It was reported that an agreement was reached between Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein and Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu regarding the 70th annual Independence Day Torch Lighting Ceremony. It appears the argument continues between Edelstein and Minister of Culture & Sports, who oversees the Ceremonies Committee which is in large of the Torch Lighting Ceremony.

It is reported an agreement was reached by which the Prime Minister would address the ten-year celebrations, once a decade. On the other years, only the Knesset Speaker will address the event. Minister of Culture & Sports Miri Regev is opposed to the deal and she is working to torpedo it.

It has since been announced that Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu will address the event as well as light one of he torches. Regev explains that having the Prime Minister address the event too, adds honor to the ceremony, stating after this Independence Day she is willing to convene the Ceremonies Committee to discuss what will take place in the coming years.

The committee recommends that the Prime Minister participate every tenth year, meaning the next time will be Israel’s 80th anniversary. Regev however feels this is a matter for the cabinet to decide after this year’s event.

The statement released by Edelstein’s Office reads, “Unfortunately, the Minister of Culture’s announcement does not reflect the agreement between the Prime Minister and the Knesset Speaker that was reached today at their personal meeting. The agreement was reached with mutual respect and a sincere desire to end the dispute over Israel’s 70th anniversary celebrations. The understandings reached at the meeting are that the prime minister will light a torch on behalf of the Israeli governments and add his greetings. It was also agreed to confirm immediately that this procedure will take place every decade of the country.”

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)