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

Chief Rabbi to religious leaders:

Chief Rabbi Yosef urges world religious leaders: "Stop terrorism; peace is supreme"

At the Congress of World and Traditional Religions, Rabbi David Yosef called for an end to terrorism, stressed Judaism’s commitment to peace, and defended the rights of all faiths.

Chief Rabbi Yosef urges world religious leaders: "Stop terrorism; peace is supreme"

Gantz accuses opposition leaders of forgetting their public role

Blue and White party chairman calls for Netanyahu not to be disqualified and criticizes his opposition partners who, in his opinion, are not willing to do everything it takes to bring about the return of hostages

Gantz accuses opposition leaders of forgetting their public role

IDF briefing: Gaza combat expands, 1,200 targets struck

In a detailed press conference, BG Effie Defrin addressed IDF combat losses, expanding operations in Gaza, regional threats, and continued efforts to bring hostages home.

IDF briefing: Gaza combat expands, 1,200 targets struck

Allenby Crossing

Humanitarian aid truck driver murders two IDF soldiers at Allenby Crossing

Terrorist crossed from the Jordanian side of the border in a humanitarian aid truck and murdered two Israelis.

Humanitarian aid truck driver murders two IDF soldiers at Allenby Crossing

District court overturns magistrate again; Urich barred from PMO

A month after overturning a similar lower court ruling, the Lod-Central District Court again ruled that Jonatan Urich will not be allowed to resume his work at the Prime Minister's Office, overturning a magistrate's court decision.

District court overturns magistrate again; Urich barred from PMO

IDF strikes Radwan Force weapons storage facilities in Lebanon

The IDF struck several weapons storage facilities belonging to the 'Radwan Force' in southern Lebanon.

IDF strikes Radwan Force weapons storage facilities in Lebanon

4 soldiers killed by explosive in Gaza

4 soldiers and cadets were killed and 3 were injured when the Hummer they were riding in hit an explosive device in a neighborhood in the Rafah area.

4 soldiers killed by explosive in Gaza

UAV strikes entrance to Eilat hotel, no casualties reported

Houthi UAV sets off alarms in Eilat, lands at entrance to hotel. No injuries reported, police investigating.

UAV strikes entrance to Eilat hotel, no casualties reported

Despite war:

Israelis donated 432 million shekels this year

In 5785, Israel raised 432M shekels for public institutions and nonprofits, a 15.5% increase from last year, with Chabad Yeshiva leading the top campaign.

Israelis donated 432 million shekels this year

Haredi protesters block entrance to Jerusalem, train damaged

Protesters from the 'Jerusalem action' blocked the entrance to Jerusalem in protest of the arrest of a haredi draft dodger.

Haredi protesters block entrance to Jerusalem, train damaged

Herzog on border crossing attack:

Herzog on border crossing attack: Terrorists want to derail our relations with Jordan

During a meeting with Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka of Fiji, the President spoke of the breaking news of the attack on Israelis at the Allenby Crossing.

Herzog on border crossing attack: Terrorists want to derail our relations with Jordan

Alleged Charlie Kirk assassin asked for 'gentle' surrender

Washington County Sheriff says Tyler Robinson was afraid of being shot by police and was talked into turning himself in on the condition that his arrest be nonviolent.

Alleged Charlie Kirk assassin asked for 'gentle' surrender

Trump in UK:

Trump in UK: I disagree with Starmer on Palestinian statehood

During a joint press conference, Trump and Starmer emphasized the urgent release of hostages in Gaza, condemned Hamas, and discussed a roadmap toward peace and a Palestinian state.

Trump in UK: I disagree with Starmer on Palestinian statehood

Green guenon monkey seized in Nehora

Southern District Border Police find green guenon tied illegally in a private home, marking 58th such incident since March.

Green guenon monkey seized in Nehora

Samaria regional council:

Samaria regional council: Eitan Avner Ben-Yitzhak fell in battle in Gaza

The Samaria Regional Council announced on Thursday that Eitan Avner Ben-Yitzhak, from the town of Har Bracha, fell in battle in Gaza.

Samaria regional council: Eitan Avner Ben-Yitzhak fell in battle in Gaza

Mossad Chief:

Mossad Chief: 'The Mossad has phenomenal capabilities in Iran'

Award ceremony highlights Mossad’s pivotal role in landmark operations including 'Operation Rising Lion' and the elimination of threats on Israel’s northern front.

Mossad Chief: 'The Mossad has phenomenal capabilities in Iran'

Sa'ar to US delegation

Sa'ar to US delegation: 'A Palestinian state would make most of Israel an easy target'

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar and Samaria Regional Council head Yossi Dagan held a briefing on the 'Balcony of the State' in Peduel for the largest-ever delegation of US congressmen visiting Israel.

Sa'ar to US delegation: 'A Palestinian state would make most of Israel an easy target'

NSC calls for terrorists to get prison visits from Red Cross

The National Security Council will bring a proposal to the security cabinet tonight to allow Red Cross visits for terrorists who are not affiliated with Hamas.

NSC calls for terrorists to get prison visits from Red Cross

ISA director appointment delayed by bar mitzvah

The Grunis committee will finish the interviews only next Sunday due to a family event of one of its members. The committee's recommendation is expected after the High Holidays.

ISA director appointment delayed by bar mitzvah

IDF eliminates senior Hezbollah weapons dealer

Hussein Saifo Sharif, senior weapons dealer who directed terrorists in Syrian territory, is eliminated in Lebanon.

IDF eliminates senior Hezbollah weapons dealer

The Marker list:

Netanyahu, Smotrich named among most influential people in 2025

The Marker published a list of the most influential people in 2025, with Prime Minister Netanyahu in third and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich in fourth.

Netanyahu, Smotrich named among most influential people in 2025

Over 70 haredi draft dodgers arrested at Ben-Gurion Airport

Last night, dozens of haredi draft dodgers were arrested attempting to travel abroad for the High Holidays.

Over 70 haredi draft dodgers arrested at Ben-Gurion Airport

Emergency services salute son of fallen officer

Samaria emergency services held a special tribute this week for Naveh Winklestein, the son of police officer Elad, who was murdered in a shooting attack.

Emergency services salute son of fallen officer

IDF continues cautious advance into Gaza City

Israeli forces are advancing carefully with a focus on learning the terrain and disrupting Hamas command structures.

IDF continues cautious advance into Gaza City

Hukok ruins:

Archaeologists discover 22 ancient coins from last Roman revolt in Hukok ruins

Rare hoard of coins from the days of the last Jewish rebellion under Roman rule discovered in a hidden system in the Galilee.

Archaeologists discover 22 ancient coins from last Roman revolt in Hukok ruins

WSJ report: Trump is 'frustrated' with Netanyahu

Sources close to US President Donald Trump report frustration at Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's preference for military action instead of diplomatic negotiations, WSJ claims.

WSJ report: Trump is 'frustrated' with Netanyahu

Netanyahu denounces rumors of Israeli involvement in Kirk murder

Prime Minister Netanyahu gave a video address today calling rumors that Israel was involved in the assassination of Charlie Kirk 'insane.'

Netanyahu denounces rumors of Israeli involvement in Kirk murder

Three shot dead in southern Israel Bedouin community

Three brothers in their 20s shot dead near Segev Shalom in southern Israel; initial investigations indicate murders were criminal in nature.

Three shot dead in southern Israel Bedouin community

'Hollywood is run by Jews'

'Hollywood run by Jews': Canadian broadcaster ousts journalist over antisemitic comments

Journalist Élisa P. Serret fired from Radio-Canada after making "unacceptable" antisemitic comments on-air. Canadian Culture Minister condemns the remarks.

'Hollywood run by Jews': Canadian broadcaster ousts journalist over antisemitic comments

May Golan affair:

Complications arise in negotiations for state's witness deal in May Golan affair

Police announce the recruitment of a state’s witness in the investigation involving Social Equality Minister May Golan. Another potential witness backed out at the last moment.

Complications arise in negotiations for state's witness deal in May Golan affair

Europe and Iran fail to bridge gap on nuclear safeguards

Talks between Iran and European nations on Iran's nuclear program stall, with UN sanctions set to be reimposed. Tehran refuses concessions, despite Western demands for concrete action, and vows retaliation.

Europe and Iran fail to bridge gap on nuclear safeguards

Over Charlie Kirk remarks

Jimmy Kimmel show pulled indefinitely over insensitive Kirk remarks

ABC has indefinitely pulled "Jimmy Kimmel Live" after the host's insensitive remarks about the assassination of Charlie Kirk drew criticism from the FCC and Nexstar Media.

Jimmy Kimmel show pulled indefinitely over insensitive Kirk remarks

Amb. Tzipi Hotovely concludes post in UK, returns to Israel

After five years as Israel's envoy in London, Hotovely departs as Tzachi Braverman prepares to assume the post amid a broader diplomatic transition.

Amb. Tzipi Hotovely concludes post in UK, returns to Israel

Harsh report

Harsh report: Sde Teiman video leak served the enemy

The Diaspora Ministry harshly criticized the State Attorney's Office following its response to the Sde Teiman affair. Minister Chikli said that the leak sparked a wave of global antisemitism and put IDF soldiers at risk of legal and physical persecution.

Harsh report: Sde Teiman video leak served the enemy

IDF chief observes ground troops in Gaza City with UAV operators

IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir toured Palmachim Air Force Base, commending air crews and UAV operators for providing critical defensive and offensive support in Gaza.

IDF chief observes ground troops in Gaza City with UAV operators

Ambassador Huckabee receives honorary Samaria citizenship

US Ambassador honored by Samaria Governor Yossi Dagan who highlighted strategic and biblical importance of Judea and Samaria.

Ambassador Huckabee receives honorary Samaria citizenship

Watch

Watch: Successful test of Iron Beam laser defense system

Defense Ministry says the laser defense system 'proved its effectiveness in a complete operational configuration by intercepting rockets, mortars, aircraft, and UAVs across a range of operational scenarios' and will be deployed by the end of the year.

Watch: Successful test of Iron Beam laser defense system

Netanyahu hails Fiji PM: 'You were a soldier of peace'

At the embassy opening in Jerusalem, Netanyahu lauds Fiji’s values and support, telling Prime Minister Rabuka: 'Welcome to our house... the house of the people of Fiji.'

Netanyahu hails Fiji PM: 'You were a soldier of peace'

Qatar airstrike

Qatar airstrike: Targeted senior Hamas official appears on camera for 1st time

Senior Hamas official Ghazi Hamad, who was targeted in an assassination attempt in Qatar last week, appeared today for the first time since the attack in an interview with Al Jazeera.

Qatar airstrike: Targeted senior Hamas official appears on camera for 1st time

Ahead of New Year:

Israel's population at the start of the New Year: 10,148,000

Israel’s population exceeds 10 million at the end of 2024, with 78.6% Jews, 21.4% Arabs, and rising emigration offsetting lower immigration numbers.

Israel's population at the start of the New Year: 10,148,000