'Our enemy is your enemy': Netanyahu praises Donald Trump on his birthday; posts a video message amid Israel-Iran conflict

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu extended glowing birthday wishes to US President Donald Trump on Saturday, hailing him as a steadfast ally just as Israel continued its military offensive against Iran.Tensions between the two leaders had reportedly surfaced in recent weeks, with Israeli media suggesting friction as Netanyahu signalled a readiness to strike Iran, even as Washington pursued negotiations with Tehran over its nuclear program.But following Israel’s large-scale assault on Friday, conducted under Operation Rising Lion, Trump offered strong support, calling the strikes "excellent" and "very successful."

Netanyahu responded by publicly praising the US president."Happy Birthday to you, President Donald J Trump," Netanyahu said in a statement. "You’ve been an extraordinary leader, decisive, courageous, with a clear vision and clear action. You have done great things for Israel."

With Israeli fighter jets targeting key sites tied to Iran’s atomic infrastructure, Netanyahu positioned the campaign as part of a global struggle against authoritarian aggression.

"Our enemy is your enemy and by doing what we're doing, we're dealing with something that will threaten all of us sooner or later. Our victory will be your victory," he said.Iran, which has long denied accusations of seeking nuclear weapons, responded by launching retaliatory strikes that hit several Israeli cities, including Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, marking a sharp escalation. Tehran has accused the US of aiding Israel in the attacks, an allegation Washington denies.Netanyahu also used the moment to honour the US military on its 250th anniversary, referring to American service members as "guardians of freedom for two and a half centuries."Commenting earlier to ABC News on Israel’s offensive, Trump said, “I think it’s been excellent. We gave Iran a chance, and they didn’t take it. They got hit—hard. As hard as you can get hit. And there’s more coming. A lot more.”As hostilities deepen, Netanyahu and the IDF remain fully engaged in the confrontation with Iran, with both sides trading heavy blows in what could be a prolonged conflict.