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Year in Review

The Year's 30 Most-Read Stories

From dramatic hostage releases and Iranian missile barrages to viral cleaning hacks and Japan's underwater treasure trove, the stories that captivated readers in 5786

Kikar Hashabbat

Number 30 —

Ayala Ben Gvir Responds to Criticism Over Husband's 50th Birthday Party

The wife of the National Security Minister addressed criticism surrounding her husband's 50th birthday celebration, defending the event. "Itamar and the Otzma Yehudit members are in the north endlessly," she stated, pushing back against those who questioned the timing and nature of the festivities.

Minister Ben Gvir's fiftieth birthday celebration
Minister Ben Gvir's fiftieth birthday celebration (Photo: Sharon Revivo)

Number 29 —

Heavy Mourning in Nahariya: IDF Officer Eitan Yisrael Kantzman, of Blessed Memory

The community of Nahariya was plunged into mourning following the announcement of the death of officer Eitan Yisrael Kantzman, of blessed memory, aged 23 and a resident of the community. Eitan was the son of Benaya and Naama Kantzman, and brother to Elkana, Tamar, Yair, Yonatan, and Moshe Achiya.

IDF officer Eitan Kantzman, of blessed memory
IDF officer Eitan Kantzman, of blessed memory (Photo: Courtesy of the family)

Number 28 —

The Culinary Trick: The Lettuce Salad Everyone Will Ask for the Recipe

Who says lettuce salad has to be predictable and boring? Avi Miller surprises with a recipe featuring a rare combination of sweet pears, gentle chili heat, crunchy nuts, and a surprising dressing that works magic: one bite, and you'll understand why this is the salad everyone will want on the table.

Chef Avi Miller surprises with a juicy, original lettuce salad
Chef Avi Miller surprises with a juicy, original lettuce salad (Photo: Kikar Hashabbat)

Number 27

The Secret to Shiny, Smooth Chocolate: The Method Chefs Don't Share

Every dessert lover knows: melting chocolate is an art. Too much heat and it turns into hard, grainy ash instead of that creamy, smooth texture that fills the mouth with joy. Too little and the chocolate remains lumpy and uneven. So how do you do it exactly right, without risk of burning? Here are all the professionals' secrets.

Photo: Courtesy of the photographer
Photo: Courtesy of the photographer

Number 26

Why Reheating Rice Could End in the Emergency Room

You know that pot full of fluffy white rice left over from yesterday? For most of us, it's the perfect solution for a quick lunch the next day. All it takes is two minutes in the microwave, a little sauce, and we're set. But what if we told you the real danger isn't in the reheating itself, but rather in how you stored the rice beforehand?

Don't leave the rice pot sitting on the stove
Don't leave the rice pot sitting on the stove (Photo: Shutterstock)

Number 25 —

Revealed: The Letter Rabin Sent Netanyahu About a Year Before the Assassination, About Son Avner

Among the documents and letters revealed for the first time by the State Archives from the turbulent year preceding Rabin's assassination, a letter appears that Rabin sent to Netanyahu with congratulations on the birth of his son Avner Netanyahu. What else is in the collection?

Avner Netanyahu
Avner Netanyahu (Photo: Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)

Number 24 —

Air Force Nightmare: Turkish Fighter Jets Control Attack Swarms

Turkey and Italy record an achievement with a successful test of full fighter-pilot control over an autonomous drone swarm. Instead of settling for ground-based operation, the aircraft control attack formations from the air, a capability that changes the rules of engagement and poses a significant challenge to Israel.

Photo: Turkish Ministry of Defense | Official account
Photo: Turkish Ministry of Defense | Official account

Number 23 —

The Candidate for World's Oldest Person: 118 Years Old, Single, Smokes and Drinks Coffee

While the world searches for the "prescription for long life" in dietary supplements and diets, Luis Carlos dos Santos of Brazil celebrates 118 years with a cigarette in hand and three cups of coffee a day. The man who was born before World War I displays exceptional health and a simple lifestyle that has made him a living legend.

Luis Carlos dos Santos of Brazil celebrates 118
Luis Carlos dos Santos of Brazil celebrates 118 (Photo: Social media)

Number 22 —

Ahead of Expected Mass Protest: Organizing Committee Publishes Instructions for Drivers

The organizing committee published detailed guidelines for participants in the protest convoy: driving at 50 km/h, coordination with police, and preparation for heavy traffic congestion on major routes.

Protest | Illustration
Protest | Illustration (Photo: Tal Gal / Flash 90)

Number 21 —

60 Tons of Steel: The Tank That Arrived 5 Years Ahead of Schedule

With an unmanned turret, a quiet hybrid engine, and a diet of 13 tons lighter, the next generation of the Abrams went from drawing board to reality five years ahead of the planned schedule. From the lessons of Ukraine to the battle against drones: a glimpse at the prototype designed to restore America's ground superiority.

Abrams tank
Abrams tank (Photo: Ukrainian Army Artillery Brigade)

Number 20 —

How to Make a Chocolate Pudding Cake That Will Steal the Show in the Sukkah

Sometimes we want to surprise the family or guests with something sweet and impressive, but without getting tangled up in the kitchen for hours. That's exactly what this cake was created for: simple layers of cookies, soft chocolate pudding, and smooth whipped cream. The result? A dessert that looks like a million dollars, tastes incredible, and is ready without an oven.

The pudding cake that will conquer the sukkah: easy, fast, and addictive!
The pudding cake that will conquer the sukkah: easy, fast, and addictive! (Tali Bar)

Number 19 —

The Singer Became Religious and Returns with a New Song: "From the Depths I Called to You"

Singer and composer Yishai Karner releases a new single following his recent return to religious observance. The melody is by Moti Simon, while the musical production is by Karner himself.

Number 18 —

The New Cameras That Will Change the Rules of Urban Transportation

The Transportation Ministry is preparing to launch an advanced camera network that will identify polluting vehicles and block their access to "clean air" zones in cities. The new regulations will give local authorities unprecedented flexibility in restricting traffic, from Euro emission standards to vehicle-type limitations, bringing dramatic change to the urban mobility map. But how will the cameras work? Which models will be required to stay out? And what does this mean for driver privacy?

Going up a level. Traffic camera
Going up a level. Traffic camera (Photo: Nati Shohat/Flash 90)

Number 17 —

2,000 Kilometers: The Stealth Missile That Leaves the Enemy Without Defense

Strategic drama in Berlin and London: the European powers announced acceleration of their flagship project to develop an advanced missile family designed to neutralize the world's densest defense systems. The goal: complete security independence and unprecedented deterrence against distant threats.

The first M270A2 multiple rocket launch systems
The first M270A2 multiple rocket launch systems (Photo: UK Ministry of Defence (@DefenceHQ))

Number 16 —

Genius: UCLA Graduate Displayed GPT History at Graduation Ceremony — University Revoked His Degree

A Chinese graduate of the prestigious UCLA university proudly displayed during the graduation ceremony his chat history with GPT, showing the assignments the artificial intelligence had written for him. After 14 million views, his degree was revoked.

Number 15 —

Unusual Winter System Approaching — What's Expected This Week?

On the "Kikar FM" program with Eli Gotthelff: After the flooding in the Sharon region, a significant winter system is arriving with heavy rain and extreme winds, and a statement from meteorologist Tzachi Peleg regarding the possibility of snow, and not on Mount Hermon. Forecast, preparation, and implications.

Photo: Shmuel Arye
Photo: Shmuel Arye

Number 14 —

Eight Blades Worth Millions: The Failure That Led to Purchase of the Israeli 'Shimshon'

The ambitious upgrade project in the Far East, which included an "eight blades" system worth millions of dollars, collapsed following American withdrawal. Now, in the shadow of the growing Chinese threat, the decision was made to abandon the improvisations and purchase Israeli Shimshon aircraft.

Shimshon aircraft of the Air Force in action
Shimshon aircraft of the Air Force in action (Photo: IDF website, official account)

Number 13

Mysterious Discovery in the Polar Depths: Autonomous Submarine Revealed Unknown Structures

Unprecedented high-resolution mapping revealed "teardrop"-shaped formations hundreds of meters long on the ice floor in Antarctica. The surprising findings challenge existing scientific models regarding the rate of glacier melting and sea-level rise, providing a rare glimpse into processes occurring in the most inaccessible areas on Earth.

The autonomous submarine Ran
The autonomous submarine Ran (Photo: Social media)

Number 12 —

1,800 Kilometers of Terror Swarms: The Cairo Drones Shaking Tehran

Egypt shocks the Middle East with the unveiling of the "Hamza-3" drone. On the sidelines of regional tension, Cairo races toward security independence with long-range launch capability and drone swarms, becoming a military-industrial power establishing new facts on the ground in 2026.

Arms race in the Middle East | Saudi army in military exercise
Arms race in the Middle East | Saudi army in military exercise (Photo: Official account of the Ministry of Defense of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia)

Number 11 —

Heading for Frontal Collision: 47 Ships Making Their Way to Israel — Navy on Alert

No fewer than 47 ships and boats are currently making their way toward Israel's shores, aiming to "break the siege" on the Gaza Strip. Unlike the previous time when a single boat tried to penetrate Israel's territorial waters, this time it will be a different and much larger challenge that Israel will be forced to confront.

47 ships making their way to Israel
47 ships making their way to Israel

Number 10 —

Hezbollah Joins In: Sirens in the North Following Launches from Lebanon | 6 Wounded at Impact Site in Jerusalem

Continuous barrages of launches from Iran across the country. Six wounded, one moderately, at an impact site in Jerusalem. Four names from the missile strike victims in Beit Shemesh cleared for publication: Sarah Elimelech, Ronit Elimelech, Gavriel Baruch Revach, and Oren Katz, of blessed memory. President Trump: "Many in Iran's military want to surrender." Continuous minute-by-minute updates.

From the scene in Jerusalem
From the scene in Jerusalem (Photo: MDA spokesperson)

Number 9 —

American Steel Fist: Abrams Tanks Landed in Lightning Deployment at Heart of Friction Point

The Pentagon began accelerated deployment of tanks and armored personnel carriers in the Central Command (CENTCOM) sector. According to a Defense Blog report, the 278th Armored Brigade was deployed at strategic points in the Middle East in response to missile and drone threats in the region.

American transport aircraft
American transport aircraft (Photo: U.S. Army | Official account)

Number 8 —

Municipality Hinted in Internal Letter to Employees About Strike on Iran Over the Weekend

Will there be a strike on Iran over the weekend? In a notice sent from Petah Tikva municipality to city employees, workers were asked to be fully available. The municipality clarifies: "This is not an unusual notice, and it was not sent following any concrete information."

Missile fragments during Operation Swords of Iron
Missile fragments during Operation Swords of Iron (Photo: Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)

Number 7 —

The Viral Tip: How to Remove Mold from Silicone Without Scrubbing at All

Forget everything you knew about cleaning: if you've also stood helpless before the black streaks in the bathroom and asked yourself why no product budges them, the next tip will change everything. While everyone scrubs until their arms hurt and buys expensive products that only smell like chemicals, it turns out the smartest (and cheapest) solution is in your medicine cabinet. It sounds crazy, it looks funny, but this "bandage" is the only way to restore the silicone's original whiteness without lifting a finger.

Nothing more frustrating than those black streaks in the silicone
Nothing more frustrating than those black streaks in the silicone (Photo: Shutterstock)

Number 6 —

And the Children Shall Return: 20 Living Hostages Released from Captivity | President Trump at the Knesset, Netanyahu Won't Fly Due to Holiday

For the first time in 738 days, 20 living hostages were released from Hamas captivity. The first seven hostages were transferred by IDF and Shin Bet forces and met their family members for the first time, then were transferred to hospitals. Meanwhile, 13 additional hostages were received at the Reim facility.

Hostages back in the State of Israel
Hostages back in the State of Israel

Number 5 —

Elon Musk Declares Humanity's Entry into the "Singularity" Era | What Does It Mean?

While the world tries to digest the pace of technological changes, one statement by Elon Musk shook the internet: we're no longer waiting for the future, we're living in it.

Elon Musk
Elon Musk (Photo: By Gage Skidmore - https://www.flickr.com/photos/gageskidmore/54819827616/, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=175831467)

Number 4 —

Hundreds of Thousands Participated in Historic Rally for Torah Scholars • 15-Year-Old Boy Fell from Height and Was Killed

It is a time of trouble for Jacob: hundreds of thousands from the haredi public of all communities and congregations united around the "Cry of Torah" gathering, to strengthen Torah scholars. The rally took place along the entrance roads to Jerusalem under the leadership of Torah leaders. A 15-year-old boy fell from a height and was killed during the event.

The million-person rally | Replay broadcast
The million-person rally | Replay broadcast

Number 3 —

Eyal Tzionov parades in the Chief Rabbi's robe and turban, appears at state ceremonies, and distributes blessings to an audience convinced they've met the Chief Rabbi himself. The matter escalated to an embarrassing incident at the torch-lighting ceremony and even a security incident with the Shin Bet. A senior Rabbinate source: "Legal history teaches that there's no way to prevent anyone from dressing as they see fit."

Eyal Tzionov sporting the Chief Rabbi's robe and turban
Eyal Tzionov sporting the Chief Rabbi's robe and turban (Photo: From Tzionov's YouTube account)

Number 2 —

"To Remind Future Generations": The Poignant Name Amit Segal Chose for His Fourth Son

Senior journalist Amit Segal recreated in a moving post the thoughts that went through his mind after the birth of his fourth son last week, and also revealed the name they chose for him: "To remind future generations of this biblical courage that suddenly jumped on us on Simchat Torah and has refused to leave since, and of Nahal Oz and Nir Oz, and of the courage of Operation Swords of Iron."

Brit milah for Segall's son
Brit milah for Segall's son

Number 1 —

Underwater Treasure: Japan Found a 730-Year Supply in the Depths

Treasure in the depths amid crisis: Japan recorded a historic achievement and extracted rare metals from a record depth of 6,000 meters, in a move designed to break dependence on China and ensure technological independence for hundreds of years.

JAMSTEC's deep-sea drilling vessel "Chikyu" – the Japanese Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology. Photo taken at Shin-Yokosuka Port, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan.
JAMSTEC's deep-sea drilling vessel "Chikyu" – the Japanese Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology. Photo taken at Shin-Yokosuka Port, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. (Photo: By Gleam - Photo taken by Gleam., CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=319037)
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