Photo: Ido Erez
Photo: Ido Erez
PHOTOS: Israeli officials meet for 4th of July celebration
Ambassador Dan Shapiro hosts party at his home complete with fireworks, McDonald's and celebrities; Netanyahu: We have to stop Iran.
Animosity is common in Israel's vocally colorful Knesset meetings, but government officials came together Wednesday night in an atmosphere of celebration at the home of US Ambassador to Israel, Dan Shapiro, to mark America's 239th Independence Day.
Politicians, musicians and others joined the gathering in Herzliya where there was live music, fireworks, and appropriately American-themed catering of McDonald's and Dominoes Pizza.
Netanyahu and his wife Sara (right) on stage with President Rivlin (left-center) and Ambassador Shapiro (center). (Photo: Ido Erez)
Israeli singer Eyal Golan, who was recently forced to postpone his plans to perform in the US after being refused a visa, was also present alongside MK Yoav Galant and IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot.
Video: Yotam Ronen (צילום: יותם רונן)
Opposition leader Herzog arrives at the party. (Photo: Ido Erez)
Israeli singer Eyal Golan (left) at the ambassador's home. (Photo: Ido Erez)
IDF Chief Eisenkot. (Photo: Ido Erez)
MK Oren Hazan, currently embroiled in political scandal. (Photo: Ido Erez)
The proper decorations for a 4th or July celebration. (Photo: Ido Erez)
All was not light-hearted joy however, as some 100 social activists showed up outside the ambassador's home, protesting a government deal to regulate the duopoly that currently controls all of Israel's off-shore natural gas resources. The deal is currently stuck in government and Knesset proceedings.
Protesters outside the party. (Photo: Adi Peled)
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke at the event, thanking President Barack Obama and the US Congress for their continued support of Israel. "We have to stand together against militant Islam, Iran, and ISIS," said Netanyahu. "We have to weaken them. We also have to stop Iran, who projects terror throughout the world while pursuing a nuclear weapon."
President Reuven Rivlin also addressed the audience, calling Israel's relationship with the US "an emotional one. We have witnessed America undertaking, yet again, to stand up to tyranny, to terror, in protection of freedom."
