Overview
- Culture and Sports Minister Miri Regev announced Thursday that Milei was picked from public advisory committee recommendations to light a torch at Mount Herzl.
- Officials cite his moves recognizing Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, Hezbollah, and Hamas as terrorist groups, his push for hostage releases, a Buenos Aires street renaming, and his stance against antisemitism.
- Earlier the same day, Regev named IDF soldier Ari Spitz, who lost an arm and both legs in Gaza and spent months in rehab, to light a torch as a symbol of resilience.
- The government approved this year’s ceremony theme, Power of Renewal, to honor people helping recovery and rebuilding after the October 7 attacks.
- Other announced honorees include Gal Hirsch, tied to hostage mediation, and Talik Gvilli, a bereaved mother, reflecting a focus on service, loss, and national healing.