Israel at 70: Economic success and security fears

ISRAEL marked 70 years since the country’s creation yesterday while celebrating its improbable economic success and military prowess, but facing a range of political and security challenges.

The anniversary of the proclamation of the state of Israel by founding father David Ben-Gurion began at sundown yesterday under the Hebrew calendar, but falls on May 14 on the Western calendar.

The country came to a halt on Tuesday evening to begin marking Memorial Day, dedicated to its fallen soldiers and those killed in attacks, while celebrations were due to begin later as what Israelis call Independence Day kicked off.

It entered the holiday with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu boosting his warnings over Iran, particularly related to its presence in neighbouring Syria.

Netanyahu has said Israel cannot accept its enemy Iran entrenching itself militarily in the war-torn country.

An air strike attributed to Israel on April 9 at Syria’s T-4 airbase left 14 people dead.

Ali Akbar Velayati, foreign policy adviser to Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, threatened a response. Israel has refused to confirm or deny the strike.

Israel is also facing protests and clashes along its Gaza Strip border that have led to scrutiny of its open-fire rules.

Still, even with security threats a constant concern, Israelis were also taking account of their successes, having built the so-called “start-up nation” with its strong hi-tech industry and the most powerful military in the Middle East.

“This state will continue to exist with the help of God,” Netanyahu told a memorial ceremony in Jerusalem. – AFP