‘Writing history under fire’: Israel honors distinguished soldiers on Independence Day

Of the 120 recipients, 68 are men and 52 are women.

By Pesach Benson, TPS

President Isaac Herzog paid tribute to 120 outstanding Israel Defense Forces soldiers at a special Independence Day ceremony on Wednesday, highlighting what he described as an exceptional generation shaped by prolonged conflict.

“We all grew up on stories of heroism, but this generation surpasses them all,” Herzog said, addressing the honorees, whose names and faces were withheld from publication in line with military security rules.

Because of the war, the annual ceremony was scaled back, with the event pre-recorded on Sunday and attended only by the honorees and their families. The soldiers were not named for security reasons.

Moving through the Knesset courtyard, Herzog stopped to greet each recipient individually, listening as they shared personal accounts of their service.

Many of those recognized have spent much of the past two and a half years in operational roles during wartime.

“It is difficult to recall another period in which so many of those being honored served the majority of their time under combat conditions,” he said.

“Every outstanding soldier faces challenges, but in wartime those demands multiply many times over.”

Herzog drew a contrast between routine service and wartime duty, describing how the bar for excellence shifts under fire.

“In ordinary circumstances, distinction comes from professionalism and initiative. In war, it comes while facing danger, enduring long stretches away from home, and, at times, operating deep in hostile territory,” he said.

“You are not only learning from history — you are helping to write it.”

The group of honorees reflected a broad cross-section of Israeli society. Of the 120 recipients, 68 are men and 52 are women.

A majority serve in combat roles, while others are part of combat support units or home front services. Nineteen hold officer rank. Some have experienced personal loss, and several were immigrants.

The ceremony marked Israel’s 78th Independence Day and began with a military flypast, as Air Force aircraft passed overhead in tribute to the soldiers gathered below.

“You are the generation that defends and fights,” Herzog said. “On behalf of the State of Israel, I express my gratitude and salute you.”

The recognition of the soldiers came alongside broader Independence Day commemorations, including the traditional torch-lighting ceremony at Mount Herzl in Jerusalem.

The event, which formally marks the transition from Memorial Day, returned to a full public format this year after previous ceremonies were limited by war and wildfire.

Senior Israeli officials attended the ceremony, along with international guests. Argentine President Javier Milei was among those invited to take part, becoming the first foreign leader to light a ceremonial torch.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who was present at the event, delivered his remarks via a recorded message in which he emphasized Israel’s military and strategic standing.

“Israel is stronger than ever, and together with the United States, we are leading the fight against the forces of evil in the world,” Netanyahu said.

“What you have experienced goes far beyond what previous generations faced,” he said. “And still, you continue to serve at the highest level.”