According to a report by The Times Of Israel, Israel on Thursday held an official state memorial at Mount Herzl in Jerusalem to mark two years since the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack that plunged the country into a brutal conflict. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu used the ceremony to praise the armed forces for their conduct during the campaign in Gaza, while cautioning the public that the “struggle isn’t over.”
The remembrance gathering came at a complex moment: the initial phase of US President Donald Trump’s proposed framework had begun to take effect, producing the return of the 20 remaining living hostages and the remains of nine others who had been held in Gaza. Authorities said efforts are ongoing to secure the return of the 19 bodies that still remain in the territory.
Speaking at Mount Herzl, Netanyahu paid homage to soldiers who lost their lives and reaffirmed the government’s resolve to recover every person taken during the October 7 assault. He emphasized Israel’s commitment to those efforts, saying it was “committed to bringing back every last” hostage.
Beyond the immediate aim of retrieving captives, the prime minister framed the conflict within a broader regional struggle. He told the assembled officials, family members and veterans that Israel would continue pursuing its strategic objectives in Gaza and confront Iran and partnered militant groups that seek the country’s destruction. His rhetoric mixed mourning with a pledge of continued firmness.
Netanyahu warned that the country would respond forcefully to threats. “The struggle is not over, but one thing is clear today: Anyone who raises a hand against us already knows he will pay a very heavy price for his aggression,” he said, underlining the government’s intent to deter future attacks. He added a call for final victory, declaring, “We are determined to complete the victory that will shape the order of our lives for many years.”
Families of the slain and taken attended the ceremony, where wreaths were laid and names read aloud. Officials portrayed the event as both a tribute and a reaffirmation of national purpose: remembering victims, honoring military sacrifice and signaling that, despite the painful costs, Israel intends to finish the campaign with its declared goals met.
As questions linger over how the larger diplomatic plan will be implemented and whether a lasting ceasefire will hold, Thursday’s memorial made clear that grief and determination remain intertwined in the country’s approach to its security and future and political leadership too. See, More, Here>>>
Explore More News By Using The Button Above.