Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
President Shimon Peres
Photo: Gil Yohanan
Peres: US, Obama Israel's friend, ally
Speaking at embassy reception celebrating US Independence Day, Peres, Netanyahu stress importance of US, Israel relations; thank US for ongoing support
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and
President Shimon Peres arrived
at US Ambassador James Cunningham's home for an official visit at an event celebrating US Independence Day which is set to take place next week.
Speaking at the event Netanyahu said that the US has been standing at Israel's side since the creation of the state 63 years ago. He noted that throughout the years Israel has had to defend itself again and again – its freedom, its independence and that struggle was made possible because of US support.
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Netanyahu noted that as seen in Cairo, Tunisia and Syria, the battle between the forces of freedom and the forces of tyranny are the same everywhere, but the outcome is different from place to place. Without the US, he added, the struggle of those who battle for freedom in the Middle East would have been much harder if not impossible.
US embassy Independence Day reception (Photo: US embassy)
President Peres also spoke at the event, thanking the US and President Barack Obama for being Israel's friend and ally and for the deep commitment the US has for Israel.
At the ceremony US ambassador in Israel James Cunningham mentioned that he and his wife would soon be leaving Israel after three years in the country. In his speech he said that Israel and the US share the same values, and understand the importance of freedom and democracy. He added that the US understands Israel's security needs and concerns.
According to Cunningham, President Obama made it clear that the US stood by Israel. The Middle East is facing uncertain times but it is an opportunity to build a better future for everybody in the region. In his speech Cunningham promised that the US would work to promote a positive future, one of building and not of destruction.
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