Today, Yom Ha’Atzma’ut (Israeli Independence Day) is celebrated. According to Maran Rabbeinu Ovadia Yosef zt”l, although we must certainly offer much praise and thanks to Hashem for removing the rule of the British Mandate and allowing for the establishment of the State of Israel, since our Sages have not established anything special for this day, one should not act leniently and shave or take a haircut today as we still find ourselves during the period of the Counting of the Omer when these things are forbidden. One should likewise not recite the Hallel with a blessing. If one wishes, one may recite Hallel without a blessing. May Hashem renew our days like the days of yesteryear and bring about the Final Redemption, speedily and in our days, Amen.