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


Independence Day 2025: The top Israeli beers for your barbecue

Certain beers go better with certain foods – even at a barbecue. Here's what Israeli beers you should drink this Independence Day.

 An illustrative image of Israelis gathering around a grill for an Independence Day barbecue.

In the Kitchen with Henny: Shuk-style celebration

For this year’s Independence Day celebration, I’ve put together a menu that highlights Israel’s best-loved foods.

 An illustrative image of falafel balls.

Independence Day flotilla: A tribute to the Navy, hostages, wounded soldiers, and their families

There will be a special initiative this year to include the families of soldiers who have been wounded in the war.

 National Flotilla on Independence Day

Families call to remember Hamas hostages on Independence Day, adjust celebrations

"There is no true independence when 59 of us are in Gaza. There is no victory when 59 are still in captivity."

 Yotam Cohen, whose brother Nimrod is still held in Gaza

Mossad agents behind Hezbollah beeper operation to light torch in Independence Day ceremony

The three operatives, though anonymous, will go down in history for their operational achievements.

 Different types of pagers. Still used in areas without reception.

IDF soldier seriously wounded in Gaza to light torch on Independence Day ceremony

Medan lost both his legs in an explosion in the northern Gaza Strip, which killed four IDF reservists. 

A TORCH burns on Jerusalem’s Mount Herzl.

Haim Taib to light torch on Independence Day for promoting unity and resilience

"Lighting the torch is a full-circle moment for me and my family – both personally and nationally – and a symbol of my commitment to strengthening the resilience of the State of Israel."

 Haim Taib, President and Founder of Mitrelli Group and Menomadin Foundation.

Israeli singers reject Miri Regev's request to participate in torch ceremony

However, released hostage Eli Sharabi will be one of the ceremony's torchbearers • MK Gilad Kariv criticizes Regev's choice in choosing Ben Shapiro as a torchbearer.

 Israeli singer Yardena Arazi performs with The Gevatron, an Israeli Kibbutz folk singers group in Gush Wtzion on March 28, 2017.

True face of Israel is found in the torch held by inspirational heroes - editorial

They are the true face of Israel. And what a beautiful face it is.

Torch lighting ceremony at Mount Herzl

Independence Day 2025: Ben Shapiro chosen as ceremonial torchbearer

Ben Shapiro will light a torch at Israel’s Independence Day ceremony, alongside freed hostage Emily Damari and Olympic medalist Oren Smadja.

 Ben Shapiro speaking with attendees at the 2019 Student Action Summit hosted by Turning Point USA at the Palm Beach County Convention Center in West Palm Beach, Florida.