Rafah:
Terror cells eliminated in close-quarters combat in eastern Rafah
IDF soldiers face Hamas terrorists in battle at Rafah crossing as IAF strikes rocket and mortar launching sites in Rafah.
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
Protesters clash with drivers in Tel Aviv
Family members of hostages and supporters protest in several locations, demanding the release of the abductees. Clashes with police erupt in several locations.
'Deeply disappointed'
US Jewish leaders criticize Biden's threat to Israel: Deeply disappointed and dismayed
Leaders of the Conference of Presidents respond to Biden: Withholding security assistance and support from Israel would send a dangerous message to Iran and all its regional proxies.
In wake of protests
UNRWA to temporarily close Jerusalem headquarters in wake of protests
UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini says “Israeli extremists” set fire to the agency's Jerusalem complex: It is the responsibility of the State of Israel to ensure that United Nations personnel and facilities are protected at all times.
Netanyahu:
Netanyahu: We will do what we have to do to protect our country
Speaking to Dr. Phil, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he hopes he and Biden can overcome their disagreements, "but we will do what we have to do to protect our country".
The Ben Shapiro Show:
The Ben Shapiro Show: Biden sides with Satan
Watch: Joe Biden announces a weapons cutoff for Israel if they go into Rafah; and Marjorie Taylor Greene’s bizarre quest to unseat Speaker Mike Johnson fails.
Former US army chief:
Former US army chief: The United States killed a lot of innocent people
Watch: Ret. Gen. Mark Milley hits back at those who criticize Israel's actions in Gaza, says the US has committed many war crimes over the years.
'You are a true friend of Israel'
Jewish and Christian leaders thank Trump: You are a true friend of Israel
Former US Ambassador to Israel David Friedman spearheads letter thanking former President Trump for his support for Israel and for his skepticism regarding the viability of a two-state solution.
Eden Golan qualifies for Eurovision final
Israeli representative unfazed by boos, advances to final, which will take place on Saturday night in Malmo, Sweden.
The Egyptian connection to Biden's threat
Egyptian source claims that the aggressive US position against Israel in the context of Rafah is partly related to Cairo's protest on the issue.
IDF cancels Lag Ba'Omer events in Meron
IDF stresses that the security situation does not allow the annual Hillula of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai to be held, and as such it was decided to cancel it this year.
Report:
Report: Emergency government close to collapsing
National Unity says if no progress is made in reaching a hostage deal in the coming days it will leave the government.
Since October 7
Antisemitic, anti-Israel K-12 cases spike 700% in US since October 7
Israeli American Council’s School Watch program records a 690% increase in antisemitic incidents in American grade schools and preschools in the first 3 months after the October 7 massacre.
US State Department:
US State Department: 'An operation in Rafah would weaken Israel's stance in the world'
State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller explained Biden's threats to stop arms shipments: 'There are certain types of military assistance that we will not make available to Israel for use in Rafah.'
IDF Spokesman:
IDF Spokesman: 'We have everything we need for Rafah mission'
Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari downplays significance of US President Biden's threat to withhold weapons shipments to Israel over Rafah operation.
Inaugural driver’s license conversion day for lone soldiers
The event was attended by 1000 Lone Soldiers as well as National Service Volunteers, expediting the conversion of their foreign driver’s licenses in one day.
Netanyahu responds to US:
Netanyahu responds to US: If we have to fight alone, we will
PM responds to President Biden's threat to halt arms shipments to Israel over Rafah operation, says Israelis will fight 'with our nails' if necessary.
Haim Saban slams 'bad, bad, bad' decision to freeze weapons shipments
Israeli-American billionaire and Democratic megadonor warns US President, 'there are more Jewish voters who care about Israel than Muslim voters who care about Hamas.'
Malmo, Sweden
Malmo, Sweden: Thousands of anti-Israel protesters gather outside Eurovision
Hundreds of people gather in Sweden's Malmö to protest against Israel's participation in the Eurovision competition.
Two UAVs intercepted by IDF in Lebanese territory
Several missiles hit Shlomi causing a fire. Furthermore, a short while ago, IAF fighter jets struck Hezbollah terrorist infrastructure and a military structure in the area of Ayta ash Shab.
Eight left-wing activists banned from entering Judea and Samaria
The eight, including six foreign nationals, have been banned thanks to a new team of detectives that was created within the Samaria and Judea District Police by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.
IDF Chief of Staff:
IDF Chief of Staff: 'Our obligation to all is one: to be a shield for our people'
The IDF Spokesperson on Thursday published the statement by Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi commemorating Memorial Day.
Retired general:
Retired general: US move a signal to allies and the Iranian nuclear program
According to Brigadier General (Ret) Yossi Kuperwasser not sending the ammunition to Israel makes it clear to the United States' allies in the region and the world as a whole, that they cannot rely on it.
Ahead of Memorial Day:
Ahead of Memorial Day: Over 25 thousand have fallen in Israel's wars
711 servicemen and women fell during the Swords of Iron War, 637 of them were IDF soldiers, 39 were members of local security response teams, 68 were police officers, and 6 were ISA agents.
Police use water cannons against activists blocking aid trucks
At least 20 activists arrested as over 100 block aid trucks heading into Gaza from Mitzpe Ramon area.
PM Netanyahu answers Biden:
PM Netanyahu answers Biden: 'If Israel is forced to stand alone, Israel will stand alone'
The Prime Minister shared a video of his Holocaust Remembrance Day address in which he pledged that nothing would stop Israel from defending itself, even if it would have to stand alone.
MK Sukkot:
MK Sukkot: Billions for home defense? 'The problem will worsen'
MK Tzvi Sukkot claimed that channeling billions into the defense of homes in the cities of the north will only exacerbate the security problem.
IED attack near Tzur Harel in Binyamin
Terrorists from Burqah in Benjamin detonated a high-powered, flame-activated IED last night in a grazing field used by the Tzur Harel homestead in the Binyamin region. The incident was reported to the IDF as 'settler violence'.
12 times more than in 1948:
Ahead of Independence Day: 9.9 million people living in Israel
Since last Independence day, Israel's population has grown by 189,000 people; by next Independence Day, Israel's population is expected to reach over 10 million.
Biden under fire over decision to pause weapons to Israel
US Pres. Joe Biden faces criticism from within the Democratic party, leading Republicans, following his promise that if Israel expands its Rafah operations, the US will halt weapons shipments.
EJC calls on Europe’s university rectors to protect Jewish students
Following attacks on Jewish students amid anti-Zionist campus demonstrations, Jewish organization urges European university rectors to take steps to rectify situation. Demonstrations 'glorify violence against Jews, attempt to muzzle any form of expression by Jewish students.'
Pres. Herzog: Avoid baseless statements that harm Israel
'When there are disagreements between friends and allies, there is a way to clarify the disputes; avoid baseless, irresponsible and insulting statements,' President Isaac Herzog urges.
Trump:
Trump: 'Crooked Joe is taking the side of these terrorists'
The former president insisted on social media that he would have prevented the war and backed Israel's efforts to win it.
Report: Four killed in attack on vehicle in Lebanon
Arab media reports four Radwan Forces terrorists killed in alleged Israeli strike in southern Lebanon.
Ben-Gvir:
Ben-Gvir: 'Hamas ❤️ Biden'
In a tweet he posted Thursday morning, Ben Gvir attacked Biden over his remarks against supplying ammunition to Israel and wrote 'Hamas ❤️ Biden.'
Elad terrorists' sentencing postponed for security reasons
The sentencing date for the terrorists, who killed four Israelis in Elad using axes, was postponed three times because the Israel Prison Service refuses to bring them to court.
Forecasters warn of extreme temperatures towards weekend
Temperatures to continue rising through Friday, returning to seasonal average only on the weekend.
Unanimously:
Canadian Parliament unanimously approves motion to blacklist IRGC
Canada’s House of Commons votes by a majority of 327 to 0 in support of motion to add Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps to an official list of terrorist organizations.
Cleared for publication:
Cleared for publication: Staff sergeant Haim Sabach fell in northern Israel
Staff sergeant Haim Sabach fell during operational activity in northern Israel. His family has been notified. 615 soldiers have been killed since the start of the war.
Aid for Gaza loaded onto a ship in Cyprus
The aid is expected to be the first cargo to be delivered using the new US pier built to expedite supplies to Gaza.
