Some bereaved families call for far-right minister to steer clear of Beersheba ceremony, but he insists 'dozens' of families asked him to attend; event security to be bolstered

Several relatives of fallen troops refuse honors at main ceremonies on Tuesday, amid tensions over government's judicial overhaul plans

The stories of some of the 40 Israelis to have been awarded the military's Medal of Valor, and of the battles in which they defended the state

Minister overseeing ceremony said set to phone opposition leader to appeal for message of unity ahead of nationally-broadcast event

Gali Baharav-Miara's office says defense minister failed to present evidence of security escalation that would justify deviating from past rulings that allowed entry from West Bank

In addition, 86 disabled veterans passed away due to injuries sustained during service, taking total to 24,213; official numbers published ahead of commemoration events

National protest organizers say no plans to demonstrate against judicial overhaul at ceremonies, but fears persist that bereaved families could clash with coalition politicians

Soldiers' commemoration organization calls on politicians not to attend events at military cemeteries; Gantz: We must put public debate aside, if only for one day

Move is standard practice during Israeli festivals and holidays, seen as periods of increased tensions

Opposition leader tells Likud minister tasked with organizing ceremony that 'in three months you have divided Israeli society and no fake fireworks performance will cover that up'