Netanyahu: We have many courageous friends
Prime minister returns to Israel after US visit, says Israel's friends will always stand by its side
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu landed in Israel on Wednesday after concluding a visit to Canada and the United States. "We return for the Purim festival and tonight we shall read in the Book of Esther about the days when Jews were not masters of their own fate and could not defend themselves," the prime minister said upon landing.
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"Today we are in a different world and a different time, we have a strong country and a strong army," he added. "The threats are still there but we can defend ourselves. We have many friends who stand by our side and will always stand by us."
Netanyahu said his visit to the US and Canada was important and that he received a warm welcome. "We have many courageous friends," he said.
Netanyahu lands in Israel (Photo: Amos Ben-Gershom, GPO)
During his visit to the US, Netanyahu was urged by US President Barack Obama to wait with an Iran strike and give sanctions more time. Obama nevertheless stressed that Israel reserves the right to act alone if it feels the need for it.
Obama assured Netanyahu the US "will always have Israel's back," in a display of unity between allies who often disagree. He said the US and Israel agree that diplomacy is the best way to resolve the crisis over potential Iranian nuclear weapons.
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