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


Critical voices aren't fooling anyone with silence and backhanded compliments - opinion

The contentious messages and loaded silence of Jewish groups who criticise Israel, including APN and J Street, are concerning.

 BARBECUING AT Sacher Park in Jerusalem on Independence Day last Tuesday: It was disappointing that some prominent individuals in the Jewish world couldn’t bring themselves to offer even superficial greetings to the Jewish state on its 76th birthday, says the writer.

Holding the bitter and the sweet: Remembrance and Independence Day 2024 - opinion

In these moments, we can try to view these emotions not as conflicting but as parallel emotions. 

 MANCHESTER STREET scene: A notoriously rainy region.

The Left's attempts to ruin Independence Day thankfully failed - opinion

Whilst the hard left rejected Independence Day, most Israelis set out into Israel’s streets and parks to celebrate.

 CELEBRATING INDEPENDENCE Day in Tel Aviv: Fortunately, most Israelis clearly rejected the rejectionist, dangerously debilitating narrative, and set out into Israel’s streets and parks to mark the day, the writer asserts.

Grapevine, May 17, 2024: Power of the press

Movers and shakers in Israeli society.

 PRIME MINISTER Benjamin Netanyahu with wounded soldiers at Sheba Medical Center.

Lack of leadership in Israel is undermining the Gaza war - opinion

It is time that Netanyahu recognizes the gravity of this moment in time and does what is right or steps aside, calls for early elections, and allows the Israeli people to decide who will lead them.

 PRESIDENT ISAAC Herzog is flanked by IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant at an event for outstanding soldiers at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem on Independence Day.

We will bow our heads, but stand tall - Opinion

It's time for us to accept the covenant of destiny and build our second independence.

 Nerya Meir

Navy Independence Day flotilla pays tribute to October 7 victims

This year, a record number and variety of vessels of different sizes, from small boats to large yachts, took part.

 Independence flotilla honoring the victims of October 7, May 14, 2024.

Beyond the headlines: A glimpse into the Israel you won’t read about in the news  

Annual Bible Quiz brings Jewish world together on Israel's Independence Day, and more.

 Writings on the wall.

After the next election: Let the government govern - editorial

Too often, Israel’s policies depend on what the Americans will agree to, what Palestinians will say, and how the Saudis will react. But you can’t achieve what you don't define.

 FINANCE MINISTER Bezalel Smotrich sits among empty seats at the cabinet table in the Knesset plenum. A major part of our problem is the structure of our parliamentary system which makes ministerial assignments a reward for party loyalty and support for the coalition, says the writer.

Let's focus on our wins not our woes this Independence Day - opinion

Israel Independence Day must lead to an opportunity to negate the misleading, Palestinian-centered tale of woe, to return us to the Jewish story and the Zionist tale of redemption.

 MIRIAM PERETZ, who lost two soldier-sons, one in South Lebanon and one in Gaza, continues to celebrate holidays and to love life, the writer notes.