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Hours after Independence Day, Gaza militants fire rocket into south

Israeli military confirms one rocket, fired toward the city of Sderot, landed in open area near the border fence; no damage or casualties reported; earlier, a rocket alert siren sounded in the city and surrounding areas

Matan Tzuri , 21:56 , 04.15.21

Chaos as Independence Day party ends with chairs being hurled

Late night celebration at Or Yehuda events hall erupts in violence after last stragglers refuse to leave event; police called to break up after fight with venue owner saying people had been drinking strong alcohol and 'lost control of themselves'

Itay Blumenthal , 20:35 , 04.15.21

Israel Prize awards wrap up Independence Day festivities

Education minister opens the ceremony by praising the Israeli spirit despite the country's highest honor this year being clouded by controversy after Prof. Oded Goldreich was blocked from receiving the award over Israel boycott comments

Ynet , 19:47 , 04.15.21

Timeline of Iran-Israel tensions since Natanz incident

April 11 blast at the nuclear site, which Tehran blames on Israel, prompted the Iranians to start enriching uranium with up to 60 percent purity, 20 times higher than what it had committed to in 2015 deal, which the West is trying to revive

AFP, Ynet , 16:44 , 04.15.21

U.S. envoy: Maritime border talks with Israel will help crisis-hit Lebanon

In Beirut, American diplomat David Hale says resolving border dispute would 'have potential to unlock significant economic benefits'; stalled negotiations holding up offshore exploration

Reuters , 11:55 , 04.15.21

Israelis celebrate Independence Day with return of barbecues, social gatherings

After last year's subdued events, Israelis take to beaches and parks to grill, meet and view annual IAF flyover, festive flotilla between Herzliya and Tel Aviv; Rivlin hosts traditional Yom Haatzmaut ceremony for outstanding soldiers

Udi Edzion, Itamar Eichner , 10:45 , 04.15.21

Israel celebrates Independence Day; PM: This year we discovered how strong we are

Torch-lighting ceremony honors medical professionals on front lines of fight against coronavirus and others whose lives impacted Israeli society, expressing the event's theme of kinship; spring weather to facilitate traditional Yom Haatzmaut barbecues

Itamar Eichner, Udi Edzion , 22:12 , 04.14.21

Kurds reject reports of Iranian attack on Mossad base

Kurdistan Regional Government says claims that 'an Israeli information and intelligence center in the Kurdistan Region was targeted and a number of its employees were killed and wounded' were meant to destabilize the region

TPS , 17:57 , 04.14.21

Remembering the fallen, Gantz pleads for Israeli unity

'No one asked the fallen about their political persuasions before they went into battle,' says defense minister at Tel Aviv ceremony; earlier event in Jerusalem read aloud the names of Israel’s 23,928 war casualties, victims of terror

Haim Golditch, Itay Blumenthal , 15:14 , 04.14.21

Vandals desecrate graves of fallen soldiers in Jerusalem

Bereaved families paying their respect for Memorial Day at Har HaMenuchot Cemetery discovered Israeli flags that normally decorate gravestones, including of those who perished during War of Independence, had been torn up

Nina Fuchs , 13:43 , 04.14.21

Iran president calls 60% enrichment an answer to Israel's 'evilness'

Hassan Rouhani says first-generation IR-1 centrifuges, damaged during alleged Israeli attack at Natanz nuclear site, would be replaced by advanced IR-6 centrifuges that enrich uranium much faster

Associated Press , 11:23 , 04.14.21

Trump-era growth of settlement growth has only begun

With settlement construction, which saw 28% increase under the Trump administration, sees no signs of slowing, Biden would need to stage an intervention with Israel to keep faint hopes for a two-state solution alive

Associated Press , 10:22 , 04.14.21

Sirens and sorrow: Israel honors its fallen on Memorial Day

Israel must not remain indifferent 'to the threats of war and destruction made by our soul-seekers,' says Netanyahu at ceremony to read out names of those who fell in defense of the state or lost their lives to terror; 'The day when there are no wars is far away,' says Gantz

Ynet , 09:55 , 04.14.21

Biden administration proceeding with $23 billion weapon sales to UAE

State Department spokesperson the administration would move forward with the deal, orchestrated by Trump and which includes the sale of advanced F-35 jets, while continuing 'to review details and consulting with Emirati officials'

Reuters , 08:31 , 04.14.21

Sudan due to send first delegation to Israel next week, sources say

Khartoum said to be preparing to send its first-ever diplomatic delegation to Israel, comprised of security and intelligence officials, as both nations move to solidify last year's normalization deal

Reuters , 23:01 , 04.13.21

With sirens and songs, Israel remembers its fallen soldiers and terror victims

First Yom HaZikaron ceremony being held at Western Wall plaza in Jerusalem for the 23,928 who perished defending their country or at hands of its enemies, with services at military and civilian cemeteries across country on Wednesday

Yoav Zitun, Asaf Zagrizak, Nina Fox , 22:27 , 04.13.21

Israeli-owned ship reportedly attacked off UAE amid Iran tensions

Vessel, identified as Hyperion Ray, attacked just hours after Iran FM pointed accusing finger at Israel for blast at key nuclear site and vowed to avenge; ship sustains minor damage

Liad Osmo, Ahiya Raved, Ron Ben-Yishai , 19:19 , 04.13.21

Defense Ministry to review PTSD policy after IDF vet self-immolates

Ministry says it has formed a panel that will look into improving rehabilitation of IDF veterans grappling with PTSD after 26-year-old Itzik Saidyan set himself alight in protest of authorities' cold shoulder

Yoav Zitun , 17:28 , 04.13.21

Bar Rafaeli's mother granted early release in tax evasion sentence

Tzipi Rafaeli was sentenced to 16 months in prison for tax evasion of up to NIS 34 million, with her daughter sentenced to community service; both ordered to pay fine of NIS 2.5 million

Gilad Morag, Roy Rubinstein , 14:41 , 04.13.21

Top health official: Israel to drop outdoor mask requirement

Head of public health Dr. Sharon Alroy-Preis says people must still wear masks in enclosed spaces, public gatherings; says Health Ministry mulling vaccinations for children aged 12+, a move backed by national pediatrics society

Attila Somfalvi , Adir Yanko , 13:28 , 04.13.21

Iranian FM: Israel made 'very bad gamble' by sabotaging Natanz site

Mohammad Javad Zarif points finger at Jerusalem reported explosion that cut all power at uranium enrichment facility, says incident will strengthen Tehran's position in Vienna talks with world powers on revival of 2015 nuclear agreement

Reuters , 11:06 , 04.13.21

Disabled IDF veteran in critical condition after self-immolation

Itzik Saidyan, who suffers from PTSD after his service in 2014 Gaza War, was frustrated with authorities' after they repeatedly refused to recognize extent of disability; family says state 'neglects those who need help'

Yoav Zitun, Nina Fuchs , 10:26 , 04.13.21

Natanz blackout caused by explosion activated remotely, New York Times reports

According to Israeli channel 13 on Monday, an explosive device was placed near the main electricity line and detonated in the early morning hours on Sunday causing the entire facility to stop functioning; sources estimate repairs could last months

i24NEWS, Ynet , 10:03 , 04.13.21

Health Ministry backs fully opening schools without capsules

Plan will provide testing and monitoring to detect outbreaks early; Education Ministry official warns of decline in math, language, science and English skills across all grades since start of distance learning

Tamar Trabelsi Hadad, Itamar Eichner, Adir Yanko , 21:59 , 04.12.21

Gantz asks Shin Bet to open an investigation into security leaks

Defense minister requests attorney general look into intelligence officials quoted by Israeli, foreign press on strike at Iran's Natanz nuclear site and against a vessel in the Red Sea, both actions widely attributed to Israel

Yoav Zitun , 19:09 , 04.12.21

Iran tried luring Israelis abroad to kidnap them, intel agencies warn

Mossad and Shin Bet say Iranian agents set up fake Instagram profiles, usually of women, in an attempt to draw Israelis to meetings abroad on various business propositions or offers for romantic rendezvous

Yoav Zitun , 18:11 , 04.12.21

Netanyahu tells Pentagon chief Israel won't let Iran obtain nukes

With visiting U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin at his side, premier says he won't allow Tehran 'capability to carry out genocidal goal of eliminating Israel'; Austin refrains from mentioning Islamic Republic in remarks

News Agencies, Ynet , 17:46 , 04.12.21

Bennett says he would back new Netanyahu-led government

After refusing to commit to either bloc, Yamina's chairman says Likud 'can count on the fingers of the faction for the formation of a right-wing government'; PM still two seats short of 61 needed to form coalition

Reuters , 16:04 , 04.12.21

Ahead of 73rd Independence Day, Israel's population now at 9,327,000 million

Annual Central Bureau of Statistics report reveals the country's population grew by 1.5% after 167,000 babies have been born over the past year; some 16,300 new immigrants have arrived; about 50,000 Israelis have died

Yaron Druckman , 15:47 , 04.12.21

Lebanese minister expands claim over disputed maritime area with Israel

Michel Najjar tells news conference amendment would add around 1,400 square kilometers to the exclusive economic zone claimed by Lebanon, throwing negotiations with Israel into jeopardy

Reuters , 14:20 , 04.12.21

Jerusalem wants Natanz sabotage to be attributed to Israel, says ex-Mossad chief

Ephraim Halevi tells Ynet under Netanyahu's leadership Israel has changed its policy of 'ambiguity', which might limit the country's ability to carry out future operations; adds despite attack, U.S. will still hold talks with Iran on nuclear deal

Alexandra Lukash , 13:55 , 04.12.21

Iran atomic sites targeted by diplomacy, sabotage

EXPLAINER: While Tehran insists its atomic program is for peaceful purposes, evidence points to the contrary, which has prompted some states to try and reason with Tehran through diplomacy, while others opt for force

Associated Press , 13:03 , 04.12.21

COVID cases down in Israel but plenty of curbs are still in place

With Israel's coronavirus infections continuing to decline, Ynet has compiled a list of health restrictions that still have not been lifted, with Memorial Day events and Independence Day celebrations coming up later this week

Ynet , 12:10 , 04.12.21

Iran's Zarif blames Israel for Natanz incident, vows revenge

Iranian foreign minister tells state TV 'the Zionists' are behind the power failure at the underground nuclear facility; 'We will take our revenge from the Zionists,' he says; Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman calls incident 'act against humanity'

Reuters , 10:16 , 04.12.21

Report: It could take 'at least 9 months' to restore Natanz nuclear facility

New York Times, quoting American and Israeli intelligence officials, reports the blackout was caused by a deliberately planned explosion, in which Israel 'played a role'; Iran blames 'Zionists' for the incident, vows revenge

Ynet , 09:02 , 04.12.21

Joint List's Cassif files complaint over police beating

MK Cassif says violence against him is a violation of Knesset's sovereignty and dignity; slams Netanyahu for inaction, warning that 'another political assassination is around the corner'

Gilad Cohen , 22:18 , 04.11.21

Netanyahu says 'fight against nuclear Iran a massive task'

Making no direct reference to Natanz incident, premier lauds military and intelligence chiefs and says Jewish state has transitioned from a state of 'complete helplessness... to a world power'

Itamar Eichner, Yoav Zitun , 22:03 , 04.11.21

Ministers extend Shin Bet chief's tenure by 4 months

Vote comes following disagreement between Gantz and Netanyahu over the latter's proposal to nominate his confidant, National Security Advisor Ben-Shabbat, to head the security agency

Itamar Eichner, Attila Somfalvi , 17:35 , 04.11.21

Fingers point at Israel as Iran hit by yet another nuclear mishap

Multiple Israeli outlets report that power outage at Natanz facility, described by Iranian official as 'very suspicious', was caused by cyberattack; hours later, IDF chief says country's military operations 'not hidden' from the enemy

Associated Press , 14:42 , 04.11.21

Austin fails to mention Iran in speech, while Gantz vows to cooperate on nuclear deal

Although U.S. defense secretary during a press conference with his Israeli counterpart says the alliance between the two states is 'enduring and ironclad', he never addressed Iranian threat or U.S. return to the 2015 nuclear deal

Reuters, Ynet , 14:24 , 04.11.21

Austin in first Israel visit by top Biden official, Iran on agenda

Defense secretary due to meet with Netanyahu, Gantz on two-day visit, which officials say will also include discussions of U.S. arms supplies; Washington seeking to reassure Jerusalem over potential return to 2015 nuclear deal

Reuters , 10:35 , 04.11.21

Egged bus attacked by rocks, explosives in East Jerusalem

Police say 3 residents of Isawiya, including two minors, were detained after a city bus mistakenly entered the predominantly Palestinian neighborhood; driver and his family, who were in the vehicle with him, fled the scene on foot

Gilad Cohen , 10:19 , 04.11.21

Israeli academic won't receive Israel Prize over boycott petition

High Court upholds education minister's decision to strip scholar off honor after he called to halt funding for West Bank university; prize committee dismayed at politicization

Associated Press , 19:29 , 04.08.21

Palestinian refugees welcome U.S. decision to restart aid

Israeli ambassador to the UN lambasts renewed funding to UNRWA without reforms to the organization, saying the agency's schools 'regularly use materials that incite against Israel'

Reuters , 17:57 , 04.08.21

Israel tells ICC it does not recognize court's authority

Jerusalem opts to not cooperate with court's pending probe into alleged war crimes against Palestinians following a round of consultations between senior government and defense officials

Itamar Eichner , 17:30 , 04.08.21

Arab MK leaves Knesset's Holocaust Day event over Ben-Gvir's speech

While the traditional ceremony in the Knesset is characterized by speeches from high-profile officials, which this year included Rivlin, Netanyahu and Hayut, other MKs are allowed to take the stand to read out victims' names, including the far-right lawmaker

Ynet reporters , 15:21 , 04.08.21

Israel moves closer to ending school restrictions

Ministers set to vote on Health Ministry's outline later in the day, which proposes that capsules should be immediately ended for 4th graders, followed by grades 5-6 in 10-days' time if initial move does not lead to rise in infection rates

Tamar Trabelsi Hadad, Adir Yanko , 14:10 , 04.08.21

Syria: Israeli strikes near capital Damascus wound 4 troops

State news agency quotes an unidentified military official as saying that Syrian air defenses were able to shoot down most of the missiles; Hezbollah said one of the Syrian air defense missiles exploded near the Lebanon-Syria border

Associated Press , 09:44 , 04.08.21

Sirens wail as Israel remembers victims of the Holocaust

Traditional ceremonies - in honor of 6 million Jews murdered during the Nazi genocide - set to be held almost with no restrictions after last year they were replaced by more modest affairs due to coronavirus outbreak

Ynet , 09:16 , 04.08.21

Coronavirus rages in Gaza, with record tally of new daily cases

Health Ministry in the Hamas-controlled believes that due to limited testing, the number of daily COVID cases in Gaza is four times higher than the official figure; as a result, Hamas this week imposed a host of tough restrictions

Elior Levy , 22:54 , 04.07.21

Netanyahu in Holocaust Remembrance Day speech: Iran deal will not bind Israel

Events begin with ceremony at Yad Vashem, which was marked by defiant speech from PM, who said Iran nuclear deal worth as much as 'garlic's peel'; Rivlin honored 900 Holocaust survivors who passed away from COVID in Israel

Itamar Eichner , Hadar Gil-Ad , 21:14 , 04.07.21

U.S. to restore more than $200 million in aid to Palestinians

Based on notice emailed by the administration to congressional offices, Biden's aid package calls for $150 million through refugee agency UNWRA, $75 million in U.S. economic support and $10 million in development funding

Reuters , 19:47 , 04.07.21

Senior health official warns pandemic 'still here', Israel in midst of battle

Public Health chief Dr. Alroy-Preis says coronavirus still poses a threat to the public due to foreign variants and the fact that adolescents yet to be vaccinated; just days earlier Alroy-Preis said the pandemic in Israel was dying out

Itamar Eichner, Alexandra Lukash, Nir Cohen , 19:07 , 04.07.21

Health Ministry to draft outline for 'major' education system reopening

Blue & White officials said they will not support extension of current restrictions on the education system, which are set to expire on Saturday; virus czar proposes scrapping capsule system and weekly PCR COVID tests for students in grades 7-10

Itamar Eichner , 18:05 , 04.07.21

U.S. boosts aid to Palestinians as some in Congress cry foul

Biden administration announces tens of millions in assistance to Palestinians for infrastructure, health and civil society groups; some Republicans preparing to challenge move over Ramallah's stipends to people convicted of anti-U.S. or anti-Israel attacks and their families

Associated Press , 13:51 , 04.07.21

Netanyahu trial: Audio appears to show Bezeq chief demanding Walla push positive stories about PM

In recording played by prosecutors alleging quid pro quo, Stella Handler is heard demanding that Ilan Yeshua provide more favorable coverage of prime minister; Yeshua tells court that Handler admonished him for 'producing content critical of Bibi and that Bezeq would suffer for it'

Gilad Morag, Nina Fox , 13:41 , 04.07.21

With no clear coalition, Netanyahu begins forming government

9 MKs short of a Knesset majority, Netanyahu starts talks with 'natural allies' who backed him, while rivals begin to push bills to keep him out, perhaps even ousting Knesset speaker

Moran Azulay , 10:06 , 04.07.21

Report: U.S. defense chief Austin to visit Israel next week

Trip would be the first by a Biden cabinet member to the Middle East; Axios says talks will focus on Iran, Lebanon, Syria and ensuring Jerusalem's qualitative military edge

AFP , 09:47 , 04.07.21

NYT: Israel informed U.S. it struck Iranian vessel

Unnamed American official tells the New York Times the attack may have been delayed to allow some distance to be made between American aircraft carrier in the area and the Iranian vessel Saviz, which was identified as a covert military ship operated by Iran Revolutionary Guard Corps

Daniel Salami, Yoav Zitun, AP , 09:18 , 04.07.21

The pandemic in Israel is dying out, senior health official says

Dr. Alroy-Preis says apparent increase in virus' virality stems from return of country's testing apparatus to full operations after Passover; serious COVID caseload slumps to lowest since early December

Adir Yanko , 22:59 , 04.06.21