Top Israeli officials and bereaved families convened Sunday at Mount Herzl's Great Leaders Plaza for the national memorial ceremony commemorating the fallen soldiers of the Iron Swords War. The ceremony drew President Isaac Herzog, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, Acting Supreme Court President Justice Yitzhak Amit, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, IDF Chief of Staff Lt Gen Herzi Halevi, Shin Bet Director Ronen Bar, cabinet ministers, and Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion.
In his address, Netanyahu emphasized Israel's unwavering commitment to its war objectives. "We find ourselves amid a prolonged, challenging existential war that demands painful sacrifices. Our pursuit of those responsible and their commanders will continue without respite. Through the valor of our exceptional fighters, we stand united against those who seek our destruction. Last Simchat Torah, we experienced an atrocity of biblical magnitude. No words can capture the depth of the horror, the unconscionable brutality, the abduction of civilians from their homes. Our response has been decisive, and we continue to respond with determination."
Breaking his silence on recent military operations, Netanyahu addressed the strike on Iran: "When faced with a war of annihilation, we responded with a war of resurgence across seven fronts against the axis of evil. Our Air Force conducted operations throughout Iran, significantly degrading their defense capabilities and missile production facilities. To Iran's citizens: Our conflict is not with you but with the oppressive regime controlling your country. The operation in Iran was executed with precision and methodology, achieving every intended objective. Significant challenges remain ahead. Today, we remember our hostages and our commitment to securing their return remains absolute."
"A resolute new generation has emerged from Israel's soil, carrying the banner 'Now it's our turn.' Future generations will study this era and draw strength from our resilience. On this hallowed day, we extend our embrace to the families of the fallen. Just as we prevailed in our War of Independence, with divine providence, we shall triumph in this war of renewal," Netanyahu concluded.
President Herzog delivered his remarks against the backdrop of recent events in Gelilot. "For an entire year now, our lives have been enveloped in profound and continuous mourning for our sons and daughters lost in battle," he said. Herzog shared a personal account of bidding farewell to Captain Roi Nahari, a 23-year-old paratrooper who fell defending Kfar Aza. "Throughout this past year, we have met thousands of bereaved families, both civilian and military. Each encounter revealed stories of valor and sacrifice – embodying the finest qualities of Israeli society," Herzog reflected.
"Standing before you as President of Israel, I acknowledge that no words can mend a world torn asunder," Herzog told the bereaved families, underscoring the nation's unity in grief. "We witness an extraordinary generation, one that fulfills the ancient prophecy of rising 'like a lion.' These are individuals who abandoned everything – absolutely everything – to defend our collective home," he added.
Herzog emphasized the imperative of returning the hostages, suggesting that the elimination of Yahya Sinwar and other senior commanders has created "a strategic opportunity that we must seize." "The cry of our captive brothers resonates deeply. Their rescue represents our highest moral obligation, without which our nation and state remain incomplete," the president declared. He concluded by calling for strengthened national unity, highlighting the importance of supporting displaced communities and providing comprehensive care for the wounded and bereaved families.
The ceremony marks an official national day of mourning commemorating the Simchat Torah attack and the subsequent outbreak of the Iron Swords War. The decision to establish this additional memorial day, separate from the October 7 observance, sparked considerable public debate. While many bereaved families questioned the necessity of a second memorial day, Transportation Minister Miri Regev, responsible for state ceremonies, maintained its importance.
Earlier in the day, IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi reflected on the significance of the commemoration: "A nation's quest for freedom in its homeland carries a heavy toll. The heroism of our fallen and wounded, both in body and spirit, has secured our continued existence."
