This morning the Knesset welcomed 120 soldiers who will receive the President's Excellence Award on Independence Day. The ceremony was held for the first time in the courtyard of the Mishkan (Va'il Square), with the participation of Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein, who reviewed the ranks and presented a gift to each and every one of them, accompanied by Yardena Meller-Horowitz.
In his congratulation speech to the soldiers, the Knesset Speaker referred to the security situation in the south and said: "The escalation did not develop because of a shortage of money or a siege, but because of the very existence of the State of Israel. Our enemies fear a united front that we present with the Arab states in the region.
"The operations the security forces carried out since yesterday against the terror organizations in Gaza will continue until quiet is restored to the citizens of Israel. We share the sorrow of the Agadi family of Ashkelon for the loss of the father of the family, the late Moshe Agadi, and wish a speedy recovery to the wounded in body and soul.
"It is our stubbornness and yours to strive for victory and excellence that brings different countries in the region to change direction and seek connections with the State of Israel. Remember that we will need you in another 5, 10, and 20 years, not necessarily on the battlefield but in volunteering, in career, in studies. And who knows, maybe we will meet later, when you will also be the carriers of the Independence Day ceremony torches."