The US embassy in Jerusalem hosted a celebration of 249 years of American independence this evening, after the original one was cancelled due to the aftermath of Operation Rising Lion.
The evening was held at the Museum of Tolerance in Jerusalem, and attended by Prime Minister Netanyahu, Ambassador Mike Huckabee, Knesset speaker Amir Ohana, and other representatives of both countries. Huckabee also took the stage to perform a musical set for the crowd alongside both american and Israeli artists.
During the ceremony, an early warning siren sounded due to a Houthi missile attack. The missile was intercepted successfully.
Ambassador Huckabee delivered remarks at the ceremony, beginning with a lighthearted reference to the attack: "It wouldn't be Israel without a siren. Now we know what Israelis go through on an almost daily basis."
"There is no people more resilient or more resolved to stay in the place where God put them 3800 years ago. Tonight, we celebrate the partnership of the USA and Israel."
"We serve more than 700,000 Americans who live in Israel - more than any other country on earth except America and Mexico. It is our job and our joy to serve them."
Israeli President Isaac Herzog delivered a virtual address. "In Israel, America's Independence Day is a chance to reflect on the blessing that is the great friendship between our nations. We both believe that with determination and courage, we can build the society of our dreams. Our alliance has shone not only in times of peace, but when we are called to defend what is mutually precious."
"Together, we have confronted tyrannical forces of extremism in Iran and throughout the region. We continue to fight terror, sometimes paying a heavy price, but we shall fight and overcome. The cry of our hostages does not give us rest, and I ask you not to let your voices falter until every last one of them is freed."
"We must also remember that just two days ago, a horrific terror attack took place in the heart of Jerusalem. We must show it to the world and say that we are fighting the ultimate evil. They will never break us. Let us hold onto the faith and vision that beyond moments of conflict in defense of our people lies the possibility of the days ahead."
President Herzog praised US President Trump for bringing about the Abraham Accords, and called for them to be "Not only preserved and protected, but expanded and cultivated as a roadmap for peace in the region."
Prime Minister Netanyahu also sent a remote address: "America has been the guardian at the vanguard of freedom in modern times. In the second half of the twentieth century, America became the dominant power in the world, and the state of Israel was created. As America fought totalitarian regimes and protected democracy around the world, Israeli democracy thrived with America's help."
"There is so much that happens between us that I cannot tell you about - the sharing of intelligence, weaponry, and every field of human endeavor. Israel has no better ally than the USA, and the USA has no better ally than Israel."