Obama: Israel has no greater ally than the United States

US President Obama pledged Tuesday to work together with Israel “to realize the dreams of our people to live in security and peace.”

In an Independence Day message, he said Israel has “no greater friend and ally than the United States,” that the alliance is “unbreakable,” and that “our two nations stand together because it makes our countries safer, stronger and more prosperous and it makes the world a better place.”

Obama said Israel’s vibrant independence validated the vision of Zionism’s founder, Theodor Herzl.

In his message, Obama wished Israelis a “joyous” 65th Independence Day and recalled his visit last month to Israel and laying a wreath at Herzl’s grave in Jerusalem.

“There, I was honored to pay tribute to Theodor Herzl, who did so much to realize the dream of an independent Israel, to the presidents and prime ministers who guided her, and to those in uniform who have laid down their lives to protect her,” Obama said. “The strong and prosperous Israel we see today proves Herzl’s vision — ‘If you will it, it is no dream.’”

Obama also sent President Shimon Peres a separate congratulatory note, in which he stated that the American people joined him in “applauding the remarkable Israeli achievements over the past six and a half decades,” adding that the United States will always stand with Israel.

Meanwhile, other world leaders also sent Peres letters of congratulations on Tuesday.

Russian President Vladimir Putin sent his congratulations, noting that he was “satisfied with the friendly character of Russian-Israeli relations.”

Putin wished Peres health and success, “as well as peace and prosperity to the Israeli people.”

In Pope Francis I’s letter to Peres, he told the president: “I gladly invoke upon you and all the people of Israel the blessings of the Most High and assure you of my prayers for your high responsibilities at the service of the nation.”

Peres also received congratulatory letters from the leaders of Switzerland, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Slovenia, Croatia, Armenia, Finland, Sri Lanka, India and Nepal.