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

Defense Minister Katz defends IDF Chief of Staff amid criticism

Defense Minister Israel Katz responds to Yair Netanyahu’s criticism of IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, praising his leadership in tackling security challenges and emphasizing IDF’s offensive operations and commitment to achieving war objectives.

Defense Minister Katz defends IDF Chief of Staff amid criticism

'Death To The IDF':

'Death To The IDF': Arson and graffiti against American IDF veteran in Missouri

Three cars were set on fire and antisemitic graffiti, including the phrase “Death to the IDF,” was spray-painted in a residential neighborhood in St. Louis, late Tuesday night.

'Death To The IDF': Arson and graffiti against American IDF veteran in Missouri

Swedish government won't impose boycott on Israel

Christian Democratic Party retracts support, proposal seen as encouraging Hamas is off the table.

Swedish government won't impose boycott on Israel

Great-granddaughter of Nazi gas supplier on Gaza flotilla

A new flotilla has set sail for Gaza, including Marlena Engelhorn, the great-granddaughter of the Nazi who supplied the deadly Zyklon B gas to the concentration camps.

Great-granddaughter of Nazi gas supplier on Gaza flotilla

Trump:

Trump: VP Vance 'most likely' to lead GOP in 2028

President Trump says it's too soon to name a 2028 GOP nominee but calls VP JD Vance the "most likely" choice while downplaying third-term talk.

Trump: VP Vance 'most likely' to lead GOP in 2028

FBI: Anti-Jewish hate crimes hit record high in 2024

The FBI reports a record 1,938 anti-Jewish hate crimes in 2024, up 5.8% from 2023. ADL says the rise reflects Jews' lived reality since the October 7 Hamas-led massacre.

FBI: Anti-Jewish hate crimes hit record high in 2024

Norway reviews sovereign fund over ties to Israeli defense company

Norway launches a review of its $1.9 trillion wealth fund after reports revealed investment in an Israeli firm tied to the IDF.

Norway reviews sovereign fund over ties to Israeli defense company

German hospital under fire for posting 'Baby Sinwar' on newborn board

Leipzig University Hospital apologizes after displaying the name “Yahya Sinwar” on a newborn board. The name, shared with the Hamas terrorist behind the October 7 massacre, sparked outrage. The hospital claims staff were unaware of the name’s significance.

German hospital under fire for posting 'Baby Sinwar' on newborn board

Sa’ar at UN:

Sa’ar at UN: Hostages must be freed - the world must hold Hamas accountable

Foreign Minister Sa'ar speaks at the UN Security Council, slams the UN and media for their bias, and accuses Hamas of "pure evil" and starvation tactics.

Sa’ar at UN: Hostages must be freed - the world must hold Hamas accountable

As US pressure mounts

Beirut moves to disarm Hezbollah as US pressure mounts

Lebanon's cabinet tasks the army with drafting a plan to disarm Hezbollah by year's end, under US pressure and a post-war ceasefire deal.

Beirut moves to disarm Hezbollah as US pressure mounts

Amusing confusion on Lebanese news channel

Lebanese news channel LBCI broadcasts a picture of actor Itzik Cohen instead of the IDF Head of Operations Directorate, who shares the same name.

Amusing confusion on Lebanese news channel

Hostage's brother plea to UNSC

Hostage's brother plea to UNSC: 'Don't let the hostages die'

Ilay David, the brother of Evyatar David, addresses UN Security Council and demands and end to the UN's silence on the plight of the hostages before it is too late.

Hostage's brother plea to UNSC: 'Don't let the hostages die'

Hostage's wife:

Wife of hostage Elkana Bohbot: 'If I didn't have a child, I would go into Gaza myself'

Rivka Bohbot criticizes PM Netanyahu’s intention to expand operations in Gaza, warning it endangers the hostages. “Military force will only bring back bodies,” she said, urging a deal to secure their release.

Wife of hostage Elkana Bohbot: 'If I didn't have a child, I would go into Gaza myself'

Report:

Report: British reconnaissance planes fly over Gaza in an attempt to locate hostages

The Times reports that British Air Force reconnaissance planes are flying over Gaza, with the aim of collecting intelligence and assisting Israel in locating hostages.

Report: British reconnaissance planes fly over Gaza in an attempt to locate hostages

Tzuf Eshchar, widow of Rabbi Naaran Eshchar, is engaged

Tzuf Eshchar, widow of Rabbi Naaran Eshchar, who fell in Gaza in the Swords of Iron War, got engaged tonight to Amichai Weiss.

Tzuf Eshchar, widow of Rabbi Naaran Eshchar, is engaged

Herzog

Herzog urges international community not to talk to Hamas until hostages are released

Israeli President welcomed in Riga by Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs, urges action to free the remaining hostages in Gaza.

Herzog urges international community not to talk to Hamas until hostages are released

PMO

PMO: 'IDF ready to implement any decision made by the Cabinet'

IDF Chief of Staff presents PM Netanyahu with options for the continuation of the war amid reports that the PM has decided that the IDF will conquer and occupy Gaza.

PMO: 'IDF ready to implement any decision made by the Cabinet'

Honenu:

Honenu: Shin Bet denies Jewish inmate's request to attend sister's wedding

Shin Bet denies Jewish inmate’s request to attend his sister’s wedding, citing fears of unrest, despite his positive behavior and pending early release. His attorney calls the decision unjust persecution.

Honenu: Shin Bet denies Jewish inmate's request to attend sister's wedding

Hostage's father:

Hostage's father: We've added a name to our son who is held hostage in Gaza

Haggai Angrest said the name Shachar was added to his son’s name with Rabbi Abuhatzeira’s blessing and urged the public to pray for the swift return of 'Matan Shachar ben Anat.'

Hostage's father: We've added a name to our son who is held hostage in Gaza

Watch

Watch: 2 kilometer-long tunnel in Khan Yunis destroyed

Kfir Brigade soldiers are operating in southern Khan Yunis, where they uncovered a cache of weapons inside a building and destroyed an underground route approximately 2 kilometers long

Watch: 2 kilometer-long tunnel in Khan Yunis destroyed

Yair Lapid

Yair Lapid: This is what starvation looks like

Israeli opposition leader reacts to shocking videos of hostages published by Hamas. 'Hamas is intentionally starving Israeli hostages.'

Yair Lapid: This is what starvation looks like

Samaria:

PM Netanyahu hosts US House Speaker Mike Johnson in Shiloh

Prime Minister Netanyahu hosts US House Speaker Mike Johnson in Samaria to strengthen ties and highlight support for Israeli sovereignty.

PM Netanyahu hosts US House Speaker Mike Johnson in Shiloh

Congress urged to defend Jewish graduates from 'pro-Hamas' union

National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation writes to House Committee about the danger posted to Jewish graduates forced to pay dues to the anti-Israel union, United Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers of America.

Congress urged to defend Jewish graduates from 'pro-Hamas' union

Berlin:

Berlin Holocaust memorial vandalized again with paint and tape

Police launch criminal investigation after vandals deface the Holocaust deportation memorial at Berlin's Putlitz Bridge, which marks the deportation of over 32,000 Jews during the Nazi era.

Berlin Holocaust memorial vandalized again with paint and tape

IDF bans Chinese vehicles from all bases over data leak fears

The IDF has barred all Chinese-made vehicles from entering its bases, citing concerns over data leaks from built-in cameras and sensors, requiring many military personnel and civilian employees to park outside the bases.

IDF bans Chinese vehicles from all bases over data leak fears

PM at recruitment center

PM at recruitment center: 'Still necessary to complete the enemy's defeat in Gaza'

Prime Minister Netanyahu spoke to recruits for the armored and combat engineering corps and reiterated that the goals of the war are "to release all our hostages, to ensure that Gaza no longer poses a threat to Israel."

PM at recruitment center: 'Still necessary to complete the enemy's defeat in Gaza'

New York:

Two arrested in Kiryas Joel for trying to extort haredi man with fake federal warrant

Two suspects were arrested in Kiryas Joel for trying to extort $13,500 from a haredi resident after the victim coordinated with local Shomrim and police to set a trap for their capture.

Two arrested in Kiryas Joel for trying to extort haredi man with fake federal warrant

Israel Dog Unit brings joy on saddest day of the year

The IDU’s dog handlers hosted a special demonstration for children from the BeLev Echad organization during Tisha B'Av.

Israel Dog Unit brings joy on saddest day of the year

Defense Minister:

Defense Minister: 'IDF must carry out politicians' orders'

Defense Minister Israel Katz stated during his visit to Gaza that he will ensure the IDF carries out all decisions by the Cabinet regarding the war.

Defense Minister: 'IDF must carry out politicians' orders'

Jerusalem to impose congestion fee after rail projects completed

'We will make it difficult for those who use a car to enter the city,' says Mayor Moshe Lion, promising relief once light rail and train projects are completed.

Jerusalem to impose congestion fee after rail projects completed

US Officials, Israeli Ambassador help prepare Christian students for pro-Israel advocacy

At Passages D.C. Experience, Witkoff, Scharf, and Ambassador Leiter call on Christian student leaders to combat antisemitism and false narratives ahead of the school year.

US Officials, Israeli Ambassador help prepare Christian students for pro-Israel advocacy

After staff protest:

After staff protest: Royal Ballet drops show in Israel

Move to drop production of 'Tosca' comes after 182 RBO staff and performers signed a letter opposing ties to Israeli institutions during the Gaza conflict, citing ethical and political concerns.

After staff protest: Royal Ballet drops show in Israel

Tel Aviv Stock Exchange to begin Monday-Friday trading week on January 5, 2025

The Israel Securities Authority and Finance Minister Smotrich approved the change to align with global markets and boost international investment in the Israeli economy.

Tel Aviv Stock Exchange to begin Monday-Friday trading week on January 5, 2025

Report:

Report: Netanyahu working to reduce US-Russia tension

The Prime Minister's Office has worked intensively in recent weeks to reduce tension between the two countries over the war in Ukraine.

Report: Netanyahu working to reduce US-Russia tension

Dramatic footage:

Dramatic footage: Reckless driver flees police in desert pursuit

Yoav Unit halts reckless driver violating parole; Negev resident charged with endangering lives, obstructing officers, and multiple traffic offenses.

Dramatic footage: Reckless driver flees police in desert pursuit

Gaza aid expanded:

Gaza aid expanded: Private sector goods entry resumes with oversight

Israel has introduced a new system to boost humanitarian aid to Gaza, reducing dependency on international groups and tightly regulating private sector involvement.

Gaza aid expanded: Private sector goods entry resumes with oversight

Brother of Hostage:

Brother of Hostage: Hamas is orchestrating cruel & twisted 'hunger games'

Ilay, brother of hostage Evyatar David, spoke with Arutz Sheva - Israel National News about the recent Hamas video of his brother in captivity.

Brother of Hostage: Hamas is orchestrating cruel & twisted 'hunger games'

Thousands celebrate haircutting ceremony at Joseph's Tomb

Thousands of Israelis visited Joseph's Tomb in Shechem last night for an emotional ceremonial haircutting ceremony for Rabbi Lieberman's grandson.

Thousands celebrate haircutting ceremony at Joseph's Tomb

Australian FM:

Australian FM: ‘Risk there will be no Palestine left to recognize’

Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong says it's a “matter of when, not if”; opposition warns move could empower Hamas as PM Albanese pledges aid and seeks broader diplomatic role.

Australian FM: ‘Risk there will be no Palestine left to recognize’

‘What do you wish to hide?’

AG Miara faces harsh rebuke from judges: ‘What do you wish to hide?’

In a rare rebuke, Justices Sohlberg and Willner fault AG Miara for inadequate answers and allege concealment of critical legal and factual information.

AG Miara faces harsh rebuke from judges: ‘What do you wish to hide?’