The Israeli Air Force's newest pilots were set to receive their wings Thursday in a traditional graduation ceremony held at Hatzerim air force base. Two women are among the course graduates this year, as well as the first pilot of Indian origin, who was born in Moshav Nevatim. The event, which marks the end of the air force's 167th course, also marks 100 years of aviation in the Jewish homeland; the first plane landed in Jaffa in 1913. President Shimon Peres, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Moshe (Bogie) Ya'alon and Chief of the General Staff Lt. Gen. Benny Gantz were expected to attend the ceremony. On Tuesday, flight course graduates received the rank of first lieutenant in a ceremony also held at the Hatzerim air force base. Hatzerim commander Brig. Gen. Tal Kelman hosted the event.
