Shock trauma pioneer Prof. Avi Rivkind of Hadassah and infection control expert Dr. Khetam Hussein of Rambam inspired by Israeli medicine, hope for unity on Independence Day

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

Reservist paratroopers say Lt. Col. Daled, now head of elite Duvdevan unit, falsely claimed eye injury occurred during 2014 Gaza battle; IDF backs his version of 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

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'

After delay, minister names honorees chosen to ignite beacons at annual ceremony, including philanthropist Sylvan Adams, comedian Shalom Assayag and head of Duvdevan commando unit

Commander of elite Yamam unit conceals his face as he becomes first torch-lighter to take part in state ceremony with identity under wraps

Elizaveta Sherstuk was chosen to represent the Diaspora at Israel's main Independence Day ceremony. 'This is the acknowledgment of the importance of what we do'

Asael Shabo's mother and 3 brothers were killed in shooting in which he lost part of his leg; 'Since I was told, I'm euphoric, in a bit of shock,' he says of honor