American legend and close friend of Benjamin Netanyahu, Chuck Norris, has passed away at the age of 86 after being hospitalized.

Born Carlos Ray Norris Jr., Chuck Norris rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most recognizable action stars in the world. A decorated martial artist, he gained fame as a multiple time karate champion before transitioning into Hollywood, where his tough, no nonsense persona made him a global icon.

Norris first broke into film alongside Bruce Lee in the 1972 classic Way of the Dragon, a fight scene that remains one of the most legendary in martial arts cinema. He went on to star in a string of action films throughout the 1980s and 1990s, cementing his legacy as one of the era’s defining action heroes.

Among his most notable roles was Major Scott McCoy in The Delta Force, a character loosely inspired by real world counterterrorism operations, including the daring 1976 Entebbe Raid, in which Israeli commandos rescued hostages in Uganda. The film was his first of 3 movies filmed in Israel and further solidified Norris’s image as a symbol of strength, patriotism, and resolve.

Beyond Hollywood, Norris remained a vocal and consistent supporter of Israel for decades, frequently describing it as an incredible country. He maintained a close relationship with Netanyahu and was considered a high profile supporter of the Israeli leader.

In later years, Norris became a cultural phenomenon through the viral spread of “Chuck Norris facts,” a series of exaggerated, humorous statements portraying him as an unstoppable force.

Death doesn’t take Chuck Norris… Chuck Norris allows Death to borrow him briefly.

Chuck Norris leaves behind a legacy that transcends film, martial arts, and pop culture, a figure larger than life, whose legend, many would say, will continue long after death itself.

Chuck Norris died … Death apologized and brought him back.