From the Liveblog of
Sunday, May 12, 2024
Netanyahu tells Independence Day torch-bearers: Israel’s most important weapon is ‘the spirit of our nation’
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleLazar Berman is The Times of Israel's diplomatic reporter
Speaking to the 44 torch-bearers ahead of the Independence Day ceremony tomorrow night, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says that Israel’s most important weapon against its enemies doesn’t come from foreign allies, but from “the spirit of our nation.”
“That is our secret weapon, we don’t have any other,” says Netanyahu, alongside Transportation Minister Miri Regev.
“There are [other weapons],” he corrects himself, “but without this weapon we are nothing.”
“We will defeat our enemies,” Netanyahu continues, “we have no other choice. We can only do that together.”
The premier lauds the civilians, soldiers, police officers, and rescue services who jumped into action on October 7 without being ordered to. “We moved immediately to the offensive, and the heroes, our hero soldiers, are fighting there.”
Netanyahu recounts meeting wounded soldiers who are waiting for a prosthesis so they can get back into the fight. “I told my American friends,” he recounts, “if necessary, we will fight with our fingernails. We have much more than fingernails.”
The Times of Israel Community.