🇮🇱 PRIME MINISTER NETANYAHU MARKS U.S. INDEPENDENCE DAY: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released a video message congratulating the United States on its 250th Independence Day and highlighting the enduring alliance between Israel and America.
Netanyahu opened by saying: "There are moments when history speaks to us. This is one of them.
He continued: "My dear friends, President Trump and the people of America: Today, the United States celebrates 250 years of independence, 250 years of freedom, 250 years of defending freedom. On behalf of the people of Israel, I wish you all a happy and joyful Independence Day."
🛡️ NETANYAHU RECALLS OPERATION JONATHAN: Netanyahu said this Fourth of July carries special personal significance, marking exactly 50 years since Operation Jonathan, the hostage rescue mission at Entebbe, Uganda. "Exactly 50 years ago, as America celebrated its bicentennial, Israel carried out one of the greatest hostage rescue missions in history: Operation Jonathan in Entebbe, Uganda. More than 100 innocent hostages were brought home alive by our courageous soldiers. One commander did not: my brother, Yoni. He gave his life so that others could live."
He added: "This is what the brave soldiers of Israel and America have done again and again in these 50 years. And 50 years later, we are still defending freedom."
🇺🇸 EMPHASIZES SHARED VALUES AND COMMON DESTINY: Netanyahu said the bond between the two countries extends beyond geography and shared interests. "We may live in different continents, but there's a strong bond between us because we have one destiny. We know that freedom is never cheap; it must be continually purchased, it must be continually defended."
He praised the United States as "the greatest force for liberty the modern world has known" and said: "Israel is proud to stand beside her; Israel is proud to stand beside all of you, because our alliance is built not only on shared interest, it's built on shared values."
⚠️ WARNS OF SHARED THREATS TO DEMOCRACY: Netanyahu said those shared values are under attack. "The tyrants we face chant 'Death to America, death to Israel.' They think freedom is weak; they think democracy is weak."
He added: "They're wrong about our two democracies, because when America and Israel stand together, freedom stands stronger."
Netanyahu concluded: "Together we defend freedom, together we defend our common civilization, together—with God's help—freedom will triumph over tyranny. May God bless the United States of America, may God bless Israel, and may God bless our great alliance. Happy birthday, happy Independence Day, America."
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