In pictures: Israel at 60

Israel has been celebrating its 60th anniversary with fireworks, light shows and parties.

It has also been an excuse to demonstrate the country's military might, with air shows attracting big crowds.

Israeli forces demonstrated a rescue mission, and military bases opened their doors to the public to mark the anniversary.

Israelis young and old enjoyed got into the spirit of the occasion.

Many Israelis had barbecues on the beach or picnics during the national holiday.

The 60-year history of the state has been clouded by conflict, and condemnation of the occupation of Palestinian territories.

For Palestinians, the creation of Israel was "al-Nakba", or the Catastrophe, when hundreds of thousands were uprooted from their homes.