Independence Day

'Very difficult for me': Actress Hana Laszlo decides to not carry Independence Day torch

Laszlo has faced controversy over supposed statements that opponents allege criticized the IDF's activities, particularly during the Israel-Hamas War.

Hana Laszlo walks the red carpet ahead of a movie showing at the 77th Venice Film Festival, September 2020; illustrative.
Argentinian President Javier Milei and Israeli President Isaac Herzog tour in Kibbutz Nir Oz, southern Israel, February 8, 2024.

President Herzog to award Argentina's Javier Milei with Presidential Medal of Honor

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.

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

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


Jerusalem air quality among worst in world amid fires - report

IQAir recorded the degradation of air quality as the wildfires spread throughout Israel.

Current air quality ranking

Nations at 77: A global snapshot of growing pains and triumphs throughout history

Israel's 77th year finds it grappling with internal divisions over judicial reform, war, and national identity, yet is still on the pathway to success. How did other nations fare?

 EGYPTIAN PRESIDENT Hosni Mubarak was re-elected in 1999 with 93% of the vote, an election which saw no real opposition.

Ex-justice minister: Israel's internal battle not on Left vs Right, but democratic values

Dan Meridor decries the state of present-day Israel but expresses hope for the future. ‘This is the project of a lifetime.’

 Dan Meridor.

'Fighting for what matters': President Herzog's message for Israeli Independence Day - opinion

I have watched Jews from every walk of life rise to the challenge and show up in so many different ways – for one another and for Israel. It has inspired and moved me.

 Israeli President Isaac Herzog.

WATCH: Israel airs country's 77th Independence Day ceremony

The rehearsal was aired due to the cancellation of the planned live event amid the raging fires across Israel.

 The main rehearsal of the 77th anniversary Independence Day ceremony, held at Mount Herzl, Jerusalem, on April 28, 2025.

Meteorological Service warns severe weather conditions to continue amid blazes

Firefighters have been remaining in close contact with the Meteorological Service as they work to contain multiple blazes.

 Firefighters try to extinguish a fire which broke out near Moshav Mesilat Zion, April 30, 2025.

Government cancels all Independence Day events countrywide due to fires

Independence Day events along with the Hostage rally that was scheduled for tonight have been cancelled due to the extreme weather.

Flyer of cancelled event in Hostage Square

Authorities cancel Independence Day torch-lighting ceremony due to strong winds

The police added that winds of this strength have the ability to damage infrastructure and facilities, including the toppling of trees, poles, temporary fences, and more.

A TORCH burns on Jerusalem’s Mount Herzl.

Herzog to ‘Post’: 'Even if I stand alone; I will try endlessly to bring compromise'

President Isaac Herzog talks about societal schism, an unbreakable bond with Diaspora Jews, and Gaza, Iran, Syria, and Lebanon threats.

 Israeli President Isaac Herzog.

Israel was founded on a promise, and that promise must be kept - editorial

How to get the remaining hostages out of Gaza is the issue that is tearing the country apart and threatening to dig a deep chasm in our society that we may never be able to bridge.

 Israeli flags on graves of fallen soldiers in Mount Herzl Military Cemetery in Jerusalem, on May 9, 2024, ahead of Israeli Memorial Day.