Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attended a public reading of the Book of Esther on Wednesday night alongside senior government and security officials.
Among those present were National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, Government Secretary Yossi Fuchs, the prime minister’s military secretary Roman Gofman, and other members of Netanyahu’s staff.
The gathering took place as Jewish communities around the world observe Purim, a festival that commemorates the biblical story of the Jewish people’s survival in ancient Persia as described in the Book of Esther.
During Purim celebrations, it is customary to read the Book of Esther, also known as the Megillah, recounting how Queen Esther and her cousin Mordechai thwarted a plot to destroy the Jewish people.
Netanyahu’s appearance alongside key officials comes at a time of heightened regional tensions involving Israel and Iran, with the Israeli government maintaining close coordination between political leaders and the country’s security establishment.
The prime minister’s office released images of the event showing Netanyahu standing with senior aides during the religious reading.
Purim is traditionally marked by communal readings, festive meals, charity and celebrations across Israel and Jewish communities worldwide.
