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

'You're coming home'

Watch: Hostage's mother speaks with her son for the first time

Einav Zanguaker, mother of hostage Matan, speaks with her son just prior to his release from Hamas captivity. 'The war is over, you're coming home.'

Watch: Hostage's mother speaks with her son for the first time

Mor family's message to the nation after Eitan's release

The family of hostage survivor Eitan Mor joyfully announce his return from Hamas captivity after two years, thanking the IDF, security forces, Israeli leadership, US support, and the people of Israel for their role in bringing Eitan home.

Mor family's message to the nation after Eitan's release

'It's all okay, calm down'

Watch: Hostage Elkana Bohbot speaks with mother Ruhama

After over 730 days in Hamas captivity, hostage Elkana Bohbot speaks with mother Ruhama on the phone, telling her, 'It's all okay, calm down.'

Watch: Hostage Elkana Bohbot speaks with mother Ruhama

Murdered hostage's parents:

Murdered hostage's parents: 'Profound relief and joy as Israeli hostages are released'

Rachel and Jon Goldberg-Polin, parents of murdered hostage Hersh, join the nation in gratitude and hope, echoing the words of Psalm 126: a song of return, laughter, and renewal after long months of pain.

Murdered hostage's parents: 'Profound relief and joy as Israeli hostages are released'

Watch: Returning hostages cross into Israeli territory

The IDF has released footage of the returning hostages' arrival in Israel. Watch.

Watch: Returning hostages cross into Israeli territory

Netanyahu joins Trump in Beast en route to Knesset

President Trump arrives in Israel ahead of the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas. Ben Gurion Airport control tower: 'Welcome to the State of Israel, Mr. President. Your visit carries deep meaning for people in this time.'

Netanyahu joins Trump in Beast en route to Knesset

IDF chief: 'Our mission won't end until the last hostage returns'

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir is commanding Operation 'Returning Home, says it is a 'very significant day' marking progress toward key war objectives. 'Our mission will not end until the last hostage is returned.'

IDF chief: 'Our mission won't end until the last hostage returns'

Government 'committed to the return of all hostages'

Government statement welcomes returning hostages home, says families have been updated.

Government 'committed to the return of all hostages'

Live:

Live: Thousands pray at Nova site with Rabbi Eliyahu

The special prayer is being held under the leadership of the Tikva Forum and the Association of Community Rabbis, with bereaved families, reserve soldiers, and Minister Amichai Eliyahu.

Live: Thousands pray at Nova site with Rabbi Eliyahu

The Netanyahus' note

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and wife Sara left a personal note for every returning hostage. 'We waited for you, we embrace you.'

The Netanyahus' note

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.

Watch live: Thousands attend holiday prayers at the Western Wall

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.

Herzog to award Trump with Israel’s highest civilian honor

Zelenskyy:

Zelenskyy: Trump’s Gaza peace deal offers hope for Ukraine

Ukrainian President praises Trump’s Gaza ceasefire and urges similar pressure on Putin.

Zelenskyy: Trump’s Gaza peace deal offers hope for Ukraine

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.

Avinatan Or’s brother: We’re all on the path to closure

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.

Watch: Art of the deal (gone wrong)

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.

Hours before release: Government votes on changes to terrorist release list

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.

Watch: US ambassadors wow the crowd at United Hatzalah Sukkot concert

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.

Rachel Goldberg-Polin: I don’t know how to carry all of this

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."

As part of hostage deal: Planner of kidnapping and murder of three teens to be released

'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.

'I look forward to seeing you soon': Trump accepts invitation to speak in Knesset

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.

IDF prepares for Hamas provocations during hostage release

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.

Planned attack on Orlando Chabad House foiled

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.

Senior defense official: Hamas was not defeated, but was weakened'

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.

Israeli capital completes preparations to welcome President Trump

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.

Confirmed: Hamas influencer found shot in Gaza

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.

Newspaper delivery triggered terror alert in Kochav Hashachar

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.

IDF Chief: Israel has defeated Hamas after two years of war

'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.

Captivity survivor gifts President Trump his book: 'You got me back by life'

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.

Vance clarifies: US won’t deploy troops to Gaza

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.

Outrage: New restaurant in Gaza named 'Nova'

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.

Watch: Giant American flag flies over Binyamin region

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.

Moving: Hostages' families prepare room, car for sons' arrival

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.

Prisoner who attacked guard removed from release list

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.

Hostage coordinator: Hostages expected to be released first thing in the morning

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.

MK Tzvi Succot waves the Four Species on the Temple Mount

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.

British minister claims credit for hostage deal

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.

Watch: Eretz Nehederet's 'Trump' visits Hostage 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.

Report: Remains of Israeli spy Eli Cohen may soon return 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.

Watch: IDF troops operate on new ceasefire lines in Gaza

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.

Chief Rabbi: Trump is a righteous gentile