By 5 Towns Central Staff

Gut Vuch & Shavuah Tov to all!

JERUSALEM (July 4, 2026) — Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu marked America’s 250th Independence Day on Saturday with a video message celebrating the United States’ historic milestone and underscoring what he described as the deep and lasting partnership between Israel and America.

In his remarks, Netanyahu extended congratulations to President Donald Trump and the American people, emphasizing the United States’ long role in advancing liberty and defending democratic ideals. He framed the anniversary not only as a celebration of national independence, but also as a reminder of the sacrifices required to preserve freedom across generations.

Netanyahu also connected this year’s Fourth of July to a major moment in Israeli history: the 50th anniversary of Operation Jonathan, the 1976 Israeli rescue mission at Entebbe, Uganda. The operation, carried out as America was marking its bicentennial, brought more than 100 hostages home alive after they had been held by terrorists. Netanyahu’s brother, Yoni Netanyahu, who commanded the mission, was killed during the rescue.

The prime minister said the memory of Entebbe continues to symbolize the risks taken by those who defend innocent lives and confront terrorism. He linked that legacy to the broader security cooperation between Israeli and American forces, saying both nations have repeatedly stood against threats to freedom over the past five decades.

Netanyahu described the Israel-U.S. relationship as rooted in more than diplomacy or strategic interests, pointing instead to shared democratic values and a common worldview. He warned that enemies of both countries continue to target those principles, but said the alliance between Israel and America strengthens the cause of freedom.

The message closed with Netanyahu expressing blessings for the United States, Israel and the partnership between the two nations as America celebrates its semiquincentennial.

NETANYAHU MARKS AMERICA'S 250TH INDEPENDENCE DAY, HONORS OPERATION JONATHAN AND REAFFIRMS THE U.S.-ISRAEL ALLIANCE

PRIME MINISTER NETANYAHU MARKS U.S. INDEPENDENCE DAY: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released a video message congratulating the United States on its 250th… pic.twitter.com/1xKRCAyax3

— Israel Realtime (@IsraelRealtime) July 4, 2026

On the other hand, the non-American mayor, NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani, used America’s 250th anniversary to sharply criticize the country, accusing the U.S. of allowing children to go hungry while billionaires and “oligarchs” gain more power.

He said America’s wealth was built by working people with “calloused, dirt-streaked hands” while accusing the country of allowing the wealth built by workers to be concentrated in “the soft hands of a precious few.”

JUST IN: NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani used America’s 250th anniversary to sharply criticize the country, accusing the U.S. of allowing children to go hungry while billionaires and “oligarchs” gain more power.

He said America’s wealth was built by working people with “calloused,… pic.twitter.com/p7Ayuza5je

— Fox News (@FoxNews) July 3, 2026