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To mark 74 years of Israel’s Independence, Yom Ha’atzmaut celebrations began around Israel on Wednesday evening.
UK Conservatives leaders shared their support of the State of Israel on Twitter.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson wished Israel and “his friends” President Herzog and Prime Minister Bennet “a very happy Independence Day” and also celebrated the UK-Israel relationship, by stating that “the UK has always stood by Israel and its right to live as any nation should be able to – in peace, prosperity and security”.
UK Foreign Minister Liz Truss recalled that the UK-Israel relationship is “stronger than ever” and reiterated the Prime Minister’s comments, by explaining that the two countries “stand together in enduring friendship as champions of freedom, democracy and the spirit of innovation”.
Whilst wishing “everyone in Israel a very happy Yom Ha’atzmaut”, Amanda Milling MP the UK Middle East Minister, expressed that she was “thrilled to see the UK-Israel relationship getting stronger all the time”. She finished by exclaiming “here’s to many more years of prosperity and friendship!”
During Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett’s speech at the Yom Ha’atzmaut event to celebrate outstanding soldiers, he stressed that the theme of this year’s festivities is “unity”. As the country marks 74 years of Independence, the Prime Minister stated that he leads a government that he “never imagined in a thousand years would have this composition”. He acknowledged the division in the coalition but explained that having “a culture of disagreement is a blessing” as being able to have goodwill and not cast doubt on others’ intentions, “then we argue about the crux of the matter”.
In an interview with The Times of Israel, President Herzog expressed optimism for the future, voicing that “now is our opportunity to develop further, and look towards the centennial… It’s just around the corner”.
