Netanyahu on Israel's 70th: We're just getting started

Prime minister predicts an ‘even stronger, even more prosperous’ Israel 70 years from now

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday promised that Israel is “just getting started,” in a video message posted to mark the start of the country’s 70th anniversary celebrations.

Seventy years “is the blink of an eye in historical terms,” the prime minister noted, adding: “I have no doubt that 70 years from now, Israel will be even stronger, even more prosperous than it is today.”

The full text of Netanyahu’s message was as follows: “This year Israel celebrates its 70th anniversary. That’s 70 years of freedom. Seventy years of democracy. Seventy years of bettering the world.

“Israel’s success didn’t happen overnight. Men and women from every walk of life – young and old, Jew, Christian, Muslim, religious and secular, men and women that have worked hard to build our nation.

“As I travel around the world meeting other leaders, I am struck by their appreciation and admiration for Israel. They seek Israel’s technology. They seek Israel’s ingenuity. They seek Israel’s genius.

“I am proud that Israel is helping people in Latin America, in Africa, in Asia and in many other places to live healthier and safer lives.

“Here’s the best part. We’re just getting started. 70 years is the blink of an eye in historical terms. I have no doubt that 70 years from now, Israel will be even stronger, even more prosperous than it is today.

“Thank you to our many friends around the world. Happy Birthday, Israel.”