President Herzog Marks 20 Years Since Second Lebanon War, Calls for Full Victory Through Regional Prosperity

On the 20th anniversary of the Second Lebanon War, a state memorial ceremony was held at the National Memorial Hall on Mount Herzl in Jerusalem. The event was attended by President Isaac Herzog, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Israel Katz, IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, senior officials, and bereaved families. President Herzog reflected on the 34 days of intense conflict two decades ago, emphasizing the ongoing challenges Israel faces today, noting that "the babies born then are now soldiers defending the land of Lebanon."

Herzog highlighted that Israel remains engaged in a broader struggle in the region and stressed the need for a comprehensive approach beyond military response. He stated, "Our duty is to ensure a reality where Israeli citizens can live in security," advocating for simultaneous military strength, political progress, stronger alliances, international legitimacy, and internal resilience. He welcomed the recent U.S.-brokered memorandum of understanding between Israel and Lebanon as a positive step.

The president articulated his vision of a "full and complete victory" as one where border towns like Metula and Kiryat Shmona thrive, and where demand for kindergartens in the Upper Galilee is so high that no spots remain vacant. Herzog concluded by honoring the enduring spirit of Israeli soldiers from all backgrounds who continue to sacrifice for the shared homeland, saying, "Twenty years have passed, but inside the Israeli tank, the spirit remains the same."

The ceremony served both as a remembrance of those who fell and a call to continue striving for peace and security in the region.