Israel comes to a standstill on Memorial Day

This year Israel ordered military cemeteries to be closed and ceremonies are expected to be held without attendees or online. The ceremony was held in the presence of several dozen officials and soldiers.

Jerusalem:Israel came to a standstill for a minute on Tuesday to mark the country's Memorial Day for fallen soldiers and victims of attacks.

Typically, bereaved families visit cemeteries and attend memorial ceremonies.

But this year Israel ordered military cemeteries to be closed and ceremonies are expected to be held without attendees or online.

Motorists pulled over to the sides of highways and pedestrians stopped in their tracks.

At the end of the siren, three fighter jets flew over Mt. Herzl, the military cemetery where an annual ceremony is held.

This year the ceremony was held in the presence of several dozen officials and soldiers.

Israel has fought half-a-dozen wars with neighbouring Arab countries, battled two Palestinian uprisings and endured dozens of deadly militant attacks since its founding in 1948.

The country honours 23,816 fallen soldiers and more than 3,100 people killed in attacks.

(With inputs from AP)