Netanyahu in Independence Day speech: Israel a rising world power

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declares that Israel is becoming a world power, in his address at the torch-lighting ceremony marking Independence Day.

“We’re turning Israel into a rising world power,” Netanyahu says.

The prime minister thanks US President Trump for his decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and move its embassy to the holy city.

Calling the relationship with the United States a historic one,” Netanyahu says: “Thank you President Trump! Thank you America!”

The prime minister vows that no one will extinguish the light of Israel.

“Today as well, there are those who wants to extinguish… the light. I promise you, this will not happen, because our light will always overcome their darkness.”

“We are as strong and determined as ever,” he declares.

Netanyahu recognizes the disagreements in Israeli society but calls for citizens to maintain mutual respect and understanding.

He says “admiration for Israel” is finally beginning to be felt in the Arab world. and that Israel stretches out its hand in peace to those neighbors that seek peace.

But addressing adversaries of the Jewish state, who delude themselves that Israel is a passing phenomenon, Netanyahu promises that “in another 70 years, you’ll find here a country that is 70 times stronger, because what we’ve done until today is just the beginning!”

If required to do so, Israel will always rise to meet the challenge of defending itself against its enemies, he says. The capacity to defend itself, by itself, says Netanyahu, is “the essence” of independence.