Herzog поздравляет Trump on 80th birthday despite past insults over Netanyahu pardon

Israeli President Isaac Herzog published an unusually warm birthday message to U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday, as Trump turned 80, despite earlier harsh criticism from Trump over Herzog’s handling of Benjamin Netanyahu’s legal case. Herzog said Trump’s path to the White House reflected “the power of the American dream” and “extraordinary determination.”

Herzog also praised Trump for standing up to “the Iranian empire of evil,” reaffirming what he called Trump’s unwavering commitment to Israel’s security. He thanked Trump for his “relentless efforts” to free Israeli hostages and captives, and expressed hope that Trump would keep leading the Middle East and the world toward “a future of peace and security” while deepening the special alliance between the United States and Israel.

In the greeting, Herzog noted that in Jewish tradition, turning 80 is considered a milestone of honor. He wished Trump health, happiness, family blessings and many more happy birthdays. Trump is planning to mark his birthday with a series of events, including an UFC fight at the White House.

The exchange comes after Trump, during the war with Iran, attacked Herzog for not granting his request to cancel Netanyahu’s trial. On March 5, Trump called the Israeli president a “disgrace,” and Herzog replied that the remark was “a blatant insult to the symbols of government” and that “one would have expected a statement on this matter.”