Independence Day: 'Shared Values' Unite Israel, US
JERUSALEM, Israel -- On the eve of America's Independence Day, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said shared values and common interests are the glue that knits the two countries together.
"What is the secret of the special relationship between the United States and Israel? The answer can be summarized in four words: Shared values, common interests," he said at the U.S. Embassy's Fourth of July celebrations Thursday evening.
He added that both countries "were founded on the principles of liberty, democracy and freedom."
It's these shared democratic values that differentiates Israel from its neighbors and unites it with America as both "face common threats of terror and upheaval from those who despise our values."
"When America celebrates its independence, Israel celebrates with America. The people of Israel are unabashedly pro-American and the American people are unabashedly pro-Israel," he said.
Netanyahu's remarks came as Palestinian terrorists continued the rocket bombardment on southern Israel. He praised residents who've been forced to stay close to bomb shelters as they endure yet another onslaught from the Gaza Strip.
"The strength you are demonstrating allows us to act determinedly and responsibly towards one goal -- your security, all our security," Netanyahu said.
The prime minister also appealed to everyone to act with restraint as the government pursues all those involved in the recent murders of three Israeli teenagers and an Arab youth whose body was recently discovered in the Jerusalem Forest.
"We will pursue all those who had a part in the murders of Gilad, Eyal and Naftali and we will catch them," he said. "We will continue to fight terrorism as we have fought it since the establishment of the country."
"Our hearts ache, our blood boils, but we must remember that we are, first and foremost, human beings and we are citizens of a law-abiding country. We are making decisions in a responsible, cool-headed and considered manner. The American people, who experienced terrible terrorist attacks on its own soil, empathize with our fight and we empathize with their fight," he said.
Netanyahu concluded by wishing all Americans a happy Fourth of July.
"Happy Independence Day, America. God bless Israel and God bless America."
