Watch live:
Watch live: Thousands attend holiday prayers at the Western Wall
Thousands of Jews arrive at the Western Wall for festive Hoshana Rabba prayers, thanking G-d for the hostages' release. Watch.
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
Herzog to award Trump with Israel’s highest civilian honor
President Herzog to inform President Trump of his decision to award him the “Israeli Presidential Medal of Honor” in recognition of his efforts to bring the hostages home.
Zelenskyy:
Zelenskyy: Trump’s Gaza peace deal offers hope for Ukraine
Ukrainian President praises Trump’s Gaza ceasefire and urges similar pressure on Putin.
Avinatan Or’s brother:
Avinatan Or’s brother: We’re all on the path to closure
Moshe Or, brother of hostage Avinatan Or, shares his emotions ahead of their long-awaited reunion.
Watch:
Watch: Art of the deal (gone wrong)
As the deal to release Israeli hostages from Hamas is set to be implemented, activist Rudy Rochman warns of hidden risks in its conditions.
Hours before release:
Hours before release: Government votes on changes to terrorist release list
Government approves significant amendments to the list of terrorist prisoners slated for release as part of the deal with Hamas.
Watch:
Watch: US ambassadors wow the crowd at United Hatzalah Sukkot concert
At the United Hatzalah concert, Ambassador Huckabee, Ambassador Friedman, and Elon Gold wow the crowd with “Sweet Home Yerushalayim,” a twist on a classic tune.
Rachel Goldberg-Polin:
Rachel Goldberg-Polin: I don’t know how to carry all of this
At Jerusalem rally, mother of murdered hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin shares raw grief and hope ahead of the hostage release, urging unity and compassion after 736 days of anguish.
As part of hostage deal:
As part of hostage deal: Planner of kidnapping and murder of three teens to be released
Senior Hamas military wing member Mahmoud Kawasmeh to be freed under hostage deal. Ministers were told he "promoted military activities against Judea and Samaria."
'Look forward to seeing you'
'I look forward to seeing you soon': Trump accepts invitation to speak in Knesset
President Donald Trump responds to Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana’s invitation to address the Knesset: We stand on the doorstep of one of the greatest diplomatic achievements in history.
IDF prepares for Hamas provocations during hostage release
Israel is preparing for Hamas provocations during the coming night and up to the actual release of the hostages from captivity.
Planned attack on Orlando Chabad House foiled
Two Brazilian nationals staying illegally in Orlando were arrested after allegedly planning to set fire to and bomb the Chabad House there.
Senior defense official:
Senior defense official: Hamas was not defeated, but was weakened'
According to the official, the agreement makes it possible to secure the return of the hostages while exploring a gradual dismantling of Hamas.
Jerusalem in red, white & blue
Israeli capital completes preparations to welcome President Trump
Jerusalem completes final arrangements for President Trump's visit, including road closures, flag displays, and enhanced city services for residents.
Confirmed: Hamas influencer found shot in Gaza
Saleh al-Jafarawi, known for pro-Hamas videos and accused of corruption, was found shot in the head in Gaza, reportedly by anti-Hamas clan.
Newspaper delivery triggered terror alert in Kochav Hashachar
A local newspaper distributor in Kochav Hashachar was identified as a terrorist last Friday. Residents remained in their homes for about three hours until the mistake was clarified.
IDF Chief:
IDF Chief: Israel has defeated Hamas after two years of war
IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir announced Israel’s victory over Hamas after two years of war, calling it an existential triumph and pledging lasting security for Israel.
'You got me back by life'
Captivity survivor gifts President Trump his book: 'You got me back by life'
Captivity survivor Eli Sharabi sent an English copy of his book 'Hostage' to US President Donald Trump, thanking him for securing his release.
Vance clarifies: US won’t deploy troops to Gaza
US Vice President JD Vance said reports of an American troop deployment to Gaza are false, confirming the US will only monitor the ceasefire terms while regional allies handle security.
Outrage:
Outrage: New restaurant in Gaza named 'Nova'
Footage shows the new beachside restaurant in Khan Yunis that shares a name with the festival where Hamas terrorists murdered 378.
Watch:
Watch: Giant American flag flies over Binyamin region
The flag, measuring 26×36 feet (8×11 meters), was erected in Ateret, which is in a major flight path to Ben Gurion Airport.
Moving:
Moving: Hostages' families prepare room, car for sons' arrival
The families of Segev Kalfon and Yosef-Haim Ohana, abducted from the Nova music festival, shared emotional footage preparing their homes and belongings ahead of the hostages’ expected return.
Prisoner who attacked guard removed from release list
A prisoner who was due to be released under the hostage deal attacked a prison guard at Ketziot and was removed from the list of those to be set free.
Hostage coordinator:
Hostage coordinator: Hostages expected to be released first thing in the morning
Hostage Coordinator Brig.-Gen. (Res.) Gal Hirsch said Israel is ready for the release to begin Monday morning, with Red Cross convoys and hospitals on standby to receive returnees.
MK Tzvi Succot waves the Four Species on the Temple Mount
MK Succot ascended the Temple Mount and declared that the real 'Al-Aqsa Flood' - the name Hamas used for the October 7th massacre - was only beginning.
British minister claims credit for hostage deal
British Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson claimed today that the UK government has been involved in diplomatic efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza.
Watch:
Watch: Eretz Nehederet's 'Trump' visits Hostage Square
One day before the real president touches down in Israel, the actor who plays him arrived to shoot at Hostages Square.
Report: Remains of Israeli spy Eli Cohen may soon return to Israel
Saudi media reported that the legendary spy's remains, which are buried in Syria, may soon be returned to Israel.
Watch:
Watch: IDF troops operate on new ceasefire lines in Gaza
The IDF reported that troops continue operating in the area to remove any immediate threat to the soldiers.
Chief Rabbi: Trump is a righteous gentile
Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef calls US President Donald Trump a 'Righteous Among the Nations' for role in hostages’ release, urges synagogues to sing prayers of thanks, while mourning those who will return in death.
Yair Netanyahu: Protesters are funded by Qatar
Yair Netanyahu, son of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, says protesters who booed during US Envoy Steve Witkoff's speech were funded by Qatar and other foreign agents.
Schedule for US President Donald Trump's visit to Israel
US President Donald Trump will arrive in Israel on Monday for a short visit, during which he will meet with President Isaac Herzog, PM Benjamin Netanyahu, and hostages' families, as well as addressing the Knesset.
Hostage release:
Hamas deploys forces across Gaza as Israel prepares for hostage release
Footage shows Hamas militants patrolling streets in Gaza and engineering crews clearing rubble as IDF forces withdraw.
Gazan doctor: 'We are completely defeated'
Gaza physician Dr. Az al-Din Shahab posts personal testimony, stressing that he and his family 'lost everything' and blasting Hamas for their false narrative and sacrifice of Gazan civilians. 'We were not soldiers in a war.'
Hostages' daughter:
Hostages' daughter: Boos directed at Netanyahu 'horrific and tactless'
Shir Siegel, daughter of freed hostages Keith and Aviva Siegel, slams Saturday night boos directed at Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during US Envoy Steve Witkoff's speech at Hostages Square.
Hostages' Square:
Boos erupt in Tel Aviv as Netanyahu credited for hostages’ release
At a moving Tel Aviv event, attendees booed Steve Witkoff for crediting PM Netanyahu for the hostages’ release. Observers called the reaction “leftist and shameful,” and not reflective of the families or the nation.
Jewish activist with goat arrested near Temple Mount
Jewish activist arrested near gates of Jerusalem's Old City while making his way to the Temple Mount with a goat for sacrifice.
Watch:
Watch: Priestly Blessing ceremony begins at the Western Wall
Traditional mass Priestly Blessing ceremony held at Western Wall, with tens of thousands in attendance.
Iranian newspaper against Hamas:
Iranian newspaper against Hamas: 'October 7th attack is a tragedy for the Muslim world'
Iranian newspaper affiliated with Ayatollahs' regime attacks Hamas: 'Massacre caused enormous destruction and tens of thousands of deaths. This is a lose-lose situation, especially for the Muslim world.'
Defense Minister:
Defense Minister: IDF will destroy Hamas' tunnels after hostages' return
Defense Minister Israel Katz says 'greatest challenge' is destroying terror tunnels in Gaza, IDF to destroy Hamas' tunnels after hostages return to Israel.
