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

Jonathan Pollard

Ex-US spy Jonathan Pollard seeks Knesset seat on Gaza 'forcible removal' platform

Jonathan Pollard, a former US intelligence analyst jailed for spying for Israel, says he will run for the Knesset, calling for the 'forcible removal' of Gaza’s residents and criticising Israel’s leadership over the 7 October 2023 massacre and its aftermath.

Ex-US spy Jonathan Pollard seeks Knesset seat on Gaza 'forcible removal' platform

Japan

Japan: Body of missing Israeli woman found

Tevel Shabtai, 22, from central Israel, had been missing since Friday after reporting to her mother that she was going to climb a mountain in the Higashikawa area of ​​Japan

Japan: Body of missing Israeli woman found

Watch:

IDF unveils new response to Hezbollah drone threat

The IDF has developed a new operational response to the growing threat of drones, aiming to improve detection and interception capabilities against aerial attacks.

IDF unveils new response to Hezbollah drone threat

Palestine Action activist convicted of attacking police officer with sledgehammer

Samuel Corner has been found guilty of grievous bodily harm after striking a police sergeant with a sledgehammer during a violent raid on an Israeli-linked defense company’s UK site.

Palestine Action activist convicted of attacking police officer with sledgehammer

Germany

Germany: Far-left and Islamists behind rise in antisemitic attacks

German Interior Minister Roman Poseck warns of the threat of antisemitism spread by 'Islamism and the left-wing extremism' following government study on antisemitism.

Germany: Far-left and Islamists behind rise in antisemitic attacks

Israel and Germany reaffirm strong ties as foreign ministers meet in Berlin

In a joint press conference, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar underscores Israel’s security challenges, stressing that Israel’s military actions are aimed at protecting its citizens and preventing further escalation by Iranian-backed groups.'

Israel and Germany reaffirm strong ties as foreign ministers meet in Berlin

Yisrael Ben Shetrit, IDF soldier seriously injured in battle joins Yisrael Beyteinu

Yisrael Beiteinu announced that wounded reserve officer Yisrael Ben Shetrit, seriously injured in Gaza fighting, has joined the party and will focus on equality in service and support for IDF veterans.

Yisrael Ben Shetrit, IDF soldier seriously injured in battle joins Yisrael Beyteinu

Trump

Trump: 'Iran should wave white flag of surrender'

US President says Iran is reduced to firing "pea shooters," blockade of Iran is unchallenged.

Trump: 'Iran should wave white flag of surrender'

Air Force chief:

Air Force chief: “We were on brink of undermining foundations of the IAF"

In his farewell speech, outgoing Air Force Commander Major General Tomer Bar also addressed the need for a commission of inquiry and the period of refusals to serve that preceded the war.

Air Force chief: “We were on brink of undermining foundations of the IAF"

No10 forum:

Prime Minister Keir Starmer: Antisemitism is a 'crisis for all of us,' at No10 forum

'Stopping antisemitism is not someone else’s responsibility. It is all of ours,' says British PM Keir Starmer at the No10 Tackling Antisemitism Forum.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer: Antisemitism is a 'crisis for all of us,' at No10 forum

'Likelihood of escalation'

Israel issues warning over pro-flotilla protest in Athens

Ministry of Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism issues a warning regarding a scheduled protest in Greece tonight - calling for the release of two activists from the "Global Sumud" flotilla; risk level assessed as high.

Israel issues warning over pro-flotilla protest in Athens

Watch:

Watch: Iranian rapper presents remix of Israeli hit - 'Harbu Darbu'

A newly released Persian remix of 'Harbu Darbu' has become an unlikely hub for cross-cultural dialogue, as Iranian, Israeli, and international listeners flood the comment section with messages of unity and hope.

Watch: Iranian rapper presents remix of Israeli hit - 'Harbu Darbu'

Hebron:

Bonfire sparks controversy, council head is not apologizing

Hebron Council head responds to burning of terror flags during Lag Ba'omer, saying that Israel has 'woken up' and any attempt to revive Arab nationalist aspirations will be uprooted at its source.

Bonfire sparks controversy, council head is not apologizing

Poison terror continues

Poison terror continues: Water cisterns contaminated in Binyamin; sheep harmed

Terrorists from the village of Mu'ayr poisoned water cisterns on a farm in Binyamin. The shepherd identified the suspicious substance and managed to prevent more serious harm to the flock.

Poison terror continues: Water cisterns contaminated in Binyamin; sheep harmed

Netanyahu at the start of his testimony: “Absurd"

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu referred at the beginning of his testimony in court to the security and political burden he is under, and defined the hearing in his case as an "absurd" situation.

Netanyahu at the start of his testimony: “Absurd"

London:

Counter-terror police investigate suspected arson at synagogue in London

A suspected arson attack on a former east London synagogue has sparked a counter-terror probe, amid growing concerns over a series of incidents targeting Jewish communities across the city.

Counter-terror police investigate suspected arson at synagogue in London

UK Conservative leader:

Kemi Badenoch: antisemitism ‘national emergency,’ urges ban on pro-Palestinian marches

UK conservative leader Kemi Badenoch calls for immediate action against rising antisemitism, 'If we do not stand up now, then why bother saying ‘Never Again’.'

Kemi Badenoch: antisemitism ‘national emergency,’ urges ban on pro-Palestinian marches

Hegseth

Hegseth: 'Iran is embarassed that our blockade is holding'

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Air Force Gen. Dan Caine, press briefing at the Pentagon. Caine: Iranian attacks not at level for US to resume military action.

Hegseth: 'Iran is embarassed that our blockade is holding'

CNN:

CNN: Israel and US planning another round of strikes in Iran

Report says Israel and the US are coordinating amid Hormuz tensions, with plans in place for possible strikes on Iran if diplomacy fails.

CNN: Israel and US planning another round of strikes in Iran

Smotrich, tobacco taxation and the Palestinian black market

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich is expected to soon approve a new order to tax smoking products that will impose an excise tax of NIS 350 per kilogram on tobacco substitutes, alongside a 4% customs duty.

Smotrich, tobacco taxation and the Palestinian black market

Nukhba terrorist who infiltrated Nova Festival eliminated

IDF eliminates Anas Muhammad Ibrahim Hamed, a Nukhba commander who infiltrated Israeli territory during the October 7th Massacre, after he posed a threat to troops in Gaza.

Nukhba terrorist who infiltrated Nova Festival eliminated

Abandon ship:

Abandon ship: Eitan Ginzburg leaves Blue and White party

MK Eitan Ginzberg is the newest member of Benny Gantz's party to announce departure, following MKs Tropper and Farkash-Hacohen.

Abandon ship: Eitan Ginzburg leaves Blue and White party

How officers earned 7 million NIS from smuggling

The military prosecution filed three serious indictments against officers and soldiers who smuggled cigarettes, phones and even a motorcycle into the Strip in exchange for bribes.

How officers earned 7 million NIS from smuggling

Sa’ar heads to Germany for high-level diplomatic talks

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar to meet German leaders in Berlin, focusing on strengthening diplomatic, security, and economic ties.

Sa’ar heads to Germany for high-level diplomatic talks

Anti-Israel group sets its sights on Israeli in Cyprus

HRF submits complaint to Cypriot authorities seeking arrest of Israeli visiting the country, alleging involvement in crimes during Gaza operations

Anti-Israel group sets its sights on Israeli in Cyprus

60,000 attend central Lag Ba'Omer lighting in Jerusalem

Appropriately 60,000 people attended last night’s central Lag BaOmer lighting in Jerusalem, led by Rabbi Elimelech Biderman, according to an estimate by the Israel Police.

60,000 attend central Lag Ba'Omer lighting in Jerusalem

Hundreds attempt to enter Meron without authorization and are turned back

Worshippers who attempted to reach the tomb of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai were caught after a long walk along roads and through forests. They were put on buses and taken away from the area.

Hundreds attempt to enter Meron without authorization and are turned back

Ceasefire in Lebanon? 70 drones launched, five killed

Since the ceasefire in Lebanon began, Hezbollah has launched 70 explosive drones at IDF forces, killing five and wounding 33.

Ceasefire in Lebanon? 70 drones launched, five killed

In photos:

In photos: Lag Ba'Omer night in Meron

Lag Ba'Omer events began in Meron with bonfires lit by leading rabbis. Attendence was limited due to security concerns.

In photos: Lag Ba'Omer night in Meron

Drone cam:

Drone cam: Hezbollah terrorists eliminated on motorcycle

IDF forces used an armed drone to eliminate Hezbollah operatives in southern Lebanon and struck a launch site after an anti-tank missile attack nearby.

Drone cam: Hezbollah terrorists eliminated on motorcycle

Report:

Report: Iran leader confronts IRGC over attacks on UAE

Report says Iran’s president warned IRGC actions in the Gulf risk escalation, seeking urgent talks to halt operations and preserve diplomatic efforts.

Report: Iran leader confronts IRGC over attacks on UAE

Watch:

Watch: Lag Ba'Omer celebrations at Hashmonaim Brigade

The new recruits to the haredi brigade held a special bonfire lighting together at their base to mark the passing of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai.

Watch:  Lag Ba'Omer celebrations at Hashmonaim Brigade

Marking 250 years:

Trump declares National Sabbath to mark 250 years of independence

US President Donald Trump marks Jewish American Heritage Month, praising Jewish contributions and announcing a national Sabbath for reflection and unity.

Trump declares National Sabbath to mark 250 years of independence

Operation Roaring Lion

Live updates: Hezbollah continuously violates ceasefire

Over a month after Israel and US launched strikes against the Iranian regime, US President Donald Trump announces indefinite extension to ceasefire, as Iran rejects it and begins attacking vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. Live Updates.

Live updates: Hezbollah continuously violates ceasefire

Suspect in Colorado firebomb attack to plead guilty

Man charged over firebomb attack during a pro-Israel rally in Boulder, Colorado, will plead guilty this week.

Suspect in Colorado firebomb attack to plead guilty

US and Gulf allies propose

US and Gulf allies draft UN resolution to end Iranian blockade of Hormuz

The US and Gulf allies are drafting a UN Security Council resolution to stop Iranian mining and tolls in Hormuz.

US and Gulf allies draft UN resolution to end Iranian blockade of Hormuz

Lebanese President:

Lebanese President: Meeting with Netanyahu is out of the question

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun rejects meeting Netanyahu, citing the need for a security deal before such a meeting occurs.

Lebanese President: Meeting with Netanyahu is out of the question

Following antisemitic attacks

Starmer to convene emergency summit following antisemitic attacks

British Prime Minister to meet societal leaders for emergency summit following rise in antisemitic stabbings.

Starmer to convene emergency summit following antisemitic attacks

Legendary Yankees broadcaster John Sterling passes away at 87

Legendary New York Yankees announcer John Sterling dies at 87, leaving a legacy of iconic home run calls.

Legendary Yankees broadcaster John Sterling passes away at 87

US report:

US report: Iran’s nuclear breakout time unmoved by recent strikes

US intelligence indicates Iran's nuclear timeline is unchanged despite recent war, as the regime retains uranium stockpiles in deep bunkers.

US report: Iran’s nuclear breakout time unmoved by recent strikes