The IDF on Monday announced it will hold a small Air Force aerobatic show flying over the nation’s hospitals on Independence Day in an expression of gratitude for medical teams leading the fight against coronavirus.
“Four Efroni planes will fly over the country’s hospitals and salute the efforts of medical teams and the entire healthcare system, who are fighting the war against the coronavirus,” the military said.
The IDF announced that the aerial acrobatic planes would perform an initial test run on Monday, warning those near the hospitals so that they would not be alarmed.
The scaled-down performance comes amid the army's announcement that it was canceling its annual Independence Day flyby to prevent people from gathering to watch the jets and other military aircraft.
IAF planes rehearse their flyby above hospitals
The holiday this year begin in the evening of April 28, coming immediately after the end of Israel's Remembrance Day.
The cancellation was the latest in a series of steps taken by the government minimizing the country’s national events to suit the coronavirus pandemic health guidelines.
On Monday night, Israel will mark its Holocaust Remembrance Day without the annual ceremonies and events and instead will honor the victims of the Nazis in their homes.
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People at Bograshov Beach in Tel Aviv watch the military airshow on Israel’s 71st Independence Day
(Photo: AFP)
“The traditional flyby by the air force over the country will not take place this year in order to prevent gatherings,” the IDF said.
The Air Force flyby, a highlight of annual independence day celebrations, normally sees numerous fighter jets, transport planes, helicopters, and other aircraft fly over different parts of the country throughout the day.
Stunt aircraft would also perform shows over beaches and other popular sites, often drawing thousands of spectators.