Netanyahu Honors Israel’s Fallen at Mount Herzl Memorial
Grief, Unity, and Promise
At Mount Herzl, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu began his address by greeting President Isaac Herzog and First Lady Michal Herzog.
He then turned to the bereaved families, calling them “the family of courage.” With deep emotion, he and his wife Sara embraced those who lost loved ones, including the families of hostages — both those who returned and those still held captive.
Moreover, he vowed to bring every hostage home, saying, “We will bring them all back — to the very last one.”
Since the war began on Simchat Torah two years ago, Israelis have remembered their fallen heroes each day. In heartfelt words, he acknowledged how grief changes lives in an instant and thanked the soldiers whose sacrifices safeguard the nation.
The Foundation of a Nation
Netanyahu shared the words of Ofra Samiach, mother of fallen soldier Ido Samiach:
“My son is not merely a fallen soldier. He is the foundation upon which the state is built.”
Her message, he noted, reflects the spirit of Israel’s resilience. Across faiths and backgrounds — Jews, Druze, Christians, Muslims, Bedouins, Circassians, and others — soldiers fought shoulder to shoulder. Their unity, he said, laid the foundation of Israel’s redemption.
Therefore, their memory will remain an unshakable part of the nation’s identity for generations to come.
Confronting True Evil
The Prime Minister described October 7 as a “monstrous slaughter.”
While Israel faces false accusations of genocide, he emphasized that the true genocide was the massacre of innocent civilians — babies, children, adults, and the elderly.
According to him, the tragedy united the nation like never before. “We rose as one and became an iron fist,” he declared.
He further explained that Israel quickly recognized Iran’s wider plan — to encircle the country through a “ring of fire.” Yet, he added, the enemy underestimated Israel’s inner strength.
As a result, the Israeli forces fought on seven fronts, striking deep inside enemy territory and delivering powerful blows.
“The people of Israel rose,” he said, “as a Rising Lion.”
Israel’s Global Role
Beyond its borders, Israel’s fight symbolizes a global struggle.
Netanyahu framed the conflict as a battle between barbarism and enlightenment, between cruelty and humanity. He insisted that Israel acts as a barrier against extremism, defending not just itself but the values of civilization.
In his words, “Our soldiers are the protective wall that separates humanity from chaos.”
Honoring Courage and Innovation
He also praised soldiers and officers who fought with extraordinary courage in harsh and dangerous conditions, both above and below ground.
Additionally, he recognized engineers and heavy equipment operators who cleared routes under fire, many of whom sacrificed their lives.
The Prime Minister commemorated several fallen commanders:
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Colonel Yonatan Steinberg, honored through a new community near Arad.
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Colonel Roi Levy, remembered at Givat Roi near Burma Road.
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Eitan Oster, memorialized in “A Day to Strengthen the Why” and in the Or Eitan laser defense system that bears his name.
He recalled how friends of fallen soldiers carried their memory to mountain peaks — Mount Olympus, Mont Blanc, and Mount Everest — displaying unit flags and photographs.
To Netanyahu, this devotion shows how “no other nation carries the memory of its heroes so far.”
Call for Unity and Strength
Throughout his speech, Netanyahu urged national unity.
He reminded citizens that victory — in both war and peace — depends on solidarity and mutual responsibility. He encouraged focusing on shared purpose rather than division.
Furthermore, he described Israel as a solid rock amid regional turmoil, built by the forefathers and protected for future generations — children, grandchildren, and those yet to come.
Healing and Hope
Turning to the wounded, Netanyahu expressed hope for their swift recovery in body and soul.
He said their bravery continues to inspire the nation, recalling amputees he met who spoke with determination, saying simply: “For Israel.”
He also praised the Levi brothers — Rachamim Yishai, Yedidya, and Elkana — who were all wounded yet remain united in their resolve.
Their message, he noted, embodies the national spirit: “United for victory — united as a family, united as a nation.”
Legacy of the Fallen
In closing, Netanyahu reminded families that no replacement exists for their lost loved ones.
However, he said their sacrifices have left an everlasting mark on Israel’s rebirth.
“Thanks to our heroes — the soldiers, the fallen, the wounded — and thanks to your steadfastness, citizens of Israel, we will defeat our enemies and secure our future together.”
May the memory of the fallen remain forever engraved in Israel’s story of revival.