Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu extended his congratulations to President Donald Trump on his swearing-in, expressing optimism that the future of the US-Israel alliance holds even greater potential.
In a video message delivered in English, Netanyahu remarked, “Your first term as president was filled with groundbreaking moments in the history of the great alliance between our two countries,” highlighting Trump’s pivotal actions like withdrawing from the Iran nuclear deal, relocating the US embassy to Jerusalem, and acknowledging Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights.
“You brokered the historic Abraham Accords, in which Israel made peace with four Arab countries,” Netanyahu continued. “I believe that working together again, we will raise the US-Israel alliance to even greater heights” and will “complete the defeat of Iran’s terror axis and usher in a new era of peace and prosperity for our region.”
Netanyahu also expressed his gratitude to Trump for his efforts in facilitating a ceasefire-hostage release agreement in Gaza, which began on Sunday and resulted in the release of three hostages.
Trump has received widespread recognition for playing a key role in securing the deal, which went into effect on Sunday. His efforts followed vague threats of “hell to pay” in the Middle East if the captives were not freed before his inauguration, and came after a reportedly “tense” meeting between Netanyahu and Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff.
“I look forward to working with you to return the remaining hostages, to destroy Hamas’s military capabilities and end its political rule in Gaza, and to ensure that Gaza never again poses a threat to Israel,” Netanyahu concluded. “I am sure, Mr. President, that under your leadership, the best days of our alliance are yet to come.”
Mike Waltz, Trump’s incoming national security adviser, emphasized in an interview on Sunday that “Hamas will never govern Gaza. That is completely unacceptable,” although he refrained from calling for the resumption of hostilities unless Hamas violated the terms of the agreement.
The three-phase deal, which also requires Israel to release thousands of Palestinian security prisoners and detainees, envisions negotiations in its second stage to bring a permanent end to the conflict and facilitate the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
Reports from Hebrew media on Monday suggest that discussions are already underway for a possible visit by Netanyahu to Washington to meet with Trump next month.
The two leaders spoke last week, with Netanyahu thanking Trump for his role in negotiating the six-week ceasefire and hostage release deal, and “the two decided to meet in Washington soon,” according to the Prime Minister’s Office.
In a Saturday interview, Trump confirmed that he and Netanyahu would meet “fairly shortly,” although he did not specify when. A meeting in February would place the meeting during the first stage of the six-week ceasefire deal, which Trump helped to bring to fruition.
Netanyahu has largely refrained from traveling abroad since the outbreak of the war with Hamas on October 7, 2023, with his most recent international address being at the UN in September 2024. He also underwent prostate surgery last month, and sources suggest that his health will play a role in scheduling the trip.
President Isaac Herzog and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar also expressed their congratulations to Trump on the start of his second term.
Herzog praised Trump’s “unwavering commitment to Israel’s security and to building a better future for our region” and extended a “special thank you for your commitment to bringing all our hostages home.”
Sa’ar stated, “During your first term you were Israel’s greatest friend,” and thanked Trump for his “efforts that helped secure the initial release of our hostages.”
“I’m sure that the special Israel-US alliance will reach new heights during your second term,” Sa’ar added.
Other Israeli leaders, including MKs Benny Gantz, Avigdor Lieberman, and Opposition Leader Yair Lapid, as well as former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, also sent their congratulations.
Global leaders offered their congratulations to Trump as well, with tributes coming in from around the world via the social media platform X.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky wrote, “President Trump is always decisive, and the peace through strength policy he announced provides an opportunity to strengthen American leadership and achieve a long-term and just peace, which is the top priority.”
Trump, however, made no direct reference to the ongoing war in Ukraine, which Russia initiated in 2022, stating only that he wished to be remembered for stopping wars.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte posted on X that Trump’s return “will turbo-charge defence spending and production” within the alliance.
During his first term and his previous two campaigns, Trump had criticized NATO members for not contributing more to defense spending, and he questioned whether the US should defend countries that failed to meet their defense expenditure targets. He has taken credit for the increase in defense spending by many NATO nations since his first term.
European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen issued a statement saying, “The EU looks forward to working closely with you to tackle global challenges. Together, our societies can achieve greater prosperity and strengthen their common security. This is the enduring strength of the transatlantic partnership.”
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz posted on X, “The US is our closest ally and the aim of our policy is always a good transatlantic relationship.”
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer shared a video congratulating Trump on his inauguration, highlighting the strength of the British-American alliance.
“For centuries, the relationship between our two nations has been one of collaboration, cooperation, and enduring partnership. It is a uniquely close bond.
“Together, we have defended the world from tyranny and worked towards our mutual security and prosperity,” Starmer said, emphasizing Trump’s “historical ties” to the UK, noting that Trump’s mother was Scottish.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated his “dear friend” Trump, stating, “I look forward to working closely together once again, to benefit both our countries, and to shape a better future for the world.”
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also congratulated Trump, writing, “Canada and the U.S. have the world’s most successful economic partnership. We have the chance to work together again — to create more jobs and prosperity for both our nations.”
Since Trump’s election, he has threatened to impose 25-percent tariffs on Canadian imports and made jokes about making Canada the 51st state, referring to the country’s prime minister as “Governor Trudeau.”
{Matzav.com}
