On Israel’s 75th birthday, Biden says US ‘still proud’ to be among its top friends

WASHINGTON — Characterizing himself as a “lifelong friend and supporter of Israel,” US President Joe Biden on Tuesday congratulated the Jewish state on 75 years of independence.

In a statement, Biden highlighted his administration’s ongoing work with the Israeli government to “create a more prosperous, peaceful, and integrated Middle East.” The wording was general enough to ostensibly refer both to efforts to mitigate the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the advancement of additional normalization agreements between Israel and its Arab neighbors.

“As strong partners, we are working together to build new alliances to meet 21st century challenges like climate change and global health,” Biden added.

The White House statement appeared aimed at underscoring that the bilateral relationship transcends brewing differences between the Democratic administration and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s hardline government over the latter’s judicial overhaul and policies toward the Palestinians.

“On behalf of the people of the United States, I extend our best wishes to the people of Israel as they celebrate 75 years of statehood,” the American president said.

“When David Ben-Gurion declared Israel’s independence in 1948, he announced the birth of a state ‘based on freedom, justice and peace.’ Just 11 minutes later, [US] President [Harry] Truman announced that the United States would be the first nation to recognize the government of Israel. Today, we are still proud to be counted among the first of Israel’s friends and allies. And the United States recognizes the resilience of Israel’s democracy—the bedrock for our robust and special relationship.”

“As a life-long friend and supporter of the State of Israel, I have worked my entire career to deepen and strengthen our partnership. And I have seen first-hand the benefits to both our nations. Together, we have achieved remarkable advances in science, medicine, and technology that will benefit our people for generations to come.”

“Today, as we mark the 75th anniversary of the founding of the State of Israel, we reaffirm our enduring friendship and commitment to Israel’s security. Yom Ha’atzmaut Sameach!” Biden added.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken put out a similar statement congratulating Israel.

“Over the last 75 years, the United States and Israel have built a partnership that transcends politics and benefits the people of both nations,” Blinken said. “As we seek to promote peace and prosperity in the region, we will also remain unwavering in our commitment to Israel’s security and democracy, endeavoring to strengthen further the decades-old US-Israel bond.”

The messages followed several months of tensions between the two governments, which included a public rebuke from Biden himself of the government’s judicial overhaul and the summoning of Israel’s ambassador to the US for a symbolic dressing-down after the Knesset passed legislation paving the way for Israelis to return to areas in the northern West Bank that were evacuated as part of the 2005 withdrawal from Gaza.

Still, the disagreements have not been marked by the same degree of animosity that was present during the Obama administration. Biden’s long-held affinity toward the Jewish state has led many of the bilateral spats to be settled behind closed doors, particularly as the 2024 presidential election nears, with Biden announcing his reelection bid earlier Tuesday.

Also congratulating Israel on its 75th Independence Day were German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Latvian President Egils Levits

Additional messages are more likely to come in Wednesday, as Independence Day only began Tuesday night in Israel.