Netanyahu’s office said ‘surprised’ PM not invited by Rivlin to Independence Day event

1 April 2021, 4:57 pm

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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Reuven Rivlin attend a ceremony awarding outstanding soldiers as part of Israel's 70th Independence Day celebrations, at the president's residence in Jerusalem, April 19, 2018 (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)

Prime Minister Netanyahu’s office was reportedly surprised to discover the premier hasn’t been invited to this year’s Independence Day ceremony at President Reuven Rivlin’s official residence.

After last year’s ceremony honoring outstanding IDF soldiers was canceled due to the first COVID-19 lockdown, Rivlin’s residence pre-recorded most of this year’s event.

But Channel 12 news says Netanyahu’s office is charging that organizers didn’t inform them ahead of time that Netanyahu won’t attend, as is customary.

The president’s residence says the event was planned in light of COVID-19 restrictions and that Defense Minister Benny Gantz similarly wasn’t invited.