Naftali Bennett
Naftali BennettIsrael news photo: Flash 90

Economy and Trade Minister Naftali Bennett attended on Sunday evening an event in honor of Memorial Day at the Sultan's Pool in Jerusalem.

During the event, Bennett said, "In the short history of our country, our fighters often had to act outside its borders to protect it."

"Every child in Israel has grown knowing that no matter where he is, the IDF will act against anyone who endangers him, in places near or far, with no boundaries,” he added.

Bennett brought as an example the rescue operation to free the hostages Entebbe. During this operation, he said, “the fighters in 1976 came all the way to Uganda to bring home their brothers who were kidnapped by the terrorists. During that operation, my childhood hero, Yoni Netanyahu of blessed memory, was killed.”

“Israel is our safe haven,” concluded Bennett and added, "We have acted in light of this statement and will continue to act in the future. We’ll reach any place we need to reach for this purpose.”

The official ceremony marking Memorial Day for the IDF's Fallen Soldiers, in which Israel remembers and honors its fallen soldiers, began Sunday evening at 8:00 p.m. at the Kotel. President Shimon Peres addressed the ceremony,

Peres said that "Israel's existence is no longer in question. The IDF is ready for any scenario, against any enemy."

According to numbers published by the Defense Ministry, since the year 1860 -- when Jews founded the first neighborhood in Jerusalem outside of the Old City -- 23,085 soldiers and members of the security forces died in the line of duty, including 92 in the past year.