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


A meaningful choice: Celebrating independence in Israeli style

Israeli brands in fashion, design, beauty, and lifestyle prove year after year that innovation, creativity, and quality are an inseparable part of the local DNA.

 A pack of clips by Hostess, NIS 13.50, available at retail chains and on the importer’s website Intersun: www.intersun.co.il

'No independence while they're still there': Yarden Bibas calls to bring hostages home

Bibas called for Israelis to change their profile pictures to include the sentence 'I have no independence because they are still there.'

 Yarden Bibas, Einav Zangauker hold signs reading 'I have no independence while they are still there!'

The promotions and new home items

Spring deals for Independence Day: Furniture sales, patriotic jewelry, picnic gear, innovative thermoses, and home upgrades from leading brands across Israel.

 Aminach Kfar Saba

WATCH: Israel's 77th Independence Day celebration is like its first

The Jerusalem Dispatch covers how this year's Independence Day is similar to Israel's first one in 1948, alongside other top stories.

 A woman waves a large Israeli flag as people watch the military airshow as part of Israel's 75th Independence Day celebrations, in Jerusalem, April 26, 2023.

Is it possible to barbecue without leaving the house? Absolutely

Israelis have begun staying at home. And how will they celebrate Independence Day?

 Ninja outdoor smoker grill, model OG853, NIS 2,190

Rare handwritten diary entry by David Ben-Gurion from Israel's founding day revealed

The Ben-Gurion Institute hopes that by next Independence Day, the original diary notebook will also be located and made public.

 An excerpt of David Ben-Gurion's diary.

Living the vision: To be a free people in our land, even now - opinion

This Independence Day, we are called to make a choice – not necessarily between political views but rather between voices that narrow Judaism and those that expand it.

 INDEPENDENCE DAY is celebrated in the center of Jerusalem last year. In moments like these, the Declaration of Independence must once again serve as our moral, cultural, and Zionist compass, says the writer.

The Israeli barbecue has changed the rules of the game

If in the past the barbecue was the traditional event where all eyes were focused on the meat and the grill, this year it is a new and refreshing hosting experience - especially in the design aspect.

 Smokeless electric grill by the NORMANDE electrical brand for NIS 399, available on the brand's website, in chains, and in select stores

Independence Day 2025: 77+1 reasons I love Israel - opinion

Ahead of Israel's Independence Day, Barbara Sofer presents her annual list of things she loves about the Jewish state.

 Israel's representative to the Eurovision Song Contest, Yuval Raphael, a survivor of the deadly October 7 2023 attack by Hamas on the Nova festival in Israel's south, sings on a stage in this handout photo obtained by Reuters on January 23, 2025.

Israel Independence Day 2025: 77 reasons life is better in the Jewish state - opinion

As the Jewish state turns 77 on Independence Day, olim from across the country give 77 reasons why life in Israel is better.

 An illustrative image of French olim (new immigrants) arriving in Israel.