Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday spoke by telephone with US President Joe Biden and congratulated him and the American people on the occasion of US Independence Day.
The Prime Minister said that "without the US there would be no freedom in the world."
President Biden replied that "without Israel, there would be no security for Jews in the world."
Prime Minister Netanyahu updated President Biden on his decision to send a delegation to continue the hostage negotiations.
The Prime Minister reiterated the principles that Israel is committed to especially its commitment to end the war only after all of its goals have been achieved.
Earlier in the day, Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant published a post on social media congratulating the US on the occasion of its Independence Day: “Congratulations to our closest friends and allies as they celebrate 248 years of independence. The United States stood with Israel since our establishment and stands with us today as we fight to defend our nation in a war for our future. Today we salute your leadership of the free world and echo your call for ‘life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.’ Happy 4th of July."
The White House stated about the conversation between Netanyahu and President Biden, "President Biden spoke this morning with Prime Minister Netanyahu. The Prime Minister congratulated the United States on the occasion of Independence Day, and thanked the President for his continued and steadfast support for Israel’s security."
"President Biden and the Prime Minister discussed ongoing efforts to finalize a ceasefire deal together with the release of hostages, as outlined by President Biden and endorsed by the UN Security Council, the G7, and countries around the world.
"The leaders discussed the recent response received from Hamas. The President welcomed the Prime Minister’s decision to authorize his negotiators to engage with U.S., Qatari, and Egyptian mediators in an effort to close out the deal.
"President Biden reaffirmed his ironclad commitment to Israel’s security including in the face of threats from Iranian-backed terrorist groups such as Lebanese Hezbollah.
"Both leaders welcomed the meeting to take place on July 15 between their national security teams in the Strategic Consultative Group format," the White House statement concluded.