While a number of exceptions will light up their skies for holiday, most mayors cancel annual festive tradition, citing desire to save funds and avoid crowding

Statistics show increase of 171,000 people since last year; populace is 74% Jewish, 21% Arab; total expected to reach 15.2 million by Israel's centennial in 2048

With events limited or canceled amid pandemic, Home Front Command invites parents and kids to recreate part of traditional festivities for video to air nationally

PM reportedly leaning toward accepting Health Ministry recommendation to prevent large gatherings; lockdown in Muslim holy month to be imposed only in Arab communities

Health Ministry and National Security Council pushing for total lockdown, similar to measure taken during Passover

Officials from National Security Council and Defense Ministry said considering strict restrictions amid fears of crowding, infections at cemeteries and memorial ceremonies

Lori Palatnik's Momentum 'works tirelessly to strengthen Jewish identity and connection to Israel through young mothers in their communities,' minister says

Authorities said to order cancellation of traditional mass concerts, ceremonies as gatherings of more than 100 banned; Memorial Day, Holocaust Remembrance Day events also nixed

Regev says for first time public will only be able to view traditional ceremony marking end of Memorial Day on TV, internet; announces aid to artists, entertainment industry

Troops, tanks and artillery guns were fixtures of Independence Day celebrations until 1973, when the high costs and logistic nightmares of the events stopped the practice