Bibi and Herzog join July 4 celebrations

BY DAVID SAFFER

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog joined celebrations for US Independence Day at a special event at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem.

Netanyahu sent greetings to US President Joe Biden and the American people.

Israel’s leader took time away from monitoring IDF operations in Jenin to express his gratitude for America's “enduring support” for Israel.

“For 75 years, the US has been our irreplaceable and indispensable ally,” he said. “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 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 we need to defend ourselves by ourselves.

“Decade after decade, our two countries have moved closer together. Security cooperation has never been better, intelligence sharing has never been deeper and our alliance has never been stronger. America has no better ally than Israel.”

He added: “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.”

Netanyahu recalled July 4th as the day his brother Yoni fell, commanding the rescue force at Entebbe. He also noted that on the eve of Independence Day, Israel's soldiers launched a comprehensive action against terrorist strongholds in Jenin.

He observed: “In recent months, Jenin has become a safe haven for terrorists. From that safe haven, terrorists perpetrated savage attacks, murdering Israeli civilians, men, women and children. Our troops are battling the terrorists with unyielding resolve and fortitude, while doing everything, everything, to avoid civilian casualties. I have no doubt that as Israel exercises its inherent right of self-defense, the US will stand firmly by our side.”

Herzog initially addressed the Jenin operation.

“Once again, the State of Israel is being forced to contend with hatred and terror,” he said. “The IDF and security forces, operating now in Jenin are putting their lives on the line to defend Israel and all of us from terror. They are doing everything to protect innocent life in difficult circumstances. Our nations are firmly united in the fight against terror. We share the obstinate hope that, even as we fight, we do so toward the ultimate goal: peace and prosperity for all.”

In ongoing challenges, Herzog said that Israel had no “greater friend” than the US.

He observed: “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 promise it holds for our future.

“Our collaboration, which crosses every sector and sphere, has been a critical anchor of security, stability and peace for both our nations and brought the promise of hope and prosperity to this region.”

Herzog thanked former Speaker of the House, Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi, and current Speaker Kevin McCarthy, for inviting him to address both Houses of Congress this month.

Netanyahu and Herzog thanked outgoing US Ambassador Tom Nides, who hosted the event, for his service towards Israel.

Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion, cabinet ministers, Knesset members, ambassadors and foreign diplomats attended.