Israel Katz at Memorial ceremony: "The goal is a clear victory -  without compromise"

On Memorial Day for Israel's Fallen Soldiers and Victims of Hostilities, Defense Minister Israel Katz stood before the bereaved families and the audience of honorees at the main ceremony on Mount Herzl, and sent a message that was both poignant and embracing – a message of remembrance, responsibility and determination.

"Over the past year, too, the most difficult news has reached the homes of hundreds of parents, wives, children and siblings – and turned their lives upside down in an instant," the minister said.

Katz noted the bravery of the fighters and civilians who stood up to the October 7 attack, and noted the heavy price that has been exacted since then. He emphasized the IDF's relentless action to return the hostages, both alive and dead: "Arnon Zmora sacrificed his life for the release of our hostages... This is the supreme commitment of the State of Israel in the name of mutual responsibility and the unity of the people."

Katz added: "The main lesson from the events of October 7 is that the IDF must always separate enemies of this kind from our communities and residents – this is the case in the security zone in Lebanon, in the Mount Hermon summit and in the security zone in Syria, in the refugee camps in northern Samaria and in the security zones around Gaza, which separate the enemy from the communities of the western Negev."

Katz also referred to the strategic danger posed by Iran, saying, "Iran is the main threat to the entire region, and we are determined - more than ever – to prevent it from acquiring nuclear weapons. We will not allow threats of annihilation against the State of Israel."

In conclusion, the Minister of Defense discussed the significance of the sharp transition from Memorial Day to Independence Day, and noted: "This transition is a testament to our strength – a people that is capable of mourning its loss, but also celebrating its achievements. This is a story of resilience, of revival, of a spirit that never breaks."