BICOM

Israel celebrated its 69^th Independence Day yesterday with ceremonies and events across the country.

An official torch lighting ceremony on Monday night kicked off the celebrations followed by a fireworks display and dance performances.

On Tuesday the Israeli Air Force performed a flyover that included the first outing for the new F-35 fighter.

In a ceremony at the President’s residence 121 outstanding soldiers from the IDF were given awards by President Reuven Rivlin, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman and IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot.

Eleven of the soldiers were born outside of Israel. The father of one soldier, originally from Ethiopia, flew in for the ceremony and had not seen his son for 7 years.

Independence Day messages were sent from Heads of State around the world including Queen Elizabeth II and US President Donald Trump, who cited the “tremendous strength of the United States-Israel relationship” and “the ties that connect our two people”.

Speaking at a reception for foreign diplomats, President Rivlin said that he was “proud to hear that while Israel is just 69 years young, it is already known for its strengths”. He continued: “Israeli innovation is known around the world. Every day we build our cooperation; in agriculture, in science and research, in culture and education, and more.”

Prime Minister Netanyahu stressed the “amazing technological future” ahead for Israel, whilst warning about the challenge from “the forces of militant Islam who want to take us back to a dark medievalism”. He said: “Perhaps most remarkably, from Arab leaders I hear an increasing recognition that Israel is not an enemy but an indispensable ally in the common battle against terror and the common effort to secure a different future, a better future for all the peoples of the Middle East.”