Israel National News

Former NSA Chief:

Amidror: Trump is a strong ally, but Israel must defend itself

Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Yaakov Amidror urges Israelis to rely on their own strength, says US support under Trump is welcome but limited by American interests.

IDF launches crackdown to arrest Yeshiva draft dodgers

The IDF has launched an operation to apprehend draft dodgers, aiming to create deterrence against growing enlistment refusal. Shas has warned that even one arrest of a yeshiva student will lead his party to exit the government.

'An Underground City:'

'An Underground City:' Former ISA official predicts years of fighting in Gaza

Following the release of Idan Alexander from Hamas captivity, former ISA field coordinator Ilan Segev warns that despite the joy, the road to rescuing the remaining 58 hostages is long and fraught with complexity.

Edan Alexander declines Qatar visit, plans to meet Trump in US

Released Israeli-American soldier cites medical needs after captivity; family says meeting with US President Donald Trump will happen later in the US.

Judge rebukes police for submitting AI-fabricated laws in court filing

Hadera Magistrates Court judge condemns police for citing fictitious legal clauses generated by ChatGPT in a phone seizure case.

First Time in 15 Years:

First Time in 15 Years: Foreign Minister makes official visit to Japan

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar has arrived in Tokyo, marking the first such visit in over a decade.

In Khan Yunis

'Journalist' who documented October 7th eliminated in Khan Yunis

IDF strikes significant Hamas terrorists who were operating from within the “Nasser” hospital in Khan Yunis. PA reports: Gazan "journalist" who broadcast live footage of a burning tank on October 7th eliminated in the strike.

Oklahoma Governor signs landmark antisemitism bills into law

Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt signs two bills into law adopting the IHRA definition of antisemitism, requiring public schools to incorporate it into conduct codes and training.

Iran warns Europe:

Iran warns Europe: Snapback sanctions could lead to 'irreversible escalation'

Iran's Foreign Minister warns Britain, France, and Germany that using the UN snapback sanctions mechanism could lead to "irreversible" tensions and end Europe's role in the 2015 nuclear deal.

At pro-Hamas rally

North Carolina man gets probation for US flag burning at pro-Hamas rally

Michael Snow, Jr. of Durham, N.C., sentenced to four months of probation and 40 hours of community service for burning a US flag during a pro-Hamas protest in Washington, D.C. last July.

NJ Governor:

‘Our prayers have finally been answered’: NJ Governor welcomes release of Edan Alexander

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and Senator Andy Kim welcome Edan Alexander’s release from Hamas captivity, expressing relief and gratitude for the Tenafly native’s safe return after 19 months of uncertainty.

Watch:

Watch: Alexander family recites ‘Shehecheyanu’

Edan Alexander reunites with his family upon arriving at Ichilov Hospital. His family recites the Shehecheyanu blessing.

Edan's first message:

Edan's first message: 'Thank you President Trump. Am Yisrael Chai'

While on the helicopter, Edan wrote his first public message on a whiteboard: 'Thank you, President Trump. Am Yisrael Chai (the nation of Israel lives).'

First hug

Edan Alexander's moving reunion with his family

Footage shows the moving moment released American-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander reunited with his family in Israel.

American-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander arrives in Israel

Accompanied by IDF forces, hostage Edan Alexander has crossed into Israel, where he will undergo initial medical examinations and meet his family.

Footage from Gaza:

Footage from Gaza: Commander of Edan's brigade announces his release

The commander of the Golani Brigade, where Edan served when he was abducted, notified his troops of the hostage's release.

'Held In A Cage':

'Held In A Cage': Edan Alexander shares torturous conditions of his captivity

After 584 days in captivity, IDF soldier and American citizen Edan Alexander has returned to Israel, offering a chilling testimony of his ordeal in Gaza.

Watch:

Watch: Edan's mother speaks to him for the first time after his release

The IDF has released footage of the moment US Envoy Steve Witkoff handed Yael Alexander the phone to talk to her son after being released from Hamas captivity. 'You are strong. You are protected. You are home. We will meet soon. I love you.'

Herzog and German Chancellor watch release of Edan Alexander

At the end of their meeting, the Israeli President and the Chancellor of Germany watched together the release of Edan Alexander, after 584 days in Hamas captivity.

Watch:

Watch: Family of Edan Alexander celebrates his release from Hamas captivity

The Alexander family was seen celebrating shortly after news broke that Edan had been transferred to the Red Cross following a year and a half in captivity.

Weather forecast: A shift from cool to scorching heat

From a midweek cooldown to extreme heat by the weekend, with heavy heat stress expected on Saturday.

43 Years Later:

43 Years Later: Tzvi Feldman laid to rest

After more than four decades missing in action, Staff Sergeant Tzvi Feldman, killed in the 1982 Battle of Sultan Yaqub, was finally laid to rest in Israel today.

Presidents of Israel and Germany honor Holocaust victims

Israeli President Isaac Herzog and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier held an emotional memorial ceremony at Berlin’s Grunewald station, where tens of thousands of Jews were deported to Nazi death camps.

Former senior Mossad official:

Former senior Mossad official: 'Hamas will remain in Gaza - there is no magic solution'

Dr. Amnon Sofrin estimates that the many declarations that Hamas will be destroyed completely are likely to fall short of the truth.

Netanyahu to Trump and Witkoff:

Netanyahu to Trump and Witkoff: 'Negotiations will only be conducted under fire'

Prime Minister Netanyahu met with US Envoy Steve Witkoff and US Ambassador Mike Huckabee and spoke with US President Donald Trump ahead of the release of American-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander.

President Herzog:

President Herzog: Nothing I want more than to shake the hand of Mohammed bin Salman

In Berlin, President Herzog expresses hope for Saudi-Israeli rapprochement, citing regional peace momentum and opposition from Iran-backed forces.

Qatargate:

Qatargate: Judge indicates that there will be no indictment

In a dramatic turn during the high-profile Qatargate investigation, a Rishon Lezion judge released Netanyahu's advisor Yonatan Urich to house arrest and cast serious doubt on the prosecution’s direction.

Ahead of Lag B'Omer

Magen David Adom issues safety guide for Lag B’Omer pilgrimage at Meron

Following the 2021 Meron Disaster, MDA urges the public to adhere to safety precautions.

Watch:

Watch: Residents of Edan Alexander's hometown gather to wait for his release

Residents of Tenafly, New Jersey, the hometown of American-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander, gathered in the early morning hours to wait for his expected release.

Survey:

EJA survey warns: imported hate driving antisemitism surge across Europe

New European Jewish Association's survey reveals dramatic rise in antisemitism across Europe, with Gaza conflict and media coverage cited as major catalysts, calls on governments to take immediate action to protect Jewish communities.

MK claims:

MK claims: Egyptian intelligence chief was in on October 7th attack

MK Gotliv claims classified IDF documents point to Egyptian intelligence chief as figure named in indictment over October 7th Hamas infiltration.

German tourists violently attack Israelis in Budapest shouting 'Heil Hitler'

Eight Israelis physically attacked by drunk German tourists, who also shouted antisemitic threats, 'We were attacked without any provocation, just because we are Jews.'

Watch:

Watch: US Hostage Envoy on plane with Edan Alexander's mother

While flying to Israel for the release of American-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander, Adam Boehler insisted that 'the President cares very much about all of you. So I am here, and I am getting the hostages back.'

UK special forces face scrutiny after shocking eyewitness war crime claims

Panorama investigation uncovers eyewitness claims of extrajudicial killings, cover-ups, and institutional complicity over more than a decade

Hostage's mother: Edan Alexander's release 'only the first step'

Families of hostages deliver press statement at Hostages Square, sharing their feelings as news of hostage Edan Alexander's release becomes official.

Pres. Herzog:

Pres. Herzog: We'll bring them all back, no matter what passport they have

Israeli President Isaac Herzog says hostages must come home before Israel can move forward, urges 'clear, united front' declaring Hamas' actions are unacceptable.

IDF preparing for release of soldier Edan Alexander from Hamas captivity

Staff Sgt. Edan Alexander to be brought to Re'im upon release from Hamas captivity, footage will be released only with the family's permission.

Soldier sentenced to five days in prison after refusing to serve in Samaria.

Daniel Yahalom, 32, from Haifa, sentenced to five days in prison after refusing to take part in IDF activity in Judea and Samaria.

Watch:

Watch: ‘Hatikvah’ echoes through German presidential palace as Pres. Herzog arrives

Israel's President Isaac Herzog receives official honor guard welcome in Berlin during state visit, with Israel’s national anthem played at the German presidential residence.

Ahead of Lag Ba'omer:

Jerusalem teen indicted for sabotaging safety infrastructure ahead of Lag Ba'omer

19-year-old accused of extensive vandalism to security and emergency systems meant to protect Lag Ba'omer pilgrims arrested after hiding in Tzfat warehouse.