Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wished US President Donald Trump a happy birthday on Saturday, thanking Trump for his support for Israel as it engages in a campaign against Iran’s nuclear program.
“You’ve been an extraordinary leader,” Netanyahu said in a video posted on his X account. “Decisive, courageous, clear vision, clear action. You’ve done great things for Israel. You’ve been an extraordinary friend to the Jewish state and to me personally.”
The premier said that Israel appreciates Trump’s help in protecting “Israeli lives against the criminal regime in Iran.”
Netanyahu used the video statement to advocate for Israel’s war against Iran, saying: “Israel is defending freedom in the Middle East and beyond. We’re doing so against a tyrannical and radical Iranian regime that wants to build atomic bombs to destroy us and wants to build ballistic missiles, including intercontinental missiles, to be able to threaten anyone and everywhere in the world.”
Netanyahu noted that Iran sought to assassinate Trump, among other attacks that the Islamic Republic has committed against US targets over the years.
Netanyahu also asserted in the video that Israel possessed intelligence showing that Iran intended to transfer nuclear weapons it planned on developing to its “terrorist proxies,” a reference to groups such as Hezbollah, Hamas and the Houthis.
“That’s nuclear terrorism on steroids,” Netanyahu said.
Trump has been steadfast in his support of Israel’s bombardment of Iran since it began on Friday, calling the attacks “excellent.” He also said that the US was fully aware that Israel would attack.
The president did say, however, that Tehran should come to the negotiating table to continue talks over its nuclear program. A sixth round of discussions that was set to take place in Oman on Sunday was canceled in the wake of Israel’s strikes.
Before the attacks occurred, Trump said he did not want Israel to strike Iran but acknowledged such an action was on the table. Israeli officials have suggested those comments were a ruse.
A military parade is set to be held in Washington on Saturday in honor of the US Army’s 250th birthday, which also coincides with Trump’s 79th birthday. The parade, which will see tanks driving through the streets of the US capital and has an expected cost of $45 million, is drawing protests across the US.
Israel attacked Iran on Friday, targeting the Islamic Republic’s nuclear facilities, ballistic missile infrastructure, air defenses, and top security leadership.
In response, Tehran fired barrages of ballistic missiles toward Israel, damaging buildings and killing three people.
Most of the missiles were intercepted by air defenses, including US systems.
Israel said the purpose of its operation against Iran is to prevent the Iranians from obtaining a nuclear weapon. Tehran claims it does not seek an atomic bomb; however, it has enriched uranium to levels that have no peaceful application and has consistently affirmed its objective of destroying Israel.