Polls show most Israelis oppose aid to Gaza so long as Hamas remains active there.

That is especially true of IDF reservists who have fought in Gaza in recent months.

The IDF this evening struck “hot” Hezbollah rocket launchers in southern Lebanon just before they opened fire on Israel.

Israeli ground forces continue to slowly push further into Rafah.

Palestinian sources say half-a-million civilians have already evacuated the city.

Today, the State of Israel celebrates its 76th birthday.

From Herzl to Bibi, the restoration of Israel has always been accompanied by struggle and adversity.

But this year is different, because we celebrate in the midst of war.

Even as many of us get together with friends and family for afternoon barbecues, our fathers, brothers and sons are still on the ground in Gaza, or battling Hezbollah on the northern border.

So there were no fireworks last night, and no air show this morning.

Israel celebrates, but it is muted, because the battle for survival, the war for independence is clearly not over.

On Independence Day, residents of Israel's northern border region protest their lack of independence to live securely and safely in their communities and homes.

For over six months, up to 100,000 Israelis have been internally displaced, as their towns and villages suffer daily Hezbollah missile and drone attacks.

Their lives and livelihoods have been ruined, and they demand Israel make war on Lebanon to rectify the situation.

Aerial shot of the battles yesterday in northern Gaza. (via Amit Segal)

Hezbollah has launched a number of anti-tank missiles and suicide drones at border towns in northern Israel today.

Israeli Air Force planes are bombing targets across southern Lebnaon.

Israelis enjoying an Independence Day event in Sderot duck and take cover as best they can during a Hamas missile attack this afternoon.

‼️Heavy fighting continues on the northern border and in the Gaza Strip. There are initial reports of casualties.

‼️Residents of Kiryat Shemona being ordered into their bomb shelters.

‼️An Israeli man has reportedly been killed by a Hezbollah anti-tank missile while driving with his wife near the northern border.

There are additional casualties, both in the north and in Gaza.

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The residents of Kiryat Shemona have been permitted to leave their bomb shelters, but instructed to remain close to home, as the situation can change at any moment.