The soldiers that will be honored at the annual Outstanding Soldiers Ceremony at the President's Residence were anonymized due to safety concerns as a result of the persecution of IDF soldiers around the world and attempts to prosecute them.
President Isaac Herzog opened the annual ceremony on Thursday morning in honor of Israel’s 77th Independence Day, during which 120 soldiers will receive their distinctions.
At the ceremony, IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir said that the IDF is preparing to deliver a "decisive blow" against Hamas and that the military will increase the pace and intensity of the operations in Gaza soon.
Zamir also highlighted the responsibility Israeli citizens have for one another.
"For the State of Israel, this idea is essential to its existence and resilience, and no one is exempt—not individuals, not groups, and not tribes," Zamir said.
"We all enlist, we all fight together, and we all sacrifice together—for the sake of the state and for a better future. Because one shared destiny placed us here, in this land,” he said.
In Herzog's speech, he noted the challenges Israel is facing this year.
“Even on our national holiday—and especially on our national holiday—we cannot celebrate independence wholeheartedly when our brothers and sisters are not with us," the president remarked. "The entire people of Israel embrace their families, long for the release of the hostages, and cry out for their return home: some for rehabilitation and to their homes, and some for a proper burial in Israel—until the last one.”
Regarding the divisions in Israel's society and in politics, he said that "even in times of deep disagreement, our boldness and our unity are intertwined and dependent on one another. One thing is clear – even when there are differences of opinion among us, we must keep our IDF – our army – above and beyond all disputes.”
The event began with a ceremonial flyover featuring planes and combat helicopters from the Israeli air force, saluting the outstanding soldiers who represent all branches of the military.
“Soldiers and commanders of the Israel Defense Forces—on air, at sea, and on land. On behalf of the people of Israel, I want to strengthen you and say thank you. Your determination and heroism are the hope and future of our country. With gratitude and a salute,” the president told the pilots over the radio.
There are protesters outside the president's residence in Jerusalem, calling on Herzog to stop collaborating with the government's abandonment of the hostages.
In Jerusalem, Mayor Moshe Lion ordered that preparations be made for a postponed Independence Day ceremony during the day after the weather and fires in the Jerusalem hills stopped the ceremonies Wednesday night.
Jerusalem's planned celebration
The mayor wants the ceremonies to be held at a similar scale to those originally planned, including performances by famous artists, parties, and DJ stages that would operate on Jaffa Street.
The municipality is planning to hold events in various neighborhoods with local stages and artists from the community to allow residents to celebrate close to home.
Most of the artists who were scheduled to perform last night have agreed to perform this evening as well, including Sarit Hadad, Dudu Aharon, Yasmin Moallem, Eden Hason, Ness & Stilla, Liran Danino, Itzik Kala, Teapacks, Elin Golan, Or Ben Atar, Amir Shreiber, and DJ Skazi.
The municipality will ensure the operation of the main stages at Independence Park, Safra Square, and Zion Square, alongside additional celebrations in neighborhoods across the city.
“Independence Day is a particularly important holiday, and every effort should be made not to cancel the joy, even in light of the difficult circumstances," Lion said. "Jerusalem is preparing to celebrate Independence Day this evening in a spirit of unity, joy, resilience, and hope. I invite all Jerusalem residents and visitors to join us, to take part in the Jerusalem spirit, and in the unique experience we offer. Happy Independence Day to the State of Israel.”