Result is first of its kind in 17 years; Emunah Cohen and Neta Lax beat out 41 contestants from 20 countries who qualified for advanced stages

Dvir Merzbach of Safed and Hillel Cohen of Jerusalem each take top spot in contest held annually on Israel's Independence Day

17-year-old Gilad Avrahamoff from Netanya takes top spot in Jerusalem’s traditional Independence Day competition; teen from US, competing via video link, comes in 3rd

16-year-old Ruth Cohen takes top spot in Jerusalem's traditional Independence Day competition; teens from US and Mexico, competing via video link, come in 3rd and 4th

Azriel Shilat, who narrowly beat Oriah Cohen in last year's contest, pops the question to her

Saying the holy book was the source of Israel's 'initiative, determination and daring,' Netanyahu promises to press ahead with a second attempt

Independence Day celebrations across the country see hundreds of thousands turn out to enjoy nature, watch Air Force flybys, and cook up a BBQ