Israel from the skies 69 years after independence

In photos: As Israel celebrates 69 years of independence, Ynet presents some of its most scenic and breathtaking views, from the tranquil green mountains of the Galilee, the Old City stones and bustling Tel Aviv beach life, to the coastal stretches lining its blue seas and the barren lands of its southern desert.

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The Dead Sea (Photo: Israel Bardugo) (צילום: ישראל ברדוגו)

Israel from the air after 69 years of independence (באדיבות: ישראל באוויר)

The Old City illuminated at night (Photo: Israel Bardugo) (צילום: ישראל ברדוגו)

The Kinneret (Photo: Israel Bardugo) (צילום: ישראל ברדוגו)

Ben Gurion Airport (Photo: Israel Bardugo) (צילום: ישראל ברדוגו)

Mount Tabor in the lower Galilee (Photo: Israel Bardugo) (צילום: ישראל ברדוגו)

Ashkelon (Photo: Israel Bardugo) (צילום: ישראל ברדוגו)

Netanya (Photo: Israel Bardugo) (צילום: ישראל ברדוגו)

The Negev (Photo: Israel Bardugo) (צילום: ישראל ברדוגו)

Tel Aviv (Photo: Israel Bardugo) (צילום: ישראל ברדוגו)

The Old City (Photo: Israel Bardugo) (צילום: ישראל ברדוגו)

The Golan Heights (Photo: Israel Bardugo) (צילום: ישראל ברדוגו)

Caesarea (Photo: Israel Bardugo) (צילום: ישראל ברדוגו)

The Negev (Israel Bardugo) (צילום: ישראל ברדוגו)

National Garden in Beit She'an (Photo: Israel Bardugo) (צילום: ישראל ברדוגו)

Parking at Ashdod port (Photo: Israel Bardugo) (צילום: ישראל ברדוגו)

commented on the images he had captured through his camera lense: "We live in a rare and unique region on a historical level ... There is no other place in the world where so much history has taken place," he said. “For thousands of years, Jews of all ages have struggled to return here. From a glance above Jerusalem, one can understand why.”