PM Netanyahu at State Memorial Day ceremony in Jerusalem: ‘From abyss of Oct 7, we returned war to those who seek our lives’

Mossad chief reveals: ‘M’ died outside of Israel, his work contributed to war against Iran

All Israel News Staff | Published: April 21, 2026

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In his remarks at the State Memorial Ceremony for the Fallen of Israel’s Wars on Tuesday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized the heroism of the country’s soldiers, which enabled it to climb out of the “abyss” of October 7, and to fight back against the nation’s enemies.

Speaking from Jerusalem’s military cemetery on the “sacred mountain Mount Herzl,” where his brother Yonatan is buried, Netanyahu’s speech focused on two themes: The “abyss” of loss, and the “essence” of the nation, which enables it to go forward.

“The abyss of terrible pain, when the ground is pulled out from under one’s feet, and on the other hand, the foothold of essence, of meaning, the understanding of purpose. The shards of life that shattered into a dark abyss are gathered; they reunite, but differently, building an essence that always reminds us of the ‘what for’,” said Netanyahu.

During the war that has continued on seven fronts since October 7, 2023, “the essence is clearer than ever,” the prime minister continued: “To defend our national existence.”

“The Ayatollah regime in Iran planned another Holocaust. It plotted to destroy us with nuclear bombs and thousands of ballistic missiles,” he said, repeating a point he has made several times, that “the names of the death sites Natanz, Fordow, Isfahan might have joined the names of the death camps of the Holocaust: Auschwitz, Majdanek, Treblinka.”

Netanyahu also highlighted the story of Druze Engineering Corps fighter Maher Khattar, who was killed in battle in Lebanon last month “alongside his friend Or Demri.”

“Jews and Druze, shoulder to shoulder, on a mission of unparalleled importance, a mission shared by our Christian, Muslim, Bedouin, and Circassian brothers, and members of other groups.”

While most of the younger generation of Israelis had not known a life outside Israel, that “was born into the reality of an existing state, seemingly self-evident,” Netanyahu emphasized that “it is specifically this generation that revealed itself in all its glory” through its heroism in the war.

“Specifically in the darkest moments, the internal essence of our people was revealed as a solid rock in the heart of the abyss. From the abyss of October 7th, we burst forth, guided by the essence, to return the war to the gates of those who seek our lives, on seven fronts.”

“From the abyss, up the path, to the summit, this is the essence of the wonderful people of Israel. May the memory of the fallen of Israel’s wars be blessed and kept in our hearts forever,” Netanyahu concluded.

At the memorial ceremony in the Mossad headquarters, outgoing director David Barnea revealed the unknown story of an operative only identified by the first Hebrew letter of his name, “Mem.”

“During Operation Roaring Lion, my thoughts and heart were filled with pride in the person and work of Mem, who fell outside of Israel while fulfilling his duties,” said Barnea, “The operation led by Mem combined creativity, cunning, and advanced technology and significantly influenced the success of the campaign against Iran.”

Israeli media later reported that “Mem” died during service several years ago.

As every year, many senior politicians were invited to speak at the official ceremonies held at military cemeteries around the country.

Speaking in Herzliya, Opposition Leader Yair Lapid noted that memorial day is not meant for the grieving families, but rather for the rest of the country.

Addressing the bereaved families present, Lapid said, “You don’t need a ceremony to remember. You came so that we could tell you that we haven’t forgotten. That the State of Israel remembers. That the State of Israel bows its head before its dead and before their families, and we swear to do everything to be worthy of them.”

Blue and White chairman Benny Gantz warned that the current calm provided by ceasefires in Iran and Lebanon could be temporary, urging Israelis to stand together in unity.

The nation remembers its fallen soldiers “when we rise above the disputes that tear us apart and unite. We remember them all when we cling to the land and continue to live and fulfill the Zionist vision. We remember when we continue to fight and prevent our enemies from achieving their ambition to destroy us,” said the former IDF chief and defense minister.

“The deceptive calm will still require us to continue fighting — in Gaza, Lebanon, Iran, Syria, Judea and Samaria, and Yemen. We will prevail over our enemies if we are united among ourselves,” he emphasized.