Tel Aviv - Israel will not compromise on its security, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed Tuesday, as the country commemorated the over 22,000 soldiers and civilians killed in wars or attacks since Israel's foundation and the years leading up to it. "Never will we forsake our fate again. Never will we lose our defensive force. Our hand is extended in peace to all of our neighbors, but our enemies ought not to misconstrue us," he said at an official memorial ceremony at Jerusalem's Mount Herzl cemetery.

The official cemeterykicked off immediately after a two-minute siren wailed throughout the country at 11 am (0800 GMT) and Israelis stood in silent attention.

A similar siren had sounded at 8 pm (1700 GMT) Monday night, ushering in the start of the Memorial day.

Exactly 22,570 soldiers and civilians have died in wars against Israel and attacks on Jews, since Jews set up their first neighbourhood outside the wall of Jerusalem's Old City in 1860.

The 24-hour commemoration ends Tuesday night, when massive celebrations marking Israel's 61st anniversary begin throughout the country.

Israel traditionally marks its Independence Day a week after its national Holocaust Memorial Day - to symbolize its rebirth from the ashes of the attempted Nazi genocide of the Jews of Europe - and immediately after its Memorial Day for Fallen Soldiers, a reminder that statehood came at a price.

In advance of the holiday, Israel sealed off the West Bank, shutting military road blocks and checkpoints on key West Bank roads leading into Israel, to avoid possible attacks by Palestinian militants in crowded city centres as Israelis celebrate 61 years since their state was founded.

According to the Israeli Defence Ministry, 133 soldiers and civilians died during their service and in attacks during the past year. (dpa)