026 election

The Comptroller cautioned that foreign cyber threats may undermine Israel’s 2026 elections, revealing significant flaws in current state readiness.

State Comptroller warns of foreign meddling in 2026 election

Roman Zadorov receives state compensation following acquittal in Tair Rada case

Roman Zadorov, acquitted of the 2006 murder of Tair Rada, receives compensation promised to him as part of the settlement agreement, but at his request, a gag order was issued on the amount.

Roman Zadorov receives state compensation following acquittal in Tair Rada case

Bereaved father to MKs:

Bereaved father urges MKs: ‘Do the right thing, even when it’s hard’

'The world of Torah and the army are one and the same,' says bereaved father Hagai Luber to Knesset committee, urging lawmakers to promote a “real and courageous” draft law.

Bereaved father urges MKs: ‘Do the right thing, even when it’s hard’

Israel bids farewell to slain Thai hostage Sudthisak Rinthalak

A ceremony was held at Ben Gurion Airport ahead of the repatriation of the body of Sudthisak Rinthalak, who was murdered by Hamas terrorists near Kibbutz Be’eri on October 7th and abducted to the Gaza Strip.

Israel bids farewell to slain Thai hostage Sudthisak Rinthalak

Hanukkah menorah arrives at Western Wall ahead of holiday

This year's candlighting ceremonies will be held under the theme, 'And the redeemed of the Lord shall return and come to Zion with song,' with the participation of captivity survivors.

Hanukkah menorah arrives at Western Wall ahead of holiday

Storm 'Byron' arrives in Israel with heavy rains, major flooding risks

Storm 'Byron' hit Israel overnight with intense rainfall, especially in the north, and forecasters warn of 100-200 mm of rain along the coast and lowlands in the coming days.

Storm 'Byron' arrives in Israel with heavy rains, major flooding risks

Report:

Report: Trump expected to announce 'Board of Peace' before holidays

White House advances Gaza governance plan as officials cite progress on Trump's 20‑point framework ahead of the anticipated holiday announcement.

Report: Trump expected to announce 'Board of Peace' before holidays

Draft Law:

Legal adviser warns draft exemption bill raises many concerns

Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee’s legal adviser, Miri Frankel-Shor, cautions lawmakers that the proposed draft exemption law does not meet the IDF’s operational needs.

Legal adviser warns draft exemption bill raises many concerns

Judge rejects Harvard antisemitism suit by Israeli graduate

US judge dismisses Yoav Segev’s lawsuit against Harvard, ruling he failed to prove “severe and pervasive harassment” or antisemitic intent in a 2023 campus assault during an anti-Israel protest.

Judge rejects Harvard antisemitism suit by Israeli graduate

Ben & Jerry’s chair:

Ben & Jerry’s chair defies Unilever, has no intention of resigning

Ben & Jerry’s board chair Anuradha Mittal refuses to resign as Unilever pressures her ahead of Magnum’s spinoff, escalating a feud over governance, funding, and the brand’s political activism.

Ben & Jerry’s chair defies Unilever, has no intention of resigning

House shifts Israel defense funds to Arrow 3 in 2026 NDAA

The House of Representatives’ 2026 defense bill cuts Iron Dome funding, boosts Arrow 3 missile defense, expands Israel cooperation on tunnels and drones, and sets $901B in overall US defense spending.

House shifts Israel defense funds to Arrow 3 in 2026 NDAA

Minister Bezalel Smotrich:

Minister Bezalel Smotrich: Ronen Bar endangered democracy

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich launches a fierce attack against former Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar, following reports that the agency monitored government offices involved in settlement activity.

Minister Bezalel Smotrich: Ronen Bar endangered democracy

Southern Lebanon:

IDF targets Hezbollah launch site, training facilities in southern Lebanon

IDF strikes Hezbollah training and launch sites in southern Lebanon, targeting Radwan Force facilities used to prepare attacks against Israeli troops and civilians.

IDF targets Hezbollah launch site, training facilities in southern Lebanon

Watch

Watch: The question which surprised President Herzog

ZOA-Betar leader Ben Kogan says his mic was cut and detectives sent to remove him after urging Herzog to pardon Netanyahu at the AZM conference: “It’s not Bibi who should ask for forgiveness, but the Jewish people.”

Watch: The question which surprised President Herzog

Haifa Mayor threatens delivery company over reckless drivers

Haifa Mayor Yona Yahav launched an enforcement drive against Wolt couriers after repeated reports of dangerous driving, warning the company that continued violations may lead to legal steps limiting its operations.

Haifa Mayor threatens delivery company over reckless drivers

ICJ alowss Russian counterclaim that Ukraine committed 'genocide'

Russia charges 41 Ukrainian officials with "genocide" as the International Court of Justice allows Russia to present its accusations to the court.

ICJ alowss Russian counterclaim that Ukraine committed 'genocide'

President Herzog in NYC:

President Herzog in NYC: Mamdani shows 'utter contempt' for Jewish nation state

Speaking in New York, President Isaac Herzog urged a united fight against antisemitism, defended Israel’s conduct in war, and warned of growing Iranian aggression.

President Herzog in NYC: Mamdani shows 'utter contempt' for Jewish nation state

Canada

Canadian model considers move to Israel after antisemitic incident

Miriam Mattova speaks about the incident in which an Uber driver refused to drive her just because she is Jewish.

Canadian model considers move to Israel after antisemitic incident

Israel and Bolivia to officially restore diplomatic ties

Foreign Minister Sa'ar to meet with Bolivian counterpart in Washington and sign an agreement to renew relations between the countries, after Bolivia severed ties with Israel in 2023.

Israel and Bolivia to officially restore diplomatic ties

Captain Daniel Peretz's weapon found in booby-trapped Gaza complex

IDF troops located in Gaza the weapon of Captain Daniel Peretz, who was killed on 10/7 & whose body was returned from Hamas captivity about a month ago.

Captain Daniel Peretz's weapon found in booby-trapped Gaza complex

US Ambassador meets family of last remaining hostage

Ambassadors Mike Waltz and Danny Danon met with the family of Ran Gvili, the last hostage held captive by Hamas since the October 7 terror attacks.

US Ambassador meets family of last remaining hostage

Footage from Bnei Brak:

Footage from Bnei Brak: Car barrels into haredi protester, moderately injuring him

A car ran through a group of haredi extremists who were blocking Route 4. One protester was injured and taken to a nearby hospital.

Footage from Bnei Brak: Car barrels into haredi protester, moderately injuring him

Arab convicted for racist assault on Jew in Jerusalem's Old City

The court determined that the Arab suspect sprayed a Jew who was walking to prayers on purpose out of racist motives.

Arab convicted for racist assault on Jew in Jerusalem's Old City

'Life-changing':

'Life-changing': Shiloh visit leaves deep impact on US Christian delegation

American Christian leaders who visited Shiloh told Arutz Sheva about the spiritual meaning of their visit, the welcome they received, and their commitment to support Israel.

'Life-changing': Shiloh visit leaves deep impact on US Christian delegation

Ben Gvir

Ben Gvir: Arab MKs risk losing their 'cultural heroes' with death penalty bill

National Security Minister says at Otzma Yehudit faction meeting that the death penalty for terrorists law would endanger the "cultural heroes" of MKs Tibi, Abbas, and Odeh.

Ben Gvir: Arab MKs risk losing their 'cultural heroes' with death penalty bill

Commanders punished

Soldier abandoned in Arab village after falling asleep, commanders punished

An IDF investigation found 'severe failures' after a special-unit fighter was accidentally left alone for 40 minutes in Qabatiya.

Soldier abandoned in Arab village after falling asleep, commanders punished

14 US colleges receive F grades for antisemitism

New report from StopAntisemitism organization finds that nearly 40% of Jewish students hid their Jewish identity on campus, about 60% experienced antisemitism personally.

14 US colleges receive F grades for antisemitism

PM Netanyahu:

PM Netanyahu: Israel advancing defense independence, pursuing regional gains

PM Netanyahu tells ambassadors Israel is expanding defense independence, strengthening alliances, and preparing the next stage in Gaza operations.

PM Netanyahu: Israel advancing defense independence, pursuing regional gains