Hundreds of thousands of Israelis headed out to national parks throughout the country to celebrate Independence Day with the traditional barbeque on Thursday while others chose to head to Israel 'sbeaches.
Those lucky enough to get a spot in the sand were able to watch another of Israel's traditional Independence Day spectacles – the flyover.
Related stories:
Bases in the north enjoyed an aerobatic performance and in Jerusalem the air force saluted the 120 soldiers who received an award for excellence from President Shimon Peres .
(באדיבות דובר צה"ל)
Air force flyover at Official Presidential Residence
Hercules transport aircrafts contacted the president as they flew over his official residence and told him: "Mr. President, the Israel air force salutes the exemplary soldiers and wishes them and the Israeli nation a happy Independence Day."
Tel Aviv beach goers enjoy flyover (Photo: Yaron Brener)
F-16 fighter jets, Yas'ur and Apache helicopters also took part in the flyover. The aerobatics team also took to the skies, wowing crowds in Ramat David, Tel Nof, Tel Aviv and the Air Force Museum in Hatzerim.
Earlier on Thursday, President Shimon Peres hosted Independence Day celebrations at his official residence. Peres and IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Benny Gantz reviewed the 120 troops that received the President's award for excellence.
Planes demonstrate refueling over Tel Aviv (Photo: Yaron Brener)
Congratulating them, the President said: "The people see you as the best of an excellent military. You add 120 new hopes."
"Israel today is stronger than ever, and capable of defending itself," said Peres. The president added that Israel is blessed with many things but mostly it has the rare gift of innovation. It can surprise, collect new abilities, and creatively move forward."
Peres then spoke about external threats, noting: "To those once again threatening Israel I say – do not repeat the mistakes of your predecessors. Your threats come from an appetite for conquering."
IDF Chief of Staff Benny Gantz also spoke ahead of the award ceremony and said: "When I look today at these excelling soldiers I see the future. I look at them and see what the IDF command will look like in 10 years and in 20 years."
The president and chief of staff also joined Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Ehud Barak in "Singing independence with the president." Each of the guests sang their favorite Independence Day song. They were accompanied by children and famous Israeli singers.