Gallant condemns call to bar politicians from Memorial Day events

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant condemns calls to bar politicians from Memorial Day events amid public anger over the judicial overhaul attempts by the government.

“The demand to remove the elected officials from the cemeteries is like a demand to lower the Israeli flag,” Gallant says at a meeting with officials organizing ceremonies.

“We as a society must not lose one of the main social assets we have, which constitutes a bridge of unity for the IDF and the security organizations in general and the bereaved family in particular,” he says.

His comments come a day after the Kibbutz Movement said it canceled the scheduled appearance of Gallant and National Unity MK Alon Schuster at a memorial event for its fallen members later this week, following pressure from bereaved families.

A general call was issued last month by thousands of bereaved military families for ministers to stay away from Memorial Day events amid concerns the events could be exploited for political purposes.