Netanyahu, Herzog hail Israel-US ties

Speaking in English at the US Independence Day event, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stresses that the US is Israel’s “irreplaceable and indispensable ally.”

“America has provided Israel with moral and political backing against those who would wipe us out, the only Jewish state,” he says.

“Security cooperation has never been better, intelligence sharing has never been deeper,” he says.

“America defeated the forces of totalitarianism, but we should also remember a basic truth: freedom is precious and it is never free,” the prime minister continues.

“As I speak, our troops are battling the terrorists with unyielding resolve and fortitude while doing everything to avoid civilian casualties,” he says.

“In the months ahead, Israel and America will work closely together to thwart the danger posed by Iran and seize the opportunity to expand the circle of peace.”

President Isaac Herzog also declared that “Israel has no greater friend than the United States of America.”

“Once again, the State of Israel is being forced to contend with hatred,” he says of the ongoing Jenin operation.“I pray that they complete their mission and return home safely and soundly.”

“We share the obstinate hope that even as we fight, we do so towards the ultimate goal of peace and prosperity for all,” he says.

“I am looking forward to sharing Israel’s unique story with the American people on behalf of every Israeli,” he says ahead of his trip later this month to the US Congress, “the story of a nation that rose like a phoenix out of the ashes of destruction.”

“May the land of the free and the home of the brave and this land of Israel know only peace, prosperity, and success.”