From the Liveblog of
Sunday, April 5, 2026
Netanyahu to Trump: We all ‘salute you’ on rescue of downed US airman
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleLazar Berman is The Times of Israel's diplomatic reporter
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu congratulates US President Donald Trump on the rescue of a US pilot after he was shot down over Iran last week.
“All Israelis rejoice in the incredible rescue of a brave American pilot by America’s dauntless warriors,” says Netanyahu in an English-language video. “This proves that when free societies muster their courage and their resolve, they can confront seemingly insurmountable odds and overcome the forces of darkness and terror.”
He says that the rescue “reinforces the sacred principle: no one is left behind. This is a shared value demonstrated time and time again in the history of both our countries.”
Netanyahu invokes his own experience, and that of his brother Yoni, in hostage rescue operations: “As a nation that repeatedly carried out daring rescue operations, and as someone who was wounded in such a mission and lost a brother in the Entebbe rescue, Israelis and I, we know what a bold decision you took.”
“President Trump, Donald, my dear friend, once again your decisive leadership brought another great victory to America,” he says, concluding, “I salute you! We all do!”
I congratulate @realDonaldTrump on the rescue of a brave American pilot by America’s courageous warriors.
All Israelis rejoice in this remarkable operation. It proves that when free societies act with courage and determination, they can overcome the forces of darkness and… pic.twitter.com/hgBLFWjYzE
— Benjamin Netanyahu – בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) April 5, 2026
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