Yaffa Yarkoni dies on New Year's Day
Yaffa Yarkoni, who famously serenaded Israeli troops at army bases, has died, aged 86.
The singer lost her battle with Alzheimer’s disease in Tel Aviv on Sunday, a week after her birthday.
A celebrated patriot, Yarkoni drew criticism a decade ago by speaking out about the Israeli government's treatment of Palestinians under former leader Ariel Sharon.
Paying tribute to the singer, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said her music provided "the soundtrack of Israel from the days of settlement."
Her hits included Don’t Say Goodbye, Say I Will See You and Road to Jerusalem. Yarkoni was awarded the Israel Prize in 1998.
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