Israeli president: 'We have the best air force in the world'

At an air force cadet graduation ceremony Thursday evening, Israel's president declared the country possesses the world's strongest air force, according to reports on Israeli social media. The statement was met with broad agreement.

President Isaac Herzog declared at the graduation ceremony of Flight Course 192 on Thursday evening that Israel possesses the world's strongest air force, according to reports circulating on Israeli social media. The statement was met with broad agreement.

The ceremony, which began at 17:48 Jerusalem at the Hatzerim Air Force Museum, was attended by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, and Air Force Commander Tomer Tishler, and broadcast live on Army Radio (Galei Tzahal), as The Zioneer reported earlier. In his speech, Herzog also noted that the current flight course is the first in Israel's history to operate throughout an entire war, from start to finish, and highlighted that two women are completing the course, inspiring young Israelis.

The Zioneer has previously reported similar declarations of military strength from other world leaders, including US President Donald Trump, who said in June that the United States is in excellent condition with the strongest military (Jun 21) and later claimed to be the best president in Israel's history (Jul 3). Such statements often serve to bolster national pride and political messaging.

At this stage, no official transcript or full video of Herzog's remarks has been released, and the specific wording of the "best air force" claim has not been confirmed by the President's Office. The precise context and audience reaction remain unclear.

5 developments

1. 16 minutes ago · 19:32 · 9 JulLatest

   Herzog noted this is the first class to complete training during wartime.

2. 18:23 · 9 Jul

   President Herzog declared Israel possesses the world's strongest air force.

3. 18:03 · 9 Jul

   Two women are completing the course, serving as inspiration to others.

• Developing18:12 · 8 JunPresident Herzog thanks reservists on Reserve Forces Day
• Developing20:59 · 10 JunPresident Herzog: Hezbollah drones don't distinguish between Israelis
• Developing09:22 · 1 JulFormer IAF chief Eshel: Military success, strategic failure since February
• Confirmed1 hour ago · 18:39 · 9 JulNetanyahu says announcing Israeli airstrikes in Iran was 'one of the most moving moments' of his life

Source and signal

• Internal intake