Netanyahu Reaffirms Israel’s Resolve on Security, Iran and National Unity at Herzl Family Reinterment Ceremony.
Jerusalem:
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday used the reinterment ceremony of the remains of Shimon and Rivka Herzl, the grandparents of Zionist visionary Theodor (Binyamin Ze’ev) Herzl, to reaffirm Israel’s commitment to national security, unity and its determination to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
Speaking at Mount Herzl in Jerusalem, where the remains of Herzl’s grandparents were reburied after being brought from Serbia, Netanyahu described the ceremony as the culmination of the Herzl family’s historic journey “from foreign soil to the soil of Zion.”
The event was attended by President Isaac Herzog, Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, senior government officials, military leaders and foreign dignitaries.
Herzl hailed as the “Modern Moses”
In his address, Netanyahu paid glowing tribute to Theodor Herzl, calling him the “Modern Moses” who transformed the centuries-old Jewish dream of returning to Zion into a practical political movement.
He said Herzl combined vision with pragmatism and laid the foundations for the establishment of the modern State of Israel.
According to Netanyahu, Herzl ranks among the world’s greatest nation-builders alongside figures such as George Washington, Simón Bolívar, Giuseppe Mazzini and Giuseppe Garibaldi.
He noted that while Herzl’s grandparents prayed for the return to Zion, their grandson transformed those aspirations into a political movement that altered the course of Jewish history.
Calls for national unity
The Prime Minister stressed that Israel continues to face major security challenges and called for unity across political, religious and social divides.
Referring to his visit earlier in the day to an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) induction centre, Netanyahu said he met new recruits from diverse backgrounds who were united in their commitment to defending the country.
He said democracy naturally accommodates differing opinions but stressed that Israelis must remain united on issues affecting national security and the future of the Jewish state.
Rejects Palestinian state
Netanyahu reiterated his government’s opposition to the establishment of what he described as a “Palestinian terror state,” arguing that such an entity would threaten Israel’s existence.
He said the lessons of the October 7 attacks had strengthened Israel’s resolve to prevent any future security threats and reinforced the country’s commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty.
Strong warning to Iran
The Prime Minister also issued a firm warning to Iran, citing recent remarks by Iranian military leaders regarding the country’s nuclear programme.
Netanyahu declared that Israel would continue taking all necessary measures to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.
He also praised US President Donald Trump, describing him as “the greatest friend Israel has had in the White House,” and thanked the United States for its continued cooperation in countering Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
At the same time, Netanyahu emphasised that Israel’s security would never be subject to negotiations.
“With or without an agreement, we will do everything necessary to ensure our security and our future,” he said.
Israel’s global role
The Israeli leader said many world leaders have expressed admiration for Israel’s resilience and regard the country as a model in confronting radical extremism.
He also criticised what he described as rising global antisemitism and increasing attempts to delegitimise Israel and its armed forces, asserting that Israeli soldiers remain among the world’s most professional and moral military personnel.
Honouring Herzl’s legacy
Reflecting on Herzl’s life, Netanyahu said the Zionist leader fundamentally changed Jewish history within just eight years through determination, vision and unwavering commitment.
He also recalled his own family’s long association with the Zionist movement, noting that his grandfather, Rabbi Natan Mileikowsky-Netanyahu, was an active participant in the World Zionist Congress and deeply admired Herzl’s vision, despite differences over specific proposals such as the Uganda Plan.
Concluding his address, Netanyahu said the reinterment of Herzl’s grandparents in Jerusalem symbolised the fulfilment of the Zionist dream and honoured the generations whose faith and commitment helped shape modern Israel.
He ended by saying that with the support of God and the courage of Israeli soldiers, the nation would continue to overcome its challenges and secure its future.
