World Jewish News

'We will reach reconciliation with our neighbors on the basis of “our strength'

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promised that peace will eventually come as he took part Thursday in the official ceremony in Jerusalem marking Israel’s 68th Independence Day.

He als praised Israel's accomplishments, saying : "World leaders come to Jerusalem every day. They say to me Israel is a vibrant and entrepreneurial country, creative spiritually and materially," Netanyahu said.

Netanyahu said while Israelis face "challenges ahead," he is "certain" they could overcome them together.

Israels’ President Reuven Rivlin, who hosted the annual ceremony at his official residence in Jerusalem, awarded the army’s annual citations for distinguished service to 120 soldiers.

During the event, Netanyahu suggested reviving annual military parades in the capital.’’Let’s bring back the military marches on Independence Day.” Military parades were held annually for 20 years, between 1949 and 1968.

Netanyahu also said he believed Israel would eventually be able to make peace with its regional neighbors: “We will reach reconciliation with our neighbors,” on the basis of “our strength,” he predicted. Until that day, he added, one of Israel’s most exceptional achievements was its capacity “to defend ourselves, by ourselves” against all threats.

Rivlin, in his remarks, said Israel “has had its crises, and perhaps there will be others.”

“Every generation has its challenges, but each has triumphed, with dignity. [Israel] is strong, robust, and solid — and is only getting

EJP