Trump sends letter for Netanyahu’s 70th birthday

President Trump sent Benjamin Netanyahu a letter for the Israeli prime minister’s 70th birthday, touting their relationship as Netanyahu faces uncertain political prospects in Jerusalem.
“There has never been a more productive time in the Israeli-American partnership, and I know there are many more victories to come,” Trump wrote in the letter, a copy of which Netanyahu’s office released Tuesday.{mosads}
“Thank you for your strong leadership and loyal friendship. You are one my closest allies, and I look forward to the continued success we will have working together,” Trump added along with a message written in Sharpie saying, “You are great!”
תודה לך ידידי הנשיא טראמפ על הברכות החמות ליום הולדתי. הברית והידידות בינינו חזקים מאי פעם!
Thank you to my friend President Trump for your warm words on my birthday. Our alliance and friendship have never been stronger. pic.twitter.com/HnBdd0pgC1
— Benjamin Netanyahu (@netanyahu) October 22, 2019
The letter of support comes after Netanyahu announced he is unable to form a ruling coalition after the most recent elections, opening the door to his chief rival centrist Benny Gantz to try his hand at crafting a working government. An unprecedented third election will be held this year if Gantz also fails.
Netanyahu campaigned heavily on his close relationship with Trump in the lead up to September’s elections, though neither his party nor Gantz’s was able to win enough seats to make a ruling coalition on their own.
The letter marks an improvement for Netanyahu’s standing with the White House, who appeared to get the cold shoulder from Trump after the September election when he said the U.S. alliance is “with Israel” and not Netanyahu.
Besides political uncertainty, Netanyahu faces looming criminal charges over allegations of corruption.
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