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

Gaza operation expands:

Gaza operation expands: IDF launches ground operation in Rafah

IDF troops launch a ground operation in Rafah, accompanied by numerous airstrikes that continued for hours. Minister Katz: I call on the residents of Gaza to act now to remove Hamas and return all the hostages.

Gaza operation expands: IDF launches ground operation in Rafah

US lawmakers warn UN against new anti-Israel probe, threaten sanctions

House Foreign Affairs Chair Brian Mast and Senate Foreign Relations Chair Jim Risch warn UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres against creating a new investigatory body targeting Israel.

US lawmakers warn UN against new anti-Israel probe, threaten sanctions

US charges two Iranians for alleged role in illicit drone supply chain

US Justice Department indicts two Iranian businessmen for allegedly procuring American-made components to aid Iran’s military drone program. The suspects, who remain at large, are accused of supplying materials to the IRGC in violation of US sanctions.

US charges two Iranians for alleged role in illicit drone supply chain

Judge rules:

Judge rules Mahmoud Khalil can challenge arrest in New Jersey, not Louisiana

US judge rules that Columbia University student Mahmoud Khalil may contest his arrest by immigration authorities in New Jersey rather than Louisiana, where he is detained.

Judge rules Mahmoud Khalil can challenge arrest in New Jersey, not Louisiana

Michael Rapaport:

Michael Rapaport: I will continue to fight on behalf of Jews

In interview with i24NEWS, Jewish American actor Michael Rapaport shares his emotional meeting with freed hostage Yarden Bibas, condemns the hypocrisy surrounding the conflict and expresses solidarity with Jews worldwide, vowing to continue fighting for Israel.

Michael Rapaport: I will continue to fight on behalf of Jews

White House confirms:

White House confirms: Trump will visit Saudi Arabia in May

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirms Trump is set to visit Saudi Arabia in May, in what will be his first trip abroad in his second term.

White House confirms: Trump will visit Saudi Arabia in May

Over antisemitism

Berlin orders expulsion of four foreign activists over alleged antisemitism

Berlin authorities order the expulsion of three EU citizens and an American over alleged antisemitism and support for terrorism after participating in pro-Palestinian Arab protests. The activists claim the move is a political crackdown.

Berlin orders expulsion of four foreign activists over alleged antisemitism

Hostage's family's message:

The message of Bar Kupershtein’s family: You will celebrate your next birthday with us

On the birthday of Bar Kupershtein, who is still held in Gaza, his family appeals to Prime Minister Netanyahu to prioritize the hostages' return.

The message of Bar Kupershtein’s family: You will celebrate your next birthday with us

Testimony of Eliya Cohen:

Harrowing testimony of captivity survivor: Torture, starvation, and abuse in Hamas tunnels

Hostage survivor Eliya Cohen recounts the brutal abuse he endured at the hands of terrorists, the hostage who tried to escape and was murdered, and the moment he discovered his girlfriend was still alive.

Harrowing testimony of captivity survivor: Torture, starvation, and abuse in Hamas tunnels

Watch:

Former hostage Amit Soussana given Intl. Women of Courage Award by Melania Trump

First Lady Melania Trump awards former Israeli hostage Amit Soussana the International Women of Courage award for her bravery in being the first hostage to speak of the sexual assault she survived while being held captive.

Former hostage Amit Soussana given Intl. Women of Courage Award by Melania Trump

Stockholm Declaration:

British, Swedish, US Embassies commemorate 25th anniversary of the Stockholm Declaration

The Stockholm Declaration serves as the guiding framework for the IHRA and its member states in their ongoing efforts to promote Holocaust education, remembrance, and scholarly research.

British, Swedish, US Embassies commemorate 25th anniversary of the Stockholm Declaration

Israel cancels all import tariffs on US products

Netanyahu, after canceling customs duties on US goods, primarily agricultural products: 'In addition to the economic advantages to the market and to the citizens of Israel, the current effort will allow us to further strengthen the alliance and ties between Israel and the US. '

Israel cancels all import tariffs on US products

Barcelona:

3 suspected members of Hezbollah terror cell arrested in Barcelona

The three are suspected of involvement in the supplying of components for assembling suicide explosive drones.

3 suspected members of Hezbollah terror cell arrested in Barcelona

Jerusalem Post Editor-in-Chief Zvika Klein investigated in Qatar-Gate affair

Klein is suspected of being in contact with a foreign agent and mediating between PM's spokesman Eli Feldstein and a businessman and lobbyist for the Qatari government.

Jerusalem Post Editor-in-Chief Zvika Klein investigated in Qatar-Gate affair

'Bennett 2026'

'Bennett 2026:' Former PM Naftali Bennett registers new political party

Former Prime Minister registers party under temporary name as representative says an announcement will be made 'if and when it is decided to actually run in the elections.'

'Bennett 2026:' Former PM Naftali Bennett registers new political party

NIS 30,000:

Jewish resident violently attacked by police in Shilo will receive NIS 30,000 compensation

Jewish resident of Samaria receives 30,000 shekels compensation, after reaching a settlement in case against police officers who violently attacked him near Shilo.

Jewish resident violently attacked by police in Shilo will receive NIS 30,000 compensation

Report:

Report: Trump Admin. pausing $200 million for Princeton, reviewing Harvard aid

After Columbia lost $400 million in federal funding, fellow Ivy League schools Harvard and Princeton face the loss of their federal funds as schools face scrutiny over failure to protect Jewish students and deal with antisemitism on campus.

Report: Trump Admin. pausing $200 million for Princeton, reviewing Harvard aid

Ukraine:

Ukraine: Soldiers on front lines to receive small matzahs

Federation of Jewish Communities of Ukraine completes complex logistical operation to distribute Passover kits to hundreds of Jewish soldiers serving on the front lines.

Ukraine: Soldiers on front lines to receive small matzahs

CUAD's Instagram account suspended for promoting violence

Columbia University Apartheid Divest, that was led by Mahmoud Khalil, has one of its social media accounts suspended over its explicit endorsement of violence.

CUAD's Instagram account suspended for promoting violence

State Comptroller:

State Comptroller: Serious failures in protection on northern border even before 10/7

Comptroller Mantanyahu Engl man publishes results of report that was presented to the government before October 7 showing soldiers lacking appropriate weapons and being dissatisfied with overly restrictive regulations for their own defense on the northern border,

State Comptroller: Serious failures in protection on northern border even before 10/7

Ministers Katz and Smotrich:

'Will not neglect safety of Jewish residents, PA will not control areas in Samaria.

During a tour of Judea and Samaria, Ministers Katz and Smotrich say they are committed to developing Jewish communities and fighting illegal Arab construction.

'Will not neglect safety of Jewish residents, PA will not control areas in Samaria.

Report:

Report: Over 1,000 child deaths disappear from Hamas casualty list

Analysis by Honest Reporting board member and NGO Monitor analyst Salo Aizenberg shows Hamas has removed about 3,400 "verified deaths" on its 2024 casualty reports from its latest casualty report.

Report: Over 1,000 child deaths disappear from Hamas casualty list

Qatar-Gate

Qatar-Gate: Did PM's Office messages originate in Qatar?

Police are expected to request that Yonatan Urich and Eli Feldstien remain in custody for another nine days as the investigation into the 'Qatar-Gate' affair continues.

Qatar-Gate: Did PM's Office messages originate in Qatar?

Bill approved to reduce public transit fines

The Knesset plenum approved in the first reading a law to reduce fines for public transportation offenses.

Bill approved to reduce public transit fines

Minister Dichter:

Minister Dichter: 'The Prime Minister's people should have no interaction with Qatar'

Former ISA Director and current Minister of Agriculture Avi Dichter spoke out against members of the Prime Minister's staff having alleged connections with Qatari figures. 'It's worrying and disturbing.'

Minister Dichter: 'The Prime Minister's people should have no interaction with Qatar'

Miki Zohar:

Miki Zohar: 'Disqualifying the PM will cause a civil war'

Minister of Culture and Sport Miki Zohar addressed the possibility that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will be declared unfit to serve by the court.

Miki Zohar: 'Disqualifying the PM will cause a civil war'

Israel warns:

Israel warns: Hamas increasing efforts to attack Israelis abroad

NSC issues updated global terrorism threat assessment, urging Israelis to stay vigilant abroad amid rising attacks and hate crimes.

Israel warns: Hamas increasing efforts to attack Israelis abroad

FM Sa’ar:

Sa’ar demands Lebanon act against terror groups within its borders

The Foreign Minister condemned Hamas for its continued aggression and brutal repression of Gaza's population.

Sa’ar demands Lebanon act against terror groups within its borders

Hamas terrorist who threatened to kill Samaria governor arrested

A Hamas terrorist, a resident of Kutzra, was arrested at Migdalim junction after threatening to kill the head of the Samaria Regional Council.

Hamas terrorist who threatened to kill Samaria governor arrested

April Fool's:

April Fool's: MKs compete for best prank

Several MKs published satirical declarations in honor of April 1st.

April Fool's: MKs compete for best prank

IDF:

IDF: Eliminated Hezbollah terrorist was assisting Hamas in planning attack on Israelis

The IDF, ISA, and Mossad confirmed that Hezbollah and Quds Force terrorist Hassan Ali Mahmoud Bdeir assisted Hamas in planning and advancing a significant and imminent terror attack against Israeli civilians.

IDF: Eliminated Hezbollah terrorist was assisting Hamas in planning attack on Israelis

Families of hostages to receive support after hostages' release

The Knesset has approved a bill to grant families of released hostages medical and psychological support for an additional period after their loved ones return.

Families of hostages to receive support after hostages' release

3-year-old finds 3,800-year-old Canaanite seal on family trip near Beit Shemesh

While walking with her family on a trip to Tel Azeka, near Beit Shemesh, 3.5-year-old Ziv Nitzan picked up a stone that turned out to be an ancient seal amulet from the Middle Bronze Age.

3-year-old finds 3,800-year-old Canaanite seal on family trip near Beit Shemesh

Poll:

Poll: Significant increase in trust in the IDF and Chief of Staff

A new survey by the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS) reveals a significant increase in trust in the IDF and Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir.

Poll: Significant increase in trust in the IDF and Chief of Staff

Netanyahu backtracks:

Netanyahu backtracks: Sharvit will not be appointed as Shin Bet Chief

Prime Minister Netanyahu announced that 'after further thought,' he decided to withdraw the appointment of Vice Admiral (Res.) Eli Sharvit as ISA Director.

Netanyahu backtracks: Sharvit will not be appointed as Shin Bet Chief

After a day of delays:

After a day of delays: Israeli student delegation that was stuck in Turkey lands in Poland

A delegation of Israeli students that was stuck in Turkey since 8:00 on Monday morning has arrived at its destination after a nerve-wracking ordeal in the unfriendly country.

After a day of delays: Israeli student delegation that was stuck in Turkey lands in Poland

Fitch maintains Israel’s credit rating at A with negative outlook

Fitch Ratings reaffirms Israel’s long-term sovereign credit rating at A with a negative outlook, citing fiscal challenges, governance concerns, and security risks. The agency projects a declining deficit but warns of continued economic pressures.

Fitch maintains Israel’s credit rating at A with negative outlook

Embezzlement ruling:

French court bars Marine Le Pen from office in embezzlement ruling

Paris court bans Marine Le Pen from holding political office for five years after finding her guilty of embezzling EU funds. The ruling, which includes a four-year prison sentence (two years suspended) and a €100,000 fine, derails her 2027 presidential ambitions.

French court bars Marine Le Pen from office in embezzlement ruling

Watch:

Watch: Police drag MK Naama Lazimi during protest near Knesset

Police documented dragging MK Naama Lazimi (The Democrats) during a left-wing protest near the Knesset.

Watch: Police drag MK Naama Lazimi during protest near Knesset

'Posed an immediate threat'

'Posed an immediate threat': IAF strikes Hezbollah terrorist in Beirut

IAF strikes Hezbollah terrorist who had recently directed Hamas operatives and assisted them in planning a significant and imminent terror attack against Israeli civilians.

'Posed an immediate threat': IAF strikes Hezbollah terrorist in Beirut