Ahead of Yom Ha'atzmaut:
Ahead of Yom Ha'atzmaut: Dozens of new olim from North America
About 50 immigrants arrived from North America this week; with over 540 since the start of the year, and 4,100+ immigration files opened.
Stories written by the Israel National News team have been compiled and edited by several news writers
About 50 immigrants arrived from North America this week; with over 540 since the start of the year, and 4,100+ immigration files opened.

Rabbanit Mechi Fendel speaks passionately about aliyah, living in Sderot, and how war, personal illness, and life's challenges built her belief that 'Israel is not just a place; it is home, and the stage on which history, faith, and daily life continue to unfold.'

Lawmakers from across Latin America convened in Montevideo last week for the First Congress of the Latin American Coalition of Legislators Against Antisemitism, aimed at developing a coordinated strategy to combat rising Jew-hatred across the continent.

In the 24 hours preceding the ceasefire, more than 150 Hezbollah terrorists were eliminated and approximately 300 terrorist infrastructures in Lebanon were attacked.

Sari, mother of Staff Sgt. Barak Kalfon, who fell in southern Lebanon, says he saw his service as a personal mission, repeatedly volunteered for reserves, and faithfully led his comrades in battle.

According to the police, the surfer was carried away after entering the sea in rough conditions. He was located during searches using lighting equipment and rescued safely, unharmed.

The Metropolitan Police has launched an investigation after Jewish businesses were set on fire on Friday night in Hendon, a Jewish area in northwest London. An Islamist group claimed responsibility.

A leaked Iranian naval transmission reveals Revolutionary Guards openly insulting Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi while threatening to attack vessels attempting to cross the Strait of Hormuz without approval.

The serious incidents over the past weekend show that even during the ceasefire in Lebanon, the security situation on the ground remains complex and dangerous for IDF soldiers.

Omer Rahamim, CEO of the Yesha Council, criticized the denial of access to a lawyer for a reserve soldier suspected of killing an Arab. “I call on the Shin Bet to stop this questionable practice," he said.

According to a report in The New York Times, despite the heavy blows it has suffered, Tehran still retains 60% of its missile launchers and 40% of its drone capabilities.

North Korea fires multiple ballistic missiles toward the sea off its east coast on Sunday, its seventh launch this year and fourth in April.

Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem says the ceasefire with Israel requires a complete halt to aggression, warning the group will retaliate against any Israeli violations in southern Lebanon.

Sergeant First Class (Res.) Lidor Porat, from Ashdod, a soldier in the 7106th Battalion, 769th Regional Brigade, fell during combat in southern Lebanon. Nine soldiers injured, including one seriously.

Former US Vice President claims that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pulled President Donald Trump into the Iran war, criticizes the Trump administration as the most corrupt in US history.

President Trump praises Israel as a “great ally" in a post on Truth Social, calling it courageous, bold, loyal and smart.

Iranian Parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf acknowledged “progress" in negotiations with the US, but warns a “big distance" remains between the two sides.

Captivity survivor Emily Damari shares how she avenged her captor's abuse of fellow hostage Romi Gonen. 'They didn't think anyone would get revenge on them in that way.'

Israel’s ambassador, Danny Danon, sharply criticized France and raised allegations about its conduct towards the Iranian closure.

Man, 89, who confessed to murdering five-year-old son before murdering wife, found lifeless near Eilat.

A major and deeply concerning espionage case has come to light, involving a suspected network operating within the IDF on behalf of Iranian intelligence.

Command Sergeant Major (Res.) Barak Kalfon, aged 48, succumbed to his wounds after being injured during combat in southern Lebanon.

Iran closes Strait of Hormuz, US President Donald Trump insists talks are going 'very well.'

IDF declares 'yellow line' in southern Lebanon, duplicating concept used following ceasefire with Hamas in Gaza.

New York judge declines to dismiss charges against Pedro Hernandez in the 1979 disappearance and murder of 6-year-old Etan Patz, paving the way for a third trial.

Opposition leaders including Lapid, Liberman, Eisenkot and Bennett are reportedly planning to offer Benny Gantz the presidency in exchange for him leaving politics.

Tennessee’s General Assembly votes to ban the term “West Bank" in all official state documents, replacing it with the historically accurate Biblical names “Judea and Samaria." The bill awaits Governor Bill Lee’s signature.

In a national address following the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire, President Joseph Aoun defends direct talks with Israel, declaring Lebanon has reclaimed its decision-making power.

Just hours before the ceasefire with Lebanon took effect, IDF elite soldiers conducted a special operation on Christofani Ridge in southern Lebanon, establishing an operational presence there.

The IDF and Home Front Command announce that all defensive restrictions will be lifted across Israel starting Saturday night, allowing full activity, large gatherings, and the resumption of Memorial Day, Independence Day events, and in-person schooling.

Wounded IDF soldier Ari Spitz meets Prime Minister Netanyahu in Jerusalem after being chosen to light a torch at the Independence Day ceremony, with Netanyahu praising his inspiring recovery and resilience.

US President Donald Trump announces Strait of Hormuz reopened for passage, says naval blockade will continue until 'transaction with Iran' is complete.

US President Donald Trump declares Israel will no longer bomb Lebanon, says he 'prohibited' IDF from doing so. PM Netanyahu responds, 'we have not yet finished the job.'

24 fighter jets from the Pakistani Air Force accompanied the Iranians after the negotiations with the US, fearing that Israel would eliminate them.

Iranian Jewish community, cut off from outside news sources, holds special event at Tehran synagogue, honoring those killed in war with Israel and US.

Reports say suspicious objects found near Israeli embassy, no risk to public at this stage.

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa says talks with Israel have not ended, but face 'difficulties.'

Defense Minister Israel Katz responds to return of Lebanese to south of the Litani River, says IDF is not leaving the area.

Court clears for publication that IDF soldier arrested in Samaria for eliminating terrorist acted only after Arabs attacked Jewish shepherds.

MDA establishes a clinic in a shelter in Kibbutz Misgav Am, improving medical response for residents along the border.
