Cold front to hit later, snow still expected in Jerusalem on Saturday
The cold front that was expected to begin on Thursday is now expected to begin on Saturday. Jerusalem could see first snow in 3 years on Saturday and Sunday.
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
Former hostage Iair Horn:
Former hostage Iair Horn: 'I need only 1 thing, bring back my brother and all hostages'
Hamas captivity survivor Iair Horn, who was released this past Saturday, asked to share a video message at the rally currently taking place at the Hostages Square marking 500 days.
President Herzog to visit Hungary, Italy
The family of Omri Miran, who was kidnapped from his home in Nahal Oz on October 7, will join the President's State Visit to Hungary marking 80 years since the Holocaust of Hungarian Jewry.
US Senators:
US Senators: 'Four questions to be answered in this region'
U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), along with a group of other Senators, told a press conference this evening about how Israel and America should proceed regarding Iran, the Palestinians, and Saudi Arabia.
First sign of life from hostage David Cunio
Family members of David Cunio say that they received the first sign of life for him from former hostages who were recently released.
President Herzog:
President Herzog: 'President Trump has a fresh plan, let's try to change reality'
President Isaac Herzog met today with the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations on the 500th day since the October 7 attacks.
Jewish Agency provides $24 million to terror victims since 10/7
500 days after October 7, The Jewish Agency’s fund submitted its report to First Lady Herzog, reviewing the scope of the damage since the beginning of the Swords of Iron War.
Despite Ceasefire:
Despite Ceasefire: Israel to retain five bases in Lebanese territory
The IDF will remain in five bases in Lebanon for the foreseeable future despite the ceasefire agreement for Israeli forces to withdraw.
Report:
Report: Israel preparing to receive the bodies of 5 hostages this week
The bodies of 5 hostages who were killed in captivity could be returned as early as this Thursday, according to a new report. 3 more hostages are also scheduled for release on Saturday.
Released Hostage:
Released Hostage: 'I pray we will soon be together again'
Emily Damari prayed at the Western Wall for the release of hostages held by Hamas for 500 days, expressing hope and faith for their swift return.
'Do a good deed for the hostages'
'Do a good deed for the hostages:' Agam Berger speaks for first time since her release
After returning from captivity, Agam Berger releases a video calling on the people of Israel to demonstrate unity and do good deeds for the sake of the hostages.
In The Knesset:
In The Knesset: MK berates bereaved sister
A heated confrontation occurred in the Knesset between Shira Lisha, sister of fallen Sergeant Dvir Lisha, and Knesset Member Debbie Biton.
Smotrich freezes additional PA funds
The Finance Minister has signed an order to take hundreds of millions of shekels from the Palestinian Authority for terror victims.
Radwan Force underground terrorist infrastructure dismantled
The underground structure extended for dozens of meters and contained living quarters and combat equipment.
500 days since start of war:
500 days since start of war: US Congress. delegation visits Jerusalem Museum of Tolerance
On the 500th Day of War, a US Congressional delegation led by Senator Lindsey Graham tour museum's 6:29 – From Darkness to Light exhibition. Eight Senators met with hostage families and mother who lost her two daughters at the Nova Festival.
Minister Eli Cohen:
Minister Eli Cohen: My hand will be cut off before I sit with Mansour Abbas
Energy Minister Eli Cohen says he won't enter coalition with Ra'am party in the future, Israel should disconnect Gaza's electricity and end humanitarian aid if hostages aren't released in deal's second stage.
Foreign Minister Sa’ar:
Foreign Minister Sa’ar: 'Iran increasing efforts to obtain nuclear weapons'
Foreign Minister Sa’ar warns senators and Deputy Envoy to Middle East, 'Iran compensating for regional weakening by increasing efforts to obtain nuclear weapons.'
Ohad Ben-Ami to Pres. Herzog:
Ohad Ben-Ami to Pres. Herzog: 'We were six people in six meters, 30 meters underground'
Israeli President Isaac Herzog meets freed hostage Ohad Ben-Ami, marking 500 days since the October 7 massacre. 'We have brothers and sisters still there in Gaza, and we want every last one of them home as soon as possible.'
Battle over core studies:
Battle over core studies: NY Ministry of Education demands closing 3 haredi institutions
Order demands institutions notify students' parents within seven days to transfer their children to schools that meet core curriculum requirements.
Report:
Report: IAF strike eliminated Hamas' head of operations in Lebanon
Israeli source says targeted elimination took out Muhammad Shaheen, Hamas' operations head in Lebanon, who was planning a terror attack.
Suspicion:
Suspicion: Foreign agent used teen to spray-paint hostile messages
Teen, 17.5, arrested on suspicion of spray-painting hostile messages in Gush Etzion, at the direction of a foreign agent who reached out through Telegram.
Emily Hand's chilling conversation with AI
Ten-year-old Emily Hand, kidnapped from Kibbutz Be'eri on 10/7 and released in first hostage deal, speaks with AI, 'I haven't returned home yet, how can I think about tomorrow?'
500 days; 8910 newborns:
Midwife sends message to Hamas terrorists: 500 days; 8910 newborn babies
Marking 500 days of the war, a midwife at Assuta Hospital in Ashdod, sends a message to Hamas in Arabic.
Jewish man opens fire at visiting Israelis, mistaking them for Palestinians
Florida police arrest Mordechai Brafman, 27, on suspicion of firing towards two Israeli men on Miami Beach.
Ofer Calderon's uncle: Hamas stuffed him ahead of his release
Shami Calderon, uncle of released hostage Ofer Calderon, says Hamas terrorists stuffed Ofer ahead of his release in ceasefire deal. 'Three months before his release he weighed 25 kilograms less.'
Israeli Arab brothers planned to carry out terror attack
Two Hamas-affiliated brothers from the Arab city of Arraba in northern Israel planned to carry out a terror attack, police reveal.
On the Lebanese border:
IDF failed to report drone infiltrations from Lebanon
UAVs infiltrating Israel likely aimed to gather intelligence, unclear why IDF did not provide information to the public regarding violations of Israeli airspace.
500 Days of War:
500 Days of War: Mother's stickers become protest signs in Jerusalem
Inspired by Rachel Goldberg-Polin's stickers, which became a symbol of hope and remembrance, organization hangs dozens of signs around the capital.
Cabinet to meet to discuss negotiations on second stage of deal with Hamas
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promised Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich that negotiations for the second stage of the deal with Hamas would not begin without the Cabinet's approval, report says.
In first:
In first: Muslim country to incorporate antisemitism definition into school textbooks
New report reveals positive trend in Azerbaijan’s education system, presenting Israel and Jews in a favorable light and condemning Palestinian terrorism.
Comprehensive gallery:
IDF summarizes 500 days of combat - in five central sectors | comprehensive gallery
The IDF operates simultaneously in various sectors to ensure the security of the country. The focus is on activities in the north, Judea and Samaria, Gaza, and other arenas.
Chief Rabbi of Russia:
Chief Rabbi of Russia: Putin is involved in the efforts to release the hostages
Rabbi Berel Lazar reveals the depth of the Russian involvement in the hostage crisis and describes the extensive diplomatic efforts led by President Putin.
Probe of massacre in Kfar Aza:
Probe of massacre in Kfar Aza finds: Civilians were killed by IDF fire
IDF investigation into the events of October 7 in Kibbutz Kfar Aza suggests that civilians were accidentally killed by IDF fire and that terrorists returned to the kibbutz after it was supposedly "cleaned."
Soldiers to their commander:
Soldiers to their commander: We will not be cannon fodder for deals of surrender
Soldiers in the Carmeli Brigade send sharply worded letter to the brigade commander, expressing frustration with the situation on the ground and with the deal with Hamas.
Former Biden adviser:
Former Biden adviser: Hamas is the one that blocked hostage deal
Brett McGurk, who served as White House Coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa during the Biden administration, states in op-ed in The Washington Post that Hamas is directly responsible for the delay in achieving a hostage release deal.
Watch: Jerry Seinfeld brushes off pro-Palestinian
Fan asks Jerry Seinfeld for selfie, makes victory sign calling, 'Free Palestine.' Comedian Jerry Seinfeld brushes him off before walking away: 'I don't care about Palestine.'
Snow in Jerusalem? There's a good chance
Dr. Amir Givati estimates that there is a good chance for snow in the capital during the weekend, even accumulating and disrupting traffic.
Avital Dekel-Chen:
Avital Dekel-Chen: Shahar saw her father for the first time in real life
Yelena Troufanov says that her son Sasha was shot in both legs on 10/7, 'It is a miracle that he is standing.' Avital Dekel-Chen thanks the people of Israel for their support.
Steve Witkoff:
Steve Witkoff: 'Trump's policy program is about peace through strength'
US Envoy to Middle East Steve Witkoff spoke to Channel 12 News about setting a schedule for talks on the second phase of the hostage deal, 'Everybody is receptive to that.'
Netanyahu to Con. of Presidents:
Netanyahu: 'Meeting with Trump most consequential between US-Israeli leaders'
In a speech to the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, Prime Minister Netanyahu stressed the importance of Israel’s alliance with the United States in achieving regional security.
