Singers Yardena Arazi and Boaz Sharabi declined Transportation Minister Miri Regev's request to participate in the torch-bearing event at the country's Independence Day ceremony. However, released hostage Eli Sharabi will be one of the torchbearers. Arazi initially confirmed her participation but later retracted it, calling for the return of hostages in Gaza. The choice of Jewish-American commentator Ben Shapiro as a torchbearer has faced backlash from LGBTQ+ and women's organizations. MK Gilad Kariv criticized Regev's choice, calling Shapiro a controversial and divisive figure.