Even if a soldier dies in training, we can say ‘may God avenge his blood’ since it is our enemies that force us to draft our sons and daughters to learn and train for war. Flying an Israeli F16 is not for self-accomplishment but rather help in defending a nation that is still threatened with annihilation.

I know that Netanyahu can really identify with other families who’ve had men die in the line of duty so I don’t know why Netanyahu is not consoling, and saying there is no consolation (unless that came later in his speech – I hope). The consolation is the fact that Israelis will keep volunteering for the army and the country, even with the risk of harm. The consolation is in the fact that Israel appreciates the sacrifice of its soldiers.