Independence Day

Gal Hirsch faces backlash over Independence Day torch-lighting amid tax fraud trial

The prosecution filed charges against Hirsch and three other individuals in October 2021 for tax offenses in the "Defensive Shield" case.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Gal Hirsch, Coordinator for the Hostages and the Missing in the Prime Minister's Office hold a press conferene at the Prime Minister's office in Jerursalem, January 27, 2026.
COVID WAS the only time when Israel acted as though it were a small island with no neighbors. Pictured: Prepping a vaccine

At 78, is Israel really an independent state? - opinion

ISRAELI PRIME Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara Netanyahu attend a welcoming ceremony for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv on February 25, 2026.

Prime Minister's wife should light Independence Day torch, Knesset member declares

US President Donald Trump gestures as he addresses House Republicans at their annual issues conference retreat, at the Kennedy Center, renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center by the Trump-appointed board of directors, in Washington, DC, US, January 6, 2026.

'Historic decision': Kisch invites Trump to attend Israel Prize ceremony on Independence Day


Reporter's Notebook: Independence Day with the war in mind

For all that tragedy in the background of this year's ceremony, there was a spirit of hope and optimism in the air.

 People walk on Jaffa street in Jerusalem, during Israel's 76th Independence Day celebrations, May 13, 2024.

Israel not so alone on Independence Day

Both Herzog and Foreign Minister Israel Katz warned of what Hamas and other proxies of Iran are doing, not only for the sake of causing irreparable harm to Israel but to the free world.

 Israeli president Isaac Herzog speaks at a ceremony held at the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial Museum in Jerusalem, as Israel marks annual Holocaust Remembrance Day. May 5, 2024.

Israel at 76: A look back at how the Jewish state developed

Israel is not as secure as many thought, but the people are much stronger and more dedicated than most imagined.

 Israeli soldiers paint a mural with Israeli soldiers and the Star of David in Jerusalem, on May 7, 2024

Honoring Israeli wartime heroes on Independence Day

Twelve of the sites that suffered the most in the devastatingly heinous attacks by Hamas on October 7 have been chosen for this year’s torch-lighting.

 Friends and family members mourn near graves of Israeli soldiers on October 7,  at Mount Herzl Military Cemetery in Jerusalem, on May 9, 2024

World leaders congratulate Israel's 76th Independence Day in the shadow of Gaza war

"As the first country to recognize Israel as an independent state in 1948, our bonds are underpinned by shared democratic values, common interests, and cultural affinities," Biden said.

Staff at Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem wave at the IAF flyover on Independence Day.

Netanyahu shuns traditional Independence Day events; Opposition: goal was to avoid demonstrations

A person reportedly shouted "garbage" and "bring back the hostage" at Netanyahu as he was exiting one of the Remembrance Day ceremonies.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks at the Remembrance Day ceremony at Mount Herzl. May 13, 2024.

A brief history of Zionism, 1860-1949

A brief rundown of major historical events in the history of Zionism.

 David Ben-Gurion publicly pronouncing the Declaration of the State of Israel, May 14, 1948, beneath a large portrait of Theodor Herzl, founder of modern political Zionism, in the old Tel Aviv Museum of Art building on Rothschild Street.

Independence Day: Prominent Israeli voices share 76 words on the holiday this year

We asked leaders, experts, writers, and editors to share their thoughts on marking the milestone this year.

 People watch the military airshow as part of Israel's 75th Independence Day celebrations, in Saker Park, Jerusalem, April 26, 2023.

Live: President Isaac Herzog hosts Independence Day reception for international diplomatic corps

 President Isaac Herzog speaks on Israel's judicial reform on February 12, 2023

Independence Day Bible Quiz: Bringing Jews worldwide together

'Studying the Bible showed me where we come from and our relationship with Israel,' a 2020 contestant from Argentina told the Post.

Israelis cheer during the annual Bible Quiz on Israel's Independence Day. April 16, 2013