Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu feted the United States on Monday night in Jerusalem at an event marking America’s 247th Independence Day.
“I wish to express my deep appreciation and gratitude for America’s enduring support for Israel. For 75 years, the United States has been our irreplaceable and indispensable ally. Irreplaceable. Indispensable,” said Netanyahu.
“Eleven minutes after our birth, and at vital junctures throughout our history, America has provided Israel with moral and political backing against those committed to wiping us out, to wiping out the one and only Jewish state. No less important, for nearly half a century, America has given generous military assistance to Israel, helping provide us with the tools, the tools we need to defend ourselves by ourselves.
“Decade after decade, our two countries have moved closer together. I’m proud to say that today, security cooperation has never been better, intelligence sharing has never been deeper and our alliance has never been stronger. I have long said that Israel has no better ally than America, and I say to you, America has no better ally than Israel,” continued the premier.
“On July 4, all democratic countries should remember that the decisive event that ensured the rise of freedom in modern times has been the rise of the United States of America. Time and again, America defeated the forces of totalitarianism and terror. Yet we should also remember a basic truth: Freedom is precious, and it’s never free. It often requires firm and decisive action against those seeking to spread terror and imperil free societies,” said Netanyahu.
President Isaac Herzog also addressed the event, emphasizing that Israel has “no greater friend than the United States of America.
“Our nations share a profound historical legacy and a deep, enduring faith in the values of democracy, life, liberty, and justice. There is no question that the power of our alliance is unmatched: In the goodness it has brought to the world, and the promise it holds for our future,” said Herzog.
“Our collaboration, which crosses every possible sector and sphere, has been a critical anchor of security, stability and peace for both of our nations, and has brought the promise of hope and prosperity to this region,” he added.
For his part, Netanyahu also hailed the exceptional “service and friendship” of U.S. Ambassador Thomas Nides, who is stepping down from his position this month.
“Thank you, Tom. During your tenure here, you’ve demonstrated that your support for Israel comes both from the head and from the heart,” said Netanyahu.
“No matter what you do, what you decide to do in the next chapter of your life, know that Israel will always be your home away from home. And as you’ve said many times, quoting President [Joe] Biden, we are mishpocha [family],” added the premier.
During the event, Nides toasted the crowd, thanking invitees for “celebrating the friendship and marking the unshakable bond between the United States and Israel in the 75th year of Israel’s independence.”
Concluded Herzog: “Friends, may the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave, and this Land of Israel, know only peace and prosperity, security, and success. May our deep and lasting ties continue to be a shining symbol of what can become possible between nations.”
