(Communicated by the President's Spokesperson)
Wednesday, 22 April 2026 / 5 Iyar 5786
President Herzog Marks Israel’s 78th Independence Day with Ceremony for Outstanding IDF Soldiers
On April 22, 2026, President Isaac Herzog marked Israel’s 78th Independence Day with a ceremony at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem honoring 120 outstanding soldiers from across the Israel Defense Forces. The ceremony began with a flyover by the Israeli Air Force in salute to the outstanding soldiers. A highlight of the ceremony came when former hostage Alon Ohel and Dvir Bublil, a soldier injured in battle on October 7th, performed together on stage in honor of the outstanding soldiers.
President Herzog warmly welcomed former hostages who survived Hamas captivity: “I am so moved to see at this ceremony the hostage survivors who have returned to us: Gadi Mozes, Mia Leimberg, Fernando Simon Marman, and Alon Ohel. A year ago we prayed and hoped, and thank God we no longer have hostages anywhere. You simply fill our hearts with joy.”
To the 120 outstanding soldiers, President Herzog said: “It is truly remarkable what you have been through over the past two and a half years. We all grew up on stories of heroism, but this generation surpasses them all.”
On behalf of the nation of Israel, President Herzog thanked the IDF Chief of the General Staff, LTG Eyal Zamir, and the General Staff of the IDF: “The achievements the IDF has accomplished this year exceed all imagination. These military achievements ensure the continued flourishing of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state.”
President Herzog also addressed Israel’s bereaved families and wounded soldiers: “You remind us of the heavy price that we pay for our lives on our Independence Day. I wish to offer you a loving embrace and my deepest thanks. I also send my wishes for a full and speedy recovery to all the wounded in body and soul — they and their families are true heroes.”
Attached photos credit: Elad Malka (GPO)
Benjamin Lee, benjaminl@president.gov.il, 050-6169572
Wednesday, 22 April 2026 / 5 Iyar 5786
President Herzog Marks Israel’s 78th Independence Day with Ceremony for Outstanding IDF Soldiers
On April 22, 2026, President Isaac Herzog marked Israel’s 78th Independence Day with a ceremony at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem honoring 120 outstanding soldiers from across the Israel Defense Forces. The ceremony began with a flyover by the Israeli Air Force in salute to the outstanding soldiers. A highlight of the ceremony came when former hostage Alon Ohel and Dvir Bublil, a soldier injured in battle on October 7th, performed together on stage in honor of the outstanding soldiers.
President Herzog warmly welcomed former hostages who survived Hamas captivity: “I am so moved to see at this ceremony the hostage survivors who have returned to us: Gadi Mozes, Mia Leimberg, Fernando Simon Marman, and Alon Ohel. A year ago we prayed and hoped, and thank God we no longer have hostages anywhere. You simply fill our hearts with joy.”
To the 120 outstanding soldiers, President Herzog said: “It is truly remarkable what you have been through over the past two and a half years. We all grew up on stories of heroism, but this generation surpasses them all.”
On behalf of the nation of Israel, President Herzog thanked the IDF Chief of the General Staff, LTG Eyal Zamir, and the General Staff of the IDF: “The achievements the IDF has accomplished this year exceed all imagination. These military achievements ensure the continued flourishing of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state.”
President Herzog also addressed Israel’s bereaved families and wounded soldiers: “You remind us of the heavy price that we pay for our lives on our Independence Day. I wish to offer you a loving embrace and my deepest thanks. I also send my wishes for a full and speedy recovery to all the wounded in body and soul — they and their families are true heroes.”
Attached photos credit: Elad Malka (GPO)
Benjamin Lee, benjaminl@president.gov.il, 050-6169572
Israel Ministry of Defense Spokesperson’s Statement:
Israel MOD Procures Over $200M Elbit Systems Aerial Munitions
As part of bolstering readiness for near-term combat scenarios and preparing for an intense security decade, the Israel Ministry of Defense (IMOD) Defense Procurement Directorate (DPD) has issued multi-year orders for aerial munitions manufactured by Elbit Systems, valued at over $200 million (approximately NIS 600 million). The contracts are being led by the DPD Deputy Head for Air and Naval Procurement. Manufacturing will take place at Elbit facilities across Israel.
Defense Minister, Israel Katz: “We continue to strengthen Israel’s munitions independence. The IDF must have the means to act with force and speed, without relying on external factors at any given moment. As we mark Israel’s 78th Independence Day, this carries special meaning: true independence is also measured by our ability to produce and defend ourselves through our own means. We will continue to act with resolve to ensure that the State of Israel stands on its own strength, ready to meet any challenge.”
IMOD Director General, Maj. Gen. (Res.) Amir Baram: “This procurement is another concrete step in executing the Ministry’s strategy to expand Israel’s defense industrial base. Confronting complex threats and applying the lessons learned from the war, we are committed to securing Israel’s munitions independence and strengthening domestic production. We are not only meeting immediate operational needs - we are building the foundation that will enable the IDF to face any combat scenario, backed by sovereign production capabilities, cutting-edge technology, and supply chain continuity.”
President and CEO of Elbit Systems, Bezhalel (Butzi) Machlis: “This series of contracts underscores Elbit Systems’ technological leadership in air launched weapon systems. We are proud of our long standing partnership with the Israeli Ministry of Defense and our ongoing commitment to developing and delivering high precision, reliable solutions that are among the factors enabling the Israeli Air Force’s air superiority.”
Media and Public Affairs Bureau
Israel Ministry of Defense
For any media-related queries, please contact Nina Zaydenberg, IMOD Spokesperson to International Media: 0544622513 | 0506291093 | Dover@mod.gov.il
Israel MOD Procures Over $200M Elbit Systems Aerial Munitions
As part of bolstering readiness for near-term combat scenarios and preparing for an intense security decade, the Israel Ministry of Defense (IMOD) Defense Procurement Directorate (DPD) has issued multi-year orders for aerial munitions manufactured by Elbit Systems, valued at over $200 million (approximately NIS 600 million). The contracts are being led by the DPD Deputy Head for Air and Naval Procurement. Manufacturing will take place at Elbit facilities across Israel.
Defense Minister, Israel Katz: “We continue to strengthen Israel’s munitions independence. The IDF must have the means to act with force and speed, without relying on external factors at any given moment. As we mark Israel’s 78th Independence Day, this carries special meaning: true independence is also measured by our ability to produce and defend ourselves through our own means. We will continue to act with resolve to ensure that the State of Israel stands on its own strength, ready to meet any challenge.”
IMOD Director General, Maj. Gen. (Res.) Amir Baram: “This procurement is another concrete step in executing the Ministry’s strategy to expand Israel’s defense industrial base. Confronting complex threats and applying the lessons learned from the war, we are committed to securing Israel’s munitions independence and strengthening domestic production. We are not only meeting immediate operational needs - we are building the foundation that will enable the IDF to face any combat scenario, backed by sovereign production capabilities, cutting-edge technology, and supply chain continuity.”
President and CEO of Elbit Systems, Bezhalel (Butzi) Machlis: “This series of contracts underscores Elbit Systems’ technological leadership in air launched weapon systems. We are proud of our long standing partnership with the Israeli Ministry of Defense and our ongoing commitment to developing and delivering high precision, reliable solutions that are among the factors enabling the Israeli Air Force’s air superiority.”
Media and Public Affairs Bureau
Israel Ministry of Defense
For any media-related queries, please contact Nina Zaydenberg, IMOD Spokesperson to International Media: 0544622513 | 0506291093 | Dover@mod.gov.il
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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Iran and Lebanon
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, this afternoon (Friday, 24 April 2026) [translated from Hebrew]:
"I promised you that we would change the face of the Middle East, and that is exactly what we are doing. First and foremost, in Iran: I have had an excellent conversation with President Trump. He is applying very strong pressure on Iran, both economically and militarily. We are operating in full cooperation.
The same applies to Lebanon: We have begun a process to achieve a historic peace between Israel and Lebanon, and it is clear to us that Hezbollah is trying to sabotage this. We are maintaining full freedom of action against any threat, including emerging ones. We attacked yesterday and we attacked today. We are determined to restore security to the residents of the North."
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, this afternoon (Friday, 24 April 2026) [translated from Hebrew]:
"I promised you that we would change the face of the Middle East, and that is exactly what we are doing. First and foremost, in Iran: I have had an excellent conversation with President Trump. He is applying very strong pressure on Iran, both economically and militarily. We are operating in full cooperation.
The same applies to Lebanon: We have begun a process to achieve a historic peace between Israel and Lebanon, and it is clear to us that Hezbollah is trying to sabotage this. We are maintaining full freedom of action against any threat, including emerging ones. We attacked yesterday and we attacked today. We are determined to restore security to the residents of the North."
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Prime Minister's Office announcement
Prime Minister's Office [translated from Hebrew]:
Prime Minister Netanyahu has ordered the IDF to vigorously attack Hezbollah targets in Lebanon.
Prime Minister's Office [translated from Hebrew]:
Prime Minister Netanyahu has ordered the IDF to vigorously attack Hezbollah targets in Lebanon.