Israeli President Isaac Herzog urges Israeli officials not to lash out publicly at US President Joe Biden, and to keep the discourse civil.

As we approach Independence Day 2024, Israel has 9,900,000 citizens, 12 times more than when the state was established.

73 percent are Jews.

Next year 10 million!

Expect Israel to be one of, if not the major election issue in the upcoming race for the White House.

‼️Sirens across Upper Galilee

Israel is preparing for Remembrance Day for the fallen soldiers and victims of terrorism, which begins on Sunday evening. The following evening, Israel celebrates its 76th Independence Day.

Official figures: 822 civilians murdered, 711 security forces killed since October 7, 2023.

132 hostages are still being held by Hamas, including 65 civilians.

The total number of security forces killed since the founding of the Jewish state is 25,034, and the number of civilians killed in terrorist attacks is 5,100.

On average, just under one death per day since the founding of the State of Israel in 1948.

The heavy price of Israel’s existence.

During last night's broadcast of the Eurovision song contest, the Belgian broadcaster carrying the event opened with the above notice condemning Israel.

The Eurovision broadcaster in Belgium opened with a slide against Israel:

"We condemn the human rights violations of the State of Israel. Moreover, the State of Israel is destroying the freedom of the press. That's why we interrupt the broadcast for a moment."

Israeli contestant Eden Golan faced scattered boos as she took the stage, and anti-Israel protesters got rowdy in the streets outside the venue.

But Golan performed well, and advanced to the finals of the contest.

Hmmm, Israeli-Persian commentator Eliahu Yosian - a friend of and contributor to Israel Today - makes an interesting point...

Until 1970, we didn't receive [military] aid from America, and we were victorious.

Since 1970, we've received aid from America, and have never won.

👆Yosian's point and the problem of American military aid will be further explored in upcoming Israel Today Member articles.

‼️Heavy fighting reported today in Gaza, in particular the Zeitoun neighborhood of Gaza City, but also in Rafah on the Sinai border.

Israel’s Cabinet voted unanimously to expand the military operation in Rafah, the last remaining Hamas stronghold in Gaza.

Ongoing Hezbollah rocket fire at Kiryat Shemona northern Israel.

Hamas reported today that it had “saved” a hostage who tried to commit suicide.

Hamas just fired 9 rockets at Beersheva.

It’s as if they’re daring the IDF to enter Rafah.

The UN General Assembly has voted 143-9 in favor of admitting a state of “Palestine” to the world body.

The resolution was opposed by Israel, the United States, Argentina, Hungary, Czech Republic, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Nauru and Micronesia.

The resolution is non-binding and acts only as a recommendation to the Security Council.

Wildfires in the area of Kiryat Shemona as a result of Hezbollah rocket fire.