Why Netanyahu Received 19-Gun Salute Unlike Obama's 21

When US President Barack Obama toured Kenya in 2015, he was honoured with a 21-gun salute. However, this was not the case during the visit of Israel Premier Benjamin Netanyahu.

Netanyahu, who is head of the Israeli government, received a 19-gun salute when he paid President Uhuru Kenyatta a courtesy call at State House on Tuesday. 

The number of gun salutes accorded to leaders depend on the occasion or position of the visiting person.

According to the US customary for Military honours adopted in most countries, gun salutes are given in a descending manner, depending on the political position of the visiting leader.

Presidents are given 21- gun salutes while Vice Presidents and Prime Ministers are honoured with 19-gun salutes like in Netanyahu's case.

The gun salutes descend to 17, 15, 13, 11, 9, 7 and the lowest 5 which is given to Vice-consuls and consular agents.

In Israel, gun salutes have been abolished due to the many terror attacks the country had suffered in the past, forming a perception that firing of arms was a negative gesture.

The Middle East powerhouse only allows three-volley salute in military funerals.

Gun salutes are the most commonly recognised forms of military honour that are performed by firing of cannons or artillery.

 

 

 

 

 

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