Netanyahu, Gantz Tout ‘Unity’ to Beat Coronavirus in Independence Day Ceremony

Prime Minister Benjmain Netanyahu and Knesset Speker Benny Gantz called for unity among Israelis, speaking on Tuesday at the traditional torch-lighting ceremony at Jerusalem's Mount Herzl marking the start of Israel's 72nd Independence Day. 

Due to coronavirus restrictions, the event was pre-recorded rather than held in front of an audience and televised live.

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The official ceremony, under the slogan "Connections in Israeli Society," marks the transition from the national Memorial Day, commemorating fallen Israeli soldiers and victims of terror attacks, to Independence Day.

Netanyahu said in a video message: "It is time for unity. If we join forces we can overcome the coronavirus." According to Netanyahu, Israelis have successfully dealt with the outbreak and maintained social distancing: "We all realized that in the era of the coronavirus, love is from afar… The pandemic is still here, and we still need to follow regulations to save each other."