Israel marks 78th Independence Day with Mount Herzl torch lighting ceremony amid internal political friction

Mount Herzl hosts the 78th Independence Day torch lighting ceremony as Minister Ben Gvir walks out over a seating dispute with PM Netanyahu.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 21, 2026, 1:44 PM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from N12

A Charged Transition To Independence

The state ceremony on Mount Herzl serves as the emotional bridge between the solemnity of Memorial Day and the jubilation of Independence Day. This year’s theme, "Strengths of Renewal," was designed to reflect national resilience following the geopolitical upheavals of 2025. Hosted by actress Mali Levy and singer Rotem Cohen, the event took place against the backdrop of a tentative ceasefire with Iran, adding a layer of strategic relief to the festivities. Despite the celebratory intent, the transition remained heavy with the memory of recent fallen soldiers and those still missing from past conflicts.

Controversy Surrounding Gal Hirsch

One of the most debated moments of the evening was the inclusion of Gal Hirsch, the government’s coordinator for hostages and missing persons, as a torchbearer. His selection drew sharp criticism from the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, which described the move as a "slap in the face" to those still awaiting the return of their loved ones. Critics argue that Hirsch failed to prioritize the safe return of captives as a supreme objective during the 2025 hostilities. Supporters, however, pointed to his long standing military service and commitment to the complex task of prisoner coordination as justification for the honor.

International Presence And Cultural Highlights

In a notable diplomatic gesture, the President of Argentina joined the list of presenters, underscoring the strengthening ties between Jerusalem and Buenos Aires. He was joined by prominent cultural and medical figures, including producer Moshe Edri, chef Assaf Granit, and Prof. Dina Ben Yehuda, head of hematology at Hadassah Medical Organization. The ceremony featured a diverse lineup of performers, including Eurovision star Eden Golan and veteran vocalist Yehoram Gaon, accompanied by the Jerusalem East and West Orchestra. The artistic program aimed to weave together a "complex mosaic" of Israeli society, though the festivities were shadowed by the evening's political developments.