Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent congratulations to U.S. President Donald Trump went beyond formal diplomacy. Writing on X, Netanyahu praised what he called “an incredible first year” of Trump’s second term, sharing a photo from their recent meeting at Mar-a-Lago.
The message came on the one-year anniversary of Trump’s swearing-in on Jan. 20, 2025, marking him as the first U.S. president in 132 years to win a second, nonconsecutive term. For Israel, the timing was more than symbolic. It underscored a presidency that has repeatedly acted decisively in support of the Jewish state.
Trump himself framed his first year in office through a spiritual lens, telling reporters at the White House that God is “very proud” of the job he has done as president. The president pointed to his record on foreign affairs, border security, and the economy, emphasizing the protection of vulnerable populations. “We’re protecting a lot of people that are being killed — Christians, Jewish people, lots of people are being protected by me that wouldn’t be protected by another type of president,” Trump said, holding up a printed-out Bible-length listing of his achievements. He framed the year as a period in which prosperity returned to America, global conflicts were eased, and public safety was strengthened.
Trump’s first term already left a historic imprint on Israel. He moved the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, recognized Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, and affirmed that Jewish civilian communities in Judea and Samaria are lawful under international principles. He brokered the Abraham Accords, establishing formal diplomatic ties between Israel and several Arab and Muslim nations, beginning with the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, and later joined by Sudan, Morocco, and Kazakhstan. Since returning to office, Trump has acted decisively in support of Israel, joining the country in strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities during a 12-day war in June and mediating a ceasefire and hostages agreement with Hamas in Gaza.
Netanyahu has repeatedly recognized Trump’s commitment. Following meetings last month, Trump praised Netanyahu for guiding Israel to victory over “a force the likes of which very few countries could have handled,” adding that under other leadership, Israel “might not exist right now.” Trump described Netanyahu as “a wartime prime minister,” a leader tested in crisis and resolute in defense of his people. The two leaders have met six times since the start of Trump’s second term, most recently in Florida.
Trump’s assertion that God is proud of his actions is not an idle boast. From Jerusalem to the Golan, from the Abraham Accords to the strikes on Iran, his presidency has consistently moved to safeguard Israel, protect religious communities, and strengthen the global stage. Netanyahu’s public praise reflects that recognition: God’s approval, human action, and decisive leadership intersected in ways that ensured Israel’s security and survival. In a world of shifting alliances and rising threats, both men have demonstrated that courage, faith, and strategy are inseparable in the preservation of Israel.
