- Israel's prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has penned a birthday message to President Donald Trump as he turns 80 years old.
- “Happy birthday Donald. This year your birthday comes at an auspicious time,” he wrote in a tribute on X, alongside a photo of the two world leaders clasping hands. “America celebrates 250 years of freedom - a great nation built on liberty and faith.”
- He continued, “I wish you continued strength and vigor as you lead America towards a bright future of peace through strength, and as we continue to bring the U.S. - Israel alliance to ever greater heights.”
- The birthday message came after Netanyahu defied Trump by striking Lebanon while a peace deal is near, with Trump claiming an agreement would be signed Sunday.
- Netanyahu's office said the strikes were in response to Hezbollah attacks on the north of the country. Trump later condemned Israel’s strikes, stating it “should not have happened” and telling Israel and Iran, “This could be the beginning of a long and beautiful peace — Let’s not blow it!”
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