Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a tribute to US President Donald J. Trump, calling him “the greatest friend that the State of Israel has ever had in the White House,” during a high-profile address in Jerusalem marking the return of hostages and the enduring US-Israel alliance.
Netanyahu emphasised Trump’s pivotal role in recent historic and military developments, thanking him personally and on behalf of the Israeli nation.
“Donald Trump is the greatest friend that the state of Israel has ever had in the White House,” Netanyahu declared.
Standing before President Isaac Herzog, his wife Michal, and visiting dignitaries, Netanyahu praised Trump for a litany of strategic decisions that bolstered Israel’s position on the world stage.
“We remember our friends. We know your part, your important part. And it determined the return of the hostages,” Netanyahu said, celebrating the moment just after receiving word that “all our live hostages returned back to us.”
He thanked Trump for recognising Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and added, “President Trump, the President welcomes you and your distinguished delegation to Jerusalem, our eternal capital.”
Netanyahu expressed gratitude for several landmark actions during Trump’s presidency, “Thank you for recognising Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights.”
Thank you for standing up for the rights against Israel in the United Nations.”
”Thank you for recognising in your 2020 peace plan, our rights in Judea and Samaria, the ancestral homeland of the Jewish people.”Thank you for joining from the disastrous Iran nuclear deal.”
He went on to thank Trump for supporting military initiatives like Operation Rising Lion and Operation Midnight Hammer, joking, “This is the most fitting name ever named for a military operation, because a little after midnight, you really hammered, Danny.”
On the October 7th Hamas attack, Netanyahu delivered a solemn remembrance, “We remember the 1,200 Hamas terrorists who stormed Gaza.
We remember the beautiful young Israelis who came to the Tel Aviv Music Festival. We remember the hundreds of our citizens who were dragged into the dungeons of Gaza including 12 Americans.”The Prime Minister described Israel’s military response with pride and determination, “Israel did what it had to do with indomitable courage. We set out to defend our people, to defeat our enemies, and to release our hostages. Our heroic soldiers fought like lions.”
He continued, stating that “Israel achieved amazing victories over Hamas and the entire Iran terror actions.” Turning personal, Netanyahu honored the sacrifices made by soldiers and their families, “To the families of our fallen fighters, many of them are here, I say, I know the depth of your pain, The State of Israel bows its head in eternal gratitude to our fallen heroes.”
He concluded by recognising the courage of injured soldiers like Ari, an American-Israeli who lost three limbs in Gaza but survived against the odds, Ari was presumed dead, but made a miraculous recovery, despite losing three limbs. Ari, stand up for a minute.”
The address capped a highly symbolic event, one that sought to cement Trump’s legacy in Israeli history while uniting the nation around shared memories, military triumph, and diplomatic milestones.
Erizia Rubyjeana
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