Netanyahu and Trump Plan White House Meeting as Knesset Lights Up for US 250th

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke by phone Friday with President Donald Trump, congratulating him on the United States' 250th Independence Day. Netanyahu's office confirmed the call and said the two leaders agreed to meet soon in the United States.

During the conversation, Netanyahu told Trump that "the United States is a guarantee of global freedom," and that Israel deeply values the close bond between the two nations. He added that although the two countries are on different continents, their peoples share a deep connection rooted in common values, a shared sense of destiny, and a joint struggle against extremist regimes threatening the free world.

In a video message marking the occasion, Netanyahu offered a personal tribute. "Today the United States celebrates 250 years of independence, 250 years of freedom, 250 years of defending liberty. On behalf of myself and all the people of Israel, congratulations," he said. Netanyahu also drew on a personal memory, referencing Operation Jonathan, the 1976 Entebbe rescue mission, in which he was wounded and his brother Yoni was killed. "We know that freedom is not cheap, and we must keep fighting for it," he added.

Netanyahu also warned that the values underpinning the Israel-U.S. alliance are under attack from radical and dictatorial forces, noting that chants of "Death to America" and "Death to Israel" from the two countries' enemies show how deeply their fates are intertwined. He called for standing together against what he described as the "axis of evil and terror."

Trump confirmed that Netanyahu had asked to meet at the White House, saying the visit could take place as early as next week after Trump returns from the NATO summit. "We get along great. Netanyahu knows who the boss is," Trump said in a phone interview, referring to himself. If the meeting goes ahead, it will be the first face-to-face encounter between the two leaders since their meeting in the White House Situation Room in February, when Netanyahu presented a plan for a joint military campaign against Iran.

In Jerusalem, the Knesset building was illuminated Saturday night in red, white and blue to mark the anniversary. Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana issued a statement saying: "Today, the free world marks a truly historic event: 250 years since the founding of the United States of America. The Founding Fathers established the first great modern republic, a beacon of liberty that continues to guide humanity toward the values of freedom and human dignity." Ohana added: "On behalf of the Knesset and the people of Israel, I wish to congratulate the American people from the bottom of my heart, and to express our gratitude to the American leadership for its leadership and for the alliance with Israel. Happy Independence Day, United States of America."

In recent weeks, the Knesset's entrances have featured screenings and photographs documenting visits by American presidents, congressional leaders and other senior figures, as part of broader commemorations ahead of the milestone, intended to highlight the depth of the historical relationship between the two countries.

World leaders from Europe to the Middle East sent congratulatory messages to Washington. In Paris, the Eiffel Tower was lit up in honor of the occasion, while the Statue of Liberty in New York was illuminated in American flag colors. European Council President Antonio Costa wrote on social media: "Congratulations to our friends and partners in the United States of America on the occasion of your 250th Independence Day." Britain's King Charles III sent a personal letter to Trump, writing: "Over centuries, through shared challenges and achievements, we have built a relationship based on friendship, trust, and a belief in the rule of law and human dignity. I have no doubt that in the next 250 years we will continue to defend our shared values."

Leaders from across the Middle East also sent congratulations. UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan wrote: "I express my sincere congratulations to President Trump and the American people on the occasion of the 250th Independence Day." Saudi Arabia's King Salman sent an official message wishing Trump "good health and happiness" and the American people "continued progress and prosperity." Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun extended wishes for "success, prosperity and further achievements," with similar messages arriving from Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman. Russian President Vladimir Putin marked the occasion by referencing the two powers' shared history fighting the Nazis in World War II, calling on both countries, as the world's two largest nuclear powers, to bear special responsibility for global security and stability.

In New York, a military flyover above the Statue of Liberty with aircraft trailing red, white and blue smoke, alongside a parade of hundreds of vessels along the Hudson River, drew large crowds. Among those taking part in the festivities was Elon Ahal, a released Israeli hostage, who joined singer John Ondrasik, known as Five for Fighting, on piano aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz.