Israel marked the 24th anniversary of its independence on Wednesday (19 April) with a reception on Jerusalem at the residence of President Zalman Shazar and a military display along Tel Aviv's sea-front. This year, there was no military parade and the usual spectacular fly-past by the air force was also cancelled.

Prime Minister Golda Meir and members of her cabinet called on the President Wednesday morning in Jerusalem to convey to him their greetings and good wishes. Also present was the Israeli Chief of Staff, General Elazar. The reception marked one of the central Independence Day events in the city. It also marked the first state function to be held at the new residence.

In Tel Aviv, the navy showed its strength when several missile boats, patrol vessels and a submarine sailed from Haifa along the coast, watched by thousands along the beaches.

The crowds, estimated at smaller than in previous years, were also treated to a parachute display off the Tel Aviv shoreline. Paratroops and equipment drifted down into the Mediterranean during the display.

Israeli leaders reflected this year's mood of peace and comparative optimism in statements on the eve of the anniversary. President Shazar declared that this year the Israelis saw themselves closer to a dialogue with the Arab countries than at any point since the 1967 war. And the Prime Minister called for Egypt, Jordan and Israel to sit and discuss because, "we all want to live agreement".

SYNOPSIS: Jerusalem was the scene of one of the central functions on Wednesday for this year's celebrations of the anniversary of Israeli independence. Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir and members of her cabinet went to the residence of President Zalman Shazar in the morning to convey their greetings and good wishes to him. In general, this year, the 24th anniversary of independence, saw a toned-down emphasis on military might. There was no military parade and the usual spectacular fly-past by the air force was also cancelled. But the Israeli Chief of Staff, General Elazar, did attend the reception.

But there was a military display along the Tel Aviv sea-front. The crowds were estimated at smaller than in previous years. And those who were there saw a show of naval strength. Small boats started it.

Several missile boats, patrol vessels and a submarine sailed from Haifa along the coast watched by the thousands on the beaches.

The crowds were also treated to a parachute display off the Tel Aviv shoreline. Paratroops and equipment drifted do into the Mediterranean as the drops continued. Israeli leaders reflected this year's mood of peace and comparative optimism in statements on the eve of the anniversary. The Prime Minister called form Egypt, Jordan and Israel to sit and discuss because, as she put it, "we all want to live agreement".