Overview
- Israeli President Isaac Herzog posted a birthday message on X on Sunday that thanked President Donald Trump for his support for Israel and praised his stance toward Iran.
- Herzog used the phrase that Trump had confronted Iran’s “empire of evil,” credited him with work to free Gaza hostages, and closed the note with a traditional Jewish blessing, writing “Mazal tov.”
- The warm message follows a period of public friction between the two leaders over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, including past public insults from President Trump and disputes over pardons.
- Mr. Trump posted on Truth Social that a U.S.-Iran deal could be signed soon and said the Strait of Hormuz would be “open to all,” while other Israeli leaders have openly questioned whether a deal would protect Israel’s long-term security.
- The exchange highlights how leaders are using social platforms for rapid diplomatic signaling and could affect U.S.-Israel coordination as diplomats pursue a potential agreement with Iran and regional tensions remain high.