Israeli leaders welcomed Trump’s entry into the Oval Office, expressing hope for a better relationship between Israel and the US.
After eight difficult and complex years in its relationship with the Obama administration, Israel’s leadership welcomed President Donald Trump’s entry into the Oval Office, expressing optimism that his inauguration on Friday signals a new era in the rapport between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.
“Congratulations to my friend President Trump. I look forward to working closely with you to make the alliance between Israel and America stronger than ever,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu posted on his Facebook page.
President Reuven Rivlin on Saturday evening sent a letter of congratulations to Trump and invited him to Jerusalem.
“As a longstanding friend of the State of Israel, you now stand as leader of the free world, and of Israel’s most important and closest ally. The alliance between our states and our nations is not solely based on friendship. It is rooted in our shared values and longstanding commitment to freedom, liberty, and democracy – the foundation stones of our societies,” Rivlin stated.
“As you take this esteemed office, I wish to express my gratitude for the support and friendship of the American people, along with my hope that our special relationship and cooperation will continue to flourish and grow stronger,” he said, adding his wishes for success and an invitation to “be our guest in Jerusalem.”
Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations (UN) Danny Danon expressed his hope for a better working relationship with the US at the UN. “A true friend of Israel will enter the White House today. Thank you President Trump for your unequivocal support, we look forward to welcoming you to our capital of Jerusalem,” Danon said.
“After the shameful resolution that was adopted by the Security Council, Israel looks forward to strengthening our most important alliance and leading together towards a new era at the UN,” he added.
Israeli Ambassador to Washington Ron Dermer tweeted: “Congratulations President Trump! Israel looks forward to working with you to make the US-Israel alliance greater than ever.”
Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat launched a campaign to welcome Trump and the pending move of the US embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.
“After eight difficult years with President Obama, join me in signing a letter of thanks to President Trump on his bold decision to move the US Embassy to Jerusalem,” Barkat’s campaign stated.
Minister of Education Naftali Bennett, chair of the Bayit Yehudi party, lauded the “new era” under the Trump administration and underlined the options it offers Israel.
“For the first time in 50 years, our prime minister has a choice whether to create a Palestinian state or to apply Israeli sovereignty in Judea and Samaria. If we choose to create a Palestinian state, we will regret our choice for generations to come. We will work to apply Israeli sovereignty, ” Bennett wrote on Twitter.
By: Max Gelber, United with Israel