Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday that Jenin has become a city of refuge for terrorism and Israeli forces are operating to "put a stop to it."
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Speaking at an event for US Independence Day, Netanyahu said, "At this moment, our forces are taking strong and determined action in Jenin. Commando Brigade soldiers, the Border Police, special forces, the Air Force and others are now acting in the heart of the Jenin refugee camp. They are targeting and arresting terrorists, and destroying command centers and laboratories."
"There are no sanctuaries for terrorists – not in Gaza, not in Judea and Samaria, not anywhere. We are operating against the terrorists while making a maximum effort to avoid harming non-combatants," he stressed. "We are determining a new equation against terrorism, constantly. Our guiding principle is simple: Whoever murders Israelis, whoever conspires to murder us, will be in either jail or the grave."
According to Netanyahu, the operation in Jenin "will continue as long as necessary, until the mission is completed." He concluded by thanking the soldiers and commanders operating in Jenin.
The prime minister hailed US-Israel ties, saying, "I wish to express my deep appreciation and gratitude for America's enduring support for Israel. For 75 years, the United States has been our irreplaceable and indispensable ally. Irreplaceable. Indispensable.
"Eleven minutes after our birth, and at vital junctures throughout our history, America has provided Israel with moral and political backing against those committed to wiping us out, to wiping out the one and only Jewish state. No less important, for nearly half a century, America has given generous military assistance to Israel, helping provide us with the tools, the tools we need to defend ourselves by ourselves.
"Decade after decade, our two countries have moved closer together. I'm proud to say that today, security cooperation has never been better, intelligence sharing has never been deeper and our alliance has never been stronger. I have long said that Israel has no better ally than America, and I say to you, America has no better ally than Israel," continued the premier.
"On July 4, all democratic countries should remember that the decisive event that ensured the rise of freedom in modern times, has been the rise of the United States of America. Time and again, America defeated the forces of totalitarianism and terror. Yet we should also remember a basic truth: Freedom is precious, and it's never free. It often requires firm and decisive action against those seeking to spread terror and imperil free societies," said Netanyahu.
President Isaac Herzog also addressed the event, emphasizing that Israel has "no greater friend than the United States of America.
"Our nations share a profound historical legacy and a deep, enduring faith in the values of democracy, life, liberty, and justice. There is no question that the power of our alliance is unmatched: In the goodness it has brought to the world, and the promise it holds for our future," he said. "Our collaboration, which crosses every possible sector and sphere, has been a critical anchor of security, stability and peace for both of our nations, and has brought the promise of hope and prosperity to this region."
For his part, Netanyahu also hailed the exceptional "service and friendship" of US Ambassador Tom Nides, who is stepping down from his position this month.
"Thank you, Tom. During your tenure here, you've demonstrated that your support for Israel comes both from the head and from the heart," said Netanyahu. "No matter what you do, what you decide to do in the next chapter of your life, know that Israel will always be your home away from home. And as you've said many times, quoting President [Joe] Biden, we are mishpuche [family]."
During the event, Nides toasted the crowd, thanking invitees for "celebrating the friendship and marking the unshakable bond between the United States and Israel in the 75th year of Israel's independence."
i24NEWS and JNS.org contributed to this report.
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