Read the latest newshttp://gov.il/FirstGov/NewsEngen-USThe new application is compatible with iPhone, iPod touch and iPad and provides the latest official news from the MFA website, newsroom, featured videos, and photos of current events.http://www.gov.il/FirstGov/NewsEng/NewsEng_iPhoneApplication.htmMon, 12 Jul 2010 11:01:07 GMTTel Aviv will celebrate its annual "White Night" on Thursday, July 1st, and the Caesarea Harbor will host music, movie and kite events throughout July and Augusthttp://www.gov.il/FirstGov/NewsEng/NewsEng_SummerNights.htmMon, 28 Jun 2010 08:39:19 GMTThe annual international event for clean technologies is scheduled to take place in the Tel Aviv Fairs & Conventions Center in 29-30 Junehttp://www.gov.il/FirstGov/NewsEng/NewsEng_CleanTechExpo.htmThu, 10 Jun 2010 14:22:54 GMTThe festival, one of Jerusalem's cultural highlights, celebrates contemporary performers and artists from around the world. Venues throughout the city will host the festival from May 25th till June 11thhttp://www.gov.il/FirstGov/NewsEng/NewsEng_IsraelFestival2010.htmWed, 26 May 2010 14:15:41 GMTOn Wednesday, May 26th, at 11:00 exactly, warning sirens will be sounded throughout the country to drill workplaces, homes, schools and kindergartens, hospitals, local councils, government offices, etc.http://www.gov.il/FirstGov/NewsEng/News_TurningPoint4.htmMon, 24 May 2010 11:30:51 GMTThe OECD chose Israel as a full member in the organization. The decision was made unanimously by all 31 members.http://www.gov.il/FirstGov/NewsEng/NewsEng_OECD.htmWed, 12 May 2010 12:58:42 GMTJaffa's Harbor in Tel-Aviv will host the fair for the 3rd year from May 5th till May 8th. Visitors will be able to broadly explore and support the lively Israeli art scene.http://www.gov.il/FirstGov/NewsEng/NewsEng_ArtFair.htmMon, 26 Apr 2010 12:14:26 GMTIsrael is celebrating its 62nd Independence Day on Tuesday, April 20th, 2010. Festivities will begin upon conclusion of Memorial Day services, with the Annual Mount Herzl Torch Lighting Ceremony.http://www.gov.il/FirstGov/NewsEng/NewsEng_IsraelIndependenceDay.htmSun, 18 Apr 2010 11:30:50 GMTThe Ministry of Environmental Protection launches the new service as a service for the 15% of Israel's residents who suffer from allergic reactionshttp://www.gov.il/FirstGov/NewsEng/NewsEng_Blooms.htmWed, 07 Apr 2010 08:21:48 GMTThe National Security Council Counter-Terrorism Bureau (NSCCTB) publishes its annual updated travel warnings for the upcoming Passover holiday, In light of Iranian and Hezbollah threatshttp://www.gov.il/FirstGov/NewsEng/NewsEng_PassoverTravelWarnings.htmThu, 25 Mar 2010 10:35:13 GMTThe lowest place on Earth is one of the 28 finalists in the international online New 7 Wonders of Nature competitionhttp://www.gov.il/FirstGov/NewsEng/NewsEng_DeadSeaWonder.htmSun, 21 Mar 2010 12:29:04 GMTThe Central Bureau of Statistics publishes new figures and statistical information regarding the Arab population in Israel in 2008http://www.gov.il/FirstGov/NewsEng/NewsEng_ArabPopulation.htmMon, 08 Mar 2010 12:41:09 GMTIsrael's official assistance to Haiti will continue through MASHAV - Israel's Agency for International Development Cooperation, as part of the global reconstruction effort of the countryhttp://www.gov.il/FirstGov/NewsEng/News_IsraelAidHaiti.htmMon, 01 Mar 2010 10:17:31 GMTRod Stewart, Elton John, Paul Anka, Bob Dylan, Metallica and the Pixies are all going to perform in Tel-Aviv this summer, between May and Julyhttp://www.gov.il/FirstGov/NewsEng/NewsEng_SummerConcerts.htmThu, 18 Feb 2010 13:24:50 GMTQuestions and requests of lone soldiers, their commanders, the welfare offices, and even the families of lone soldiers calling from abroad, will be answered by a 24 hours response teamhttp://www.gov.il/FirstGov/NewsEng/NewsEng_LoneSoldiers.htmWed, 03 Feb 2010 12:29:38 GMTMore than 300 million NIS, among other benefits to residents, to be invested in structural reinforcement of educational institutions in communities adjacent to the Gaza Strip.http://www.gov.il/FirstGov/NewsEng/NewsEng_AidPackageSderot.htmThu, 07 Jan 2010 12:52:28 GMTThe government intends to improve ministries efficiency on environmental and other aspects, both in quantitative and qualitative methods.http://www.gov.il/FirstGov/NewsEng/NewsEng_GreenGovernment.htmSun, 20 Dec 2009 13:55:19 GMTTravelers wishing to celebrate the holiday of Chanukah will be able to light virtual Chanukah Candles and win a trip to Israelhttp://www.gov.il/FirstGov/NewsEng/NewsEng_Chanukah2009.htmThu, 10 Dec 2009 14:32:52 GMTThe city's main cultural event, amshushalayim, will be held during the first two weekends in December, Thursday through Saturday, or "Hamshush" in Hebrew slang.http://www.gov.il/FirstGov/NewsEng/News_Jerusalem.htmTue, 01 Dec 2009 12:30:17 GMT25 ministerial delegations and 150 company directors and business people from 5 continents are expected to visit the 5th International Water Technologies and Environmental Control Exhibition on November 17-19.http://www.gov.il/FirstGov/NewsEng/NewsEng_WATECIsrael.htmTue, 17 Nov 2009 12:54:00 GMTThe benefit also covers commercial TV channels and the cable TV franchise-holders, which will benefit from full deduction for tax purposes of their investment in Israeli cinema movies.http://www.gov.il/FirstGov/NewsEng/NewsEng_InvestorIsraeliMovies.htmWed, 04 Nov 2009 13:32:52 GMTThe Israel cabinet has approved a plan to establish and develop the Beer Sheva River Park, which will span 1280 acres (5.2 sq. km) and will include an amphitheater, a promenade and biking trails.http://www.gov.il/FirstGov/NewsEng/NewsEng_BeerShevaPark.htmSun, 18 Oct 2009 13:24:44 GMTThe online survey was designed as part of Israel's ongoing efforts to improve its relations with Israelis residing long-term in the Diaspora.http://www.gov.il/FirstGov/NewsEng/NewsEng_Survey09.htmMon, 05 Oct 2009 14:35:14 GMTYom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is the holiest and most important holiday in Judaism. Fasting and mass prayers of penitence throughout Israel mark the culmination of the Ten Days of Repentance.http://www.gov.il/FirstGov/NewsEng/News_YomKipur.htmThu, 24 Sep 2009 11:29:25 GMTThe Ministry of Foreign Affairs uploaded a new video to its YouTube Channel dedicated to the Israeli e-Gov project, and the e-Gov seminar held annually in Israel in particular.http://www.gov.il/FirstGov/NewsEng/NewsEng_eGovYouTube.htmWed, 23 Sep 2009 11:02:02 GMTThe Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah, will be celebrated on  Friday and Saturday September 18th-19th. The first of several festivals in the Hebrew month of Tishrei, it also marks the end of Daylight Saving Time in Israel.http://www.gov.il/FirstGov/NewsEng/NewsEng_RoshHashanah09.htmThu, 17 Sep 2009 11:30:12 GMTThe National Insurance Institute announced updates for the amounts of the Child Benefit for the 3rd and 4th child, as well as for children staying abroad.http://www.gov.il/FirstGov/NewsEng/News_Child+Benefit+Policy.htmMon, 31 Aug 2009 12:05:43 GMTThe Ministry of Health will purchase the vaccines that are currently still in development, but for the meantime we can all minimize our chances of getting sick, and help in reducing the forecasted damage to Israel's economy.http://www.gov.il/FirstGov/NewsEng/News_SwineFlu.htmThu, 20 Aug 2009 08:28:33 GMTVisitors to Jerusalem this summer can enjoy not only the cool weather, historic sites and the city's  atmosphere, but also the many events that helped the city win the Travel and Leisure Magazine's Readers' Award.http://www.gov.il/FirstGov/NewsEng/News_SummerEevents.htmSun, 26 Jul 2009 09:25:58 GMTThe 18th Maccabiah Games, the largest sporting event in the history of the State of Israel, will take place 13-23 July 2009, with the participation of 5,300 Jewish athletes from 64 countries and 2,000 athletes from Israel.http://www.gov.il/FirstGov/NewsEng/NewsEng_MaccabiahGames.htmSun, 12 Jul 2009 12:27:23 GMTThe National Insurance Institute announced these improvements, effective from the beginning of June 2009, as part of the ongoing effort to help the unemployed to overcome the current financial crisis.http://www.gov.il/FirstGov/NewsEng/NewsEng_UnemploymentBenefit.htmWed, 24 Jun 2009 08:33:00 GMTLost your driving license and want to know what to do? Wish to know how to get a work permit in Israel? Don't know what are your rights as new immigrants? From now on you can find answers to all these questions and many more using the new forum, intended for users' questions.http://www.gov.il/FirstGov/NewsEng/NewsEng_GovEnglishForum.htmMon, 08 Jun 2009 06:20:54 GMTHundreds of artists from around the world will arrive to perform in the Israel festival 2009 that begins this week, while Jazz musicians will bring back to life the ancient harbor in Caesarea.http://www.gov.il/FirstGov/NewsEng/NewsEng_SummerFestivals.htmTue, 26 May 2009 10:24:44 GMTKnesset Speaker, Mr. Reuven Rivlin, dedicated the new garden, dubbed “Peace be within thy Palaces – Jerusalem Antiquities at the Israel Knesset”. It will be open to the public free of charge upon prior arrangement with the Knesset.http://www.gov.il/FirstGov/NewsEng/News_Kneset.htmMon, 18 May 2009 08:59:44 GMTAs part of its continuing improvements to English speakers in Israel, two new guides are published at the gov.il portal, as well as new features to the online English-Hebrew phrasebook.http://www.gov.il/FirstGov/NewsEng/NewsEng_NewServices.htmSun, 03 May 2009 06:05:57 GMTIsrael will celebrate its 61st Independence Day on Wednesday, April 29th. Celebrations will begin as Memorial Day concludes in the annual Mount Herzl torch lighting ceremony, and will include the International Bible Contest and the Israel Prize ceremony.http://www.gov.il/FirstGov/NewsEng/News_IndependeceDay.htmThu, 23 Apr 2009 06:40:49 GMTThe Ministry of Tourism launches a new multi-media experience including dozens of videos and pictures that allow visitors from around the world to virtually visit all major tourist attractions in Israel.http://www.gov.il/FirstGov/NewsEng/NewsEng_VirtualTour.htmSun, 12 Apr 2009 09:30:55 GMTDaylight Saving Time will begin in Israel on the night between Thursday, March 26th, and Friday, March 27th, at 2:00 a.m. At that time the clock will be moved forward one hour, from 2:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m.http://www.gov.il/FirstGov/NewsEng/NewsEng_DaylightSavingTime09.htmTue, 24 Mar 2009 09:01:30 GMTIn light of Hezbollah's threats, the National Security Council publishes its annual updated travel warnings for Israelis planning to travel abroad in the upcoming Passover holiday.http://www.gov.il/FirstGov/NewsEng/News_Updated+Travel+Warnings.htmTue, 17 Mar 2009 10:43:54 GMTThe centennial celebrations, planned to begin in early April, will include outdoor festivals, art shows, sporting events, historic exhibitions and numerous community projects.http://www.gov.il/FirstGov/NewsEng/NewsEng_TelAviv100.htmMon, 02 Mar 2009 10:25:56 GMTThe new service was launched in order to provide a unified source of information for holocaust survivors and their families regarding Israeli holocaust survivors' rights, and operates in cooperation with various organizations assisting holocaust survivors.http://www.gov.il/FirstGov/NewsEng/NewsEng_Shoah.htmThu, 19 Feb 2009 11:15:42 GMTThe Ministry of Environmental Protection has initiated a pesticide waste collection campaign in the agricultural sector in order to reduce potential leaks of hazardous substances, and subsequent contaminations of soil and water sources.http://www.gov.il/FirstGov/NewsEng/NewsEng_Pesticide.htmWed, 04 Feb 2009 09:43:00 GMTThe Ministry of Transport and Road Safety launched a new website for its English speaking users. The website contains general information about the Ministry, as well as useful information and links.http://www.gov.il/FirstGov/NewsEng/NewsEng_MotWebsite.htmSun, 25 Jan 2009 07:14:38 GMTThe Ministry of Foreign Affairs publishes a brief guide for the upcoming elections, to be held on February 10th 2009, including the legal background and explanations on the expected timetable up till the 18th Knesset first session.http://www.gov.il/FirstGov/NewsEng/NewsEng_2009Elections.htmWed, 17 Dec 2008 08:25:18 GMTIncoming tourism to Israel continues to grow, especially towards the upcoming Holidays Season. The Ministry of Tourism continues its efforts to assist these tourists and to facilitate their visit in Israel.http://www.gov.il/FirstGov/NewsEng/NewsEng_LandCrossings.htmTue, 02 Dec 2008 15:45:30 GMTThe Bank of Israel publishes in its website a series of questions and answers (FAQ) to help Israeli citizens and investors to deal with the current events in the local and global markets.http://www.gov.il/FirstGov/NewsEng/NewsEng_FinancialFAQ.htmWed, 29 Oct 2008 08:16:56 GMTThe two countries signed a reciprocal agreement canceling the tourist visa that was required for visits longer than 24 hours starting Saturday, 20 September 2008.http://www.gov.il/FirstGov/NewsEng/NewsEng_VisaCancelled.htmWed, 24 Sep 2008 09:38:43 GMTThe Ministry of Tourism will operate the TourPhone service 24 hours a day to provide tourists with immediate answers and up-to-date information.http://www.gov.il/FirstGov/NewsEng/NewsEng_TourPhone.htmMon, 11 Aug 2008 07:22:42 GMTA one-time cooperation between six of Israel's leading museums is giving visitors a unique experience of six Israeli Art exhibitions, each dedicated to one of Israel's six decades of independence.http://www.gov.il/FirstGov/NewsEng/NewsEng_SixMuseums.htmMon, 04 Aug 2008 14:28:46 GMTThe Ministry of Tourism launched new mapping services, following survey results that revealed that online maps are the most required feature by tourists visiting Israel.http://www.gov.il/FirstGov/NewsEng/NewsEng_Mapping.htmSun, 06 Jul 2008 08:30:08 GMTThe official website marking Israel's 60th anniversary features a complete list of the festives events to take place throughout the year. Additional government websites offer historical, cultural and statistical information on Israel.http://www.gov.il/FirstGov/NewsEng/Newseng_Independence.htmMon, 12 May 2008 10:21:44 GMTImmigrants and returning residents will enjoy a new package of tax benefits, formulated by the Ministry of Immigrant Absorption and the Tax Authority.http://www.gov.il/FirstGov/NewsEng/NewsEng_OlimTaxBenefits.htmMon, 07 Apr 2008 10:08:25 GMTThe Ministry of Tourism added detailed information about tourist attractions and accommodations to Google Maps and Google Earth, along with a new user-based forum.http://www.gov.il/FirstGov/NewsEng/NewsEng_TouristAttractions.htmThu, 27 Mar 2008 12:43:37 GMTThe Ministry of Immigrant Absorption has launched a series of campaigns and events in order to appeal to Israelis residing abroad to return home, in honor of Israel’s 60th anniversary.http://www.gov.il/FirstGov/NewsEng/NewsEng_BenefitsForReturningIsraelis.htmWed, 19 Mar 2008 07:16:05 GMTThe Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labor has recently launched new websites for two authorities serving international trade and foreign investors wishing to invest in Israel: the Industrial Cooperation Authority and the Foreign Trade Administration.http://www.gov.il/FirstGov/NewsEng/NewsEng_WebsitesForInvestors.htmTue, 11 Mar 2008 15:28:13 GMTThe Ministry for Immigrant Absorption has launched a new campaign, in honor of Israel’s 60th year, calling upon Israelis residing abroad to come home and enjoy unprecedented financial assistance and a range of special incentives. Israelis wishing to learn about the campaign can currently view the information in Hebrew, English and Russian.http://www.gov.il/FirstGov/NewsEng/News_ReturningToIsrael.htmMon, 25 Feb 2008 15:10:27 GMTThe new website features information about the International Affairs Department, its activities and goals, as well as reports, data and press releases about Israel and its economy.http://www.gov.il/FirstGov/NewsEng/NewsEng_NewFinanaceForeignAffairsWebsite.htmWed, 06 Feb 2008 14:07:51 GMTIn honor of Israel’s 60th anniversary and the shortage of physicians expected in Israel in the upcoming years, Israel has initiated a special program encouraging physicians from North America and the UK to immigrate to Israel.http://www.gov.il/FirstGov/NewsEng/NewsEng_PhysicianAliyah.htmWed, 30 Jan 2008 13:30:13 GMTU.N. designated International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust to be observed all over the world on January 27th. Events and activities will be held in Israel and around the world.http://www.gov.il/FirstGov/NewsEng/News_holoacaustMemorialDay.htmThu, 24 Jan 2008 14:37:02 GMTVisitors to Jerusalem can now purchase a HolyPass and enjoy discounts on admission to five sites in the Old City as well as an array of discounts at area shops and restaurants.http://www.gov.il/FirstGov/NewsEng/NewsEng_HolyPass.htmMon, 24 Dec 2007 14:34:12 GMTIDF launches a renewed, redesigned English language website including news, information about the IDF and its history and specialized training programs for Jews from the Diaspora.http://www.gov.il/FirstGov/NewsEng/NewsEng_NewIDFWebsite.htmSun, 25 Nov 2007 14:47:03 GMTThree fascinating weekends of extraordinary events, entertainment and cultural activities will take place in Jerusalem from mid November until early December.http://www.gov.il/FirstGov/NewsEng/Newseng_WeekendEntertainment.htmWed, 14 Nov 2007 13:19:00 GMTUpdated weather and climate information is now available in detail on Israel Meteorological Service’s recently launched renewed website. The new website also displays information relevant to Israel’s farmers and seamen.http://www.gov.il/FirstGov/NewsEng/NewsEng_NewIMSWebsite.htmSun, 04 Nov 2007 16:03:32 GMTThe official memorial day commemorating Yitzhak Rabin, will be marked in Israel on Wednesday, October 24th, in various ceremonies and events. The central commemorative rally will be held on Saturday November 3rd in Rabin Square, Tel Aviv.http://www.gov.il/FirstGov/NewsEng/NewsEng_Rabin07.htmThu, 18 Oct 2007 15:50:23 GMTThe Ministry of Immigrant Absorption offers Olim a training program in Investment Management. Course graduates will be granted a professional license and a position in a leading Israeli bank.http://www.gov.il/FirstGov/NewsEng/NewsEng_InvestmentCourse.htmMon, 01 Oct 2007 08:13:31 GMTYom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is the holiest and most important holiday in Judaism. Fasting and mass prayers of penitence throughout Israel mark the culmination of the Ten Days of Repentance.http://www.gov.il/FirstGov/NewsEng/NewsEng_YomKippur.htmMon, 17 Sep 2007 14:28:37 GMTThe Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah, will be celebrated on Thursday and Friday September 13th-14th. The first of several festivals in the Hebrew month of Tishrei, it also marks the end of Daylight Saving Time in Israel.http://www.gov.il/FirstGov/NewsEng/NewsEng_RoshHashana.htmSun, 09 Sep 2007 12:08:00 GMT