Veterans

Ammunition Hill hero and defense innovator Yaki Hetz passes away at age 80

Hetz (Haimovitch) was 21 when he fought at Ammunition Hill, becoming one of the figures most closely associated with the historic battle for Jerusalem's liberation.

Yaakov (Yaki) Hetz, a decorated veteran of the battle for Jerusalem’s Ammunition Hill and an Israel Defense Prize laureate, pictured at the Ammunition Hill memorial.
Veterans of the IDF’s Oketz canine unit brought their retired military dogs to a special screening of Brad Pitt’s Heart of the Beast at HOT Cinema in Kfar Saba on October 1, 2026.

Brad Pitt on screen, retired IDF combat dogs in the seats

An artist rendering of US President Donald Trump's planned Triumphal Arch.

FAA clears proposed Trump arch, requires 'eternal flame' to alert pilots

An artist rendering of US President Donald Trump's planned Triumphal Arch.

Trump administration to break ground on 250-foot Washington arch despite legal challenges


Lone soldiers under financial strain, fear IDF scholarship bill won't pass

Delays in the passing of the IDF scholarship bill have put many lone soldiers under financial strain, and if the law doesn't pass Monday, they fear they won't be able to continue their studies.

There are more than 6,000 lone soldiers serving in the IDF with no family to support them and provide for them. They are highly motivated to serve the country with a large number serving in combat units.

Disabled IDF veteran attempts to self-immolate in Jerusalem

The IDF veteran was stopped by police and firefighting forces while soaked in gasoline.

Israeli veterans and disabled IDF soldiers protest outside the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, for better financial and medical aid and support,  May 5, 2021.

Disabled IDF veterans not satisfied with reforms - comptroller report

There are 58,154 disabled IDF veterans recognized by the Defense Ministry's Rehabilitation Department.

A protest by disabled IDF veterans in Tel Aviv, April 18, 2021

WWII veteran recognized as 'nazi fighter' by Justice Ministry

Giorgi Ginzburg, who came to Israel from Azerbaijan, fought for the Red Soviet Army during the war. He will now receive the acclaim and benefits that come with being a World War II hero.

 World War II veteran Giorgi Ginzburg

Disabled IDF veteran tries to commit suicide outside DM office

A disabled IDF veteran attempted to end his life outside the Defense Ministry's Rehabilitation Division at Tel Hashomer.

A protest by disabled IDF veterans in Tel Aviv, April 18, 2021

Bill to abolish income test for disabled IDF veterans passes 1st reading

A bill to abolish the income test for disabled IDF veterans passed its first reading as part of the “One Soul” reform program.

A protest by disabled IDF veterans in Tel Aviv, April 18, 2021

IDF veterans discuss IDF and Israel with US college students

The Belev Echad organization works with Chabad on Campus to young IDF veterans to the US for two weeks of exposure, awareness and inspiration.

 Belev Echad soldier Amit Schachar speaking at Chabad of University of Chicago (Notice the protests in the background).

From combat to coding: Soldier's reps aim to enlist veterans to hi-tech

The Golani Association aims to bring more veterans into the world of high-tech with a new track.

 Aviel Cohen

IDF wounded veterans receive honors at tribute event

The tribute event opened with TED lectures by IDF wounded Oren Blitzblau and Dana Pinchasov, continued with a lecture by the poet Shimrit Orr,  author of the song “Hallelujah."

 Gabi Ashkenazi and Golan Einat

FIDF holds sixth annual bike ride in Israel in support of soldiers

The cyclists visited several IDF bases during their ride, from the Mount Hermon military base to the 91st Gallilee Division, which oversees security along the border with Lebanon.

 FIDF supporters and wounded IDF veterans following the sixth annual FIDF ride