JERUSALEM, April 18 (Xinhua) -- The Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Wednesday that Israel is becoming a "world power" as he was going to light a torch marking Israeli 70th Independence Day at the Mount Herzl in Jerusalem

"We don't hesitate to confront those who want to eradicate us, because we know that defending ourselves with our own force is the essence of independence," said Netanyahu.

About 1,500 singers, dancers, speakers and performers took part in the annual event which was attended by an audience of 6,500, the Israeli media reported.

Netanyahu also thanked U.S. President Trump for its decision of recognizing Jerusalem as Israel's capital. He said the current relationship between Israel and the United States is a "historic one."

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said during Independence Day (Thursday), the (Israeli Air Force (IAF) flyover with the Parachute Show and the Israeli Navy Expedition will take place, in salutation to the State of Israel and its citizens.

The IAF will host a salutation flyover with the Parachute Show and the Israeli Navy Expedition in honor of the State of Israel's 70th Independence Day.

The flyover will pass over 100 cities and communities and above air bases open to the public.

Dozens of aircraft will participate in the wide flyover that will pass over many different parts of the country, including fighter jets such as "Adir" (F35I), "Sufa" (F16I), "Lavi" (M346) and "Barak" (F16).

Attack helicopters, heavy-lift transport helicopters and transport aircraft will also take part in the flyover.

Furthermore, foreign air forces will participate in the flyover, including Greece, Italy, Austria, Canada, England and Poland. Israeli police, air tankers, El Al and Arkia aircraft will participate in the flyover as well, said the Israeli army.

Israel came to a standstill on Tuesday evening, marking its annual Day of Remembrance of Fallen Soldiers and Terror Victims.

The commemoration of the Day of Remembrance is marked a week after the Memorial Holocaust Remembrance Day, and precedes the celebrations of the Israeli Independence Day, which begins on Wednesday evening and continues throughout Thursday.