PM: WWII vets secured Jewish nation's existence

Addressing a group of World War Two veterans who took part in a special Knesset session marking the Allied victory over Nazi Germany, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said they are the "true heroes."

"We will continue to work towards improving your lives, and we value the fact that your grandchildren are continuing in your path," the PM said during Tuesday's session. "Now they are securing the continued existence of the Jewish nation, just as you did, and we realize that this future and our existence are dependent on the lessons drawn from the Holocaust."

The prime minister said the government would fund the construction of a memorial in honor of the Red Army's victory over the Nazis in Netanya "in order to express the Jewish nation's gratitude to the sacrifice and heroism of the veterans and the Red Army's soldiers."

Netanyahu concluded his speech by wishing those on hand a "happy Victory Day" in Russian.

Opposition leader Tzipi Livni told the special session, "The mass aliyah from the former USSR brought you, real war heroes, to Israel. Today more than ever your contribution to stopping the Nazi dictator is apparent.

"That battle was a battle for the world's future, and it is the entire Jewish nation's obligation to teach the young generation about your heroism and instill the values that you fought to protect," said the Kadima chairwoman.