Netanyahu: Israel has become ‘a rising global power’

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says his recent foreign trips to the UK, US and Australia have strengthened Israel’s standing in the world.

Speaking to the Likud weekly faction meeting in the Knesset — his first in three weeks due to the trips — Netanyahu says his travels have also helped Israel’s security and economy.

“These trips greatly strengthen the international standing of the State of Israel,” Netanyahu says at the meeting, his first in three weeks due to the trips. “They strengthen our security, they strengthen our economy.”

Citing further upcoming trips to Russia and China and a scheduled visit to Israel of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Netanyahu says Israel has become “a rising global power.”

“The State of Israel is sought after. I’ve said it many times and we must say it again,” he adds.

— Raoul Wootliff