Israel celebrates independence

Netanyahu decides:

General closure on Independence Day

After discussion on Memorial Day and Independence Day formats it was decided to close military cemeteries on Memorial Day.

Lockdown on Independence Day a possibility

NSC, Ministry of Health seek to prevent large crowds by imposing similar restrictions to those that were in effect during Passover.

Israel's Air Force to salute hospitals

Four Texan II T6 planes will hold flyovers over hospitals, saluting medical staff and healthcare system.

Another lockdown coming?

National Security Council and Defense Ministry expected to recommend lockdown during Memorial Day and Independence Day.

Women's Renaissance Project founder to light torch

'Momentum' founder Lori Palatnik has been selected to light the Diaspora Torch at the Independence Day and Memorial Day ceremonies.

The heroic nature of our people

Is Israel really independent on Independence Day?

What does independence mean? Is it possible to say wholeheartedly that the State of Israel is in this situation?

From Oy to Joy: A call for positivity in Jewish engagement

Watch: The President's Independence Day greetings

President Rivlin's message for Israel's 71st Yom Haatzmaut (Independence Day).

Tachanun on Erev Yom Haatzmaut

From Jewish tragedy to Israeli excellence

Pittsburgh Jewish leader Jeff Finkelstein and SpaceIL president Morris Kahn give voice to tragedy and achievement at Independence Day event.

Israel's population tops 9 million

6.7 million Jews live in Israel on eve of 71st Independence Day, alongside 1.9 million Arabs. Israeli population to top 15 million by 2048.

What Makes Yom HaAtzmaut Different?

Join in Israel’s 71 year old traditions this Israel Independence Day and learn what makes them so unique.

Mothers of 3 murdered teens to light Independence Day torch

Culture Minister invites mothers of three Israeli teens who were kidnapped, murdered by Hamas to light Independence Day torch

Likud minister ends Independence Day honor for Diaspora Jews

Naftali Bennett rips Culture Minister's decision not to have Diaspora Jews represented at annual Independence Day ceremony this year.

The 'right of return' is a Jewish right and the right of no others

Watch live:

US Embassy in Israel celebrates 242nd Independence Day

Netanyahu at celebrations of US Independence Day in Jerusalem: Israel grateful for America's independence and strength.

Seventy years of Israeli independence celebrated on Broadway

Broadway show honoring Israel's 70th Independence Day highlights Israel's multiculturalism.

Celebrating Israel's 70th Independence Day - in Poland

Polish, Israeli leaders celebrate Israel's Independence Day in 'heartwarming' Warsaw ceremony.

An ego step too far - or a kindergarten game

This eventful week: A disgrace for Independence Day.

Israel to restore, refurbish, seven heritage sites

At celebratory Cabinet meeting, PM Netanyahu promises to restore, refurbish 8 heritage sites, thanks world leaders for warm wishes.

Watch: 360-degree Independence Day flyover

Join the IDF's aerobatics team on a 360-degree Independence Day flyover.

'They stole my independence from me'

Jews, including IDF colonel, arrested for waving Israeli flags near Arab protest on Israel's Independence day.

From Holocaust to independence

FIDF supporters travel to Poland, Israel, with Holocaust survivors and IDF officers.

Edelstein rips Netanyahu, Regev: 'They ruined the celebration'

Knesset Speaker infuriated after Netanyahu's speech at torch-lighting ceremony went nearly 10 minutes overtime.

Israel Police showcase capabilities at training academy

Special Forces, K-9 units, and helicopter assaults: Police hold family-friendly day showcasing its wide array of expertise.

OU Israel holds mega event honoring Olim

Over 2,000 revelers celebrate Independence Day at OU event honoring English-speaking Olim. 'I always knew I would make Aliyah.'

ANALYSIS: Israel at 70: A light unto the nations

Israel is not a newborn anymore. Its stunning success is backed by hard facts, but challenges lay ahead.

Watch: Israelis mob Netanyahu at Jerusalem park

Thronged by bodyguards, Prime Minister Netanyahu visits Israelis celebrating Independence Day at Jerusalem park.

From Auschwitz to the Western Wall

Thousands of students who participated in the 30th March of the Living come to Israel to celebrate the Jewish state's 70th Independence Day.

70th Independence Day

World leaders congratulate Israel on its 70th anniversary

US, Russian Presidents, Queen of England, and UN Secretary General send warm wishes to President Rivlin on Israel's Independence Day.

70th Independence Day

Watch: Parachuting demonstration on Israeli coast

A unique parachute parade was held in the skies of Israel, in which 100 commanders and soldiers jumped out of planes.

Yated Ne'eman: 'Haredim have nothing to celebrate'

Major haredi daily comes out in opposition to Yom Ha'atzmaut, says original leaders of Israel denied God and did not support Torah learning.

Ishay Ribo releases special Independence Day video

World Bnei Akiva invites 70 Olim from 70 different branches around the world to join Israeli singer for 'Coming Home.'

After truck bomb attack thwarted, checkpoint closed

Liberman orders closure of northern Samaria checkpoint until further notice, after PA truck headed for Jewish communities found with bomb.

Seventy faces of the nation

Rabbi Mike Feuer gives an overview of the meaning of the word 'Am,' and makes a call to continue the conversation.

Vocals: Prayer for the State of Israel

In honor of Independence Day, 'Vocals' group releases video, a vocal version of the prayer for the state, in duet with cantor Dov Heller.

'We saw the clear connection between J'lem, the Jewish people'

UN Ambassadors share impressions of visit to Israel during Independence Day celebrations. 'Where there is heritage, you should protect it.'

Live: Celebrating independence at President's Residence

President, PM, Defense Minister, IDF Chief of Staff, and Israeli artists salute 120 distinguished soldiers at special event in J'lem.

Thousands of reservists mistakenly called up

Reservists called to report immediately to emergency meeting points, before IDF clarifies mistake. 'I was sure there was a war.'

'For this I was born'

David Macarov learned how to use unorthodox methods to acquire ships that would bring Jewish refugees to pre-state Israel in 1946-7.

Seneca Nation celebrates Israel's Independence Day

Native American nation in New York celebrates with Israel in recognition of shared 'passion for freedom' and Israel's 'warrior spirit.'

New York man, 70, makes Aliyah on shared birthday with Israel

Yisrael Helprin was named for the Jewish state which was declared the same day he was born.

Netanyahu at Har Herzl:

'The Menorah of Israel will shine forever'

PM speaks at torch-lighting ceremony. 'If we must defend ourselves - we will rise to the challenge and ensure the eternity of Israel.'

PM Netanyahu's Independence Day greeting

'70 years of freedom, democracy, bettering the world. The best part: We're just getting started.'

Israel Independence Day greeting from President Reuven Rivlin

Israeli president sends greetings to Jewish communities and friends of Israel around the world on Israel’s 70th Independence Day.

Trump congratulates Israel: 'We have no better friends anywhere'

US President congratulates Israel on its 70th Independence Day. 'Looking forward to moving our Embassy to Jerusalem next month!'

Watch: Independence Day torch-lighting ceremony

Official ceremony opening celebrations for Israel's 70th Independence Day taking place at Har Herzl in Jerusalem. PM in attendance.

'Missionary attack on Independence Day'

Anti-missionary group warns against an international missionary campaign in Israel at its height on Independence Day.

Celebrating modern miracles of biblical proportions

The State of Israel brings the promise of redemption to all of humanity.

Shaked, Rivlin, sign pardons for Israel's 70th anniversary

Special presidential pardons given in honor of milestone anniversary of the state.

40 ambassadors to the United Nations visit Israel

Largest-ever UN delegation visits Israel, in time for Israel's 70th Independence Day.

Israel's 70th Independence Day - Do You See The Miracle?

The Mizrachi World Movement presents the historic untold story of Israel's monumental Declaration of Independence.

Man moves to Israel, just in time for joint 70th birthday

Born on the same day Israel declared its independence, new immigrant arrives just in time for joint 70th birthday celebrations.

Watch: Two Israeli Air Force F-15 'Baz' dogfight over Tel Aviv

Jewish jets rehearse for Israeli Independence Day air show

Netanyahu and Edelstein asked to limit speeches

Torchlighting ceremony general rehearsal reveals it to be too long. 'Fear extended ceremony might harm 70th anniversary events.'

Watch: The Maccabeats mark Independence Day with new video

Jewish a cappella group turns Israel's Declaration of Independence into a song in honor of 70th anniversary of Israel's establishment.

Arabs torch Israeli flags ahead of Independence Day

Some residents of Israeli-Arab towns protest Independence Day, tear down signs. 'For us it is a day of catastrophe, not independence.'

Haredi soldier who fought to be Mount Herzl standard bearer

Sergeant Major Shlomi Ben-David, member of Safed haredi family, is unique IDF cadet in festive torch-lighting ceremony.

Israel's population tops 8.8 million, to hit 15 million by 2048

Nearly 6.6 million Jews living in Israel ahead of 70th independence day, 10 times more than when Israel was established in 1948.