Addressing ‘bittersweet’ Independence Day event, Witkoff urges Israelis to ‘choose unity over division’

Speaking at an event honoring Israel’s 77th Independence Day, U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff praised the Jewish state and promised that the United States “will always be their strongest ally.” 

Witkoff gave brief remarks at an event, hosted by Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Dr. Yechiel Leiter, at the Ambassador’s Residence, which included senior members of the U.S. administration, members of Congress, foreign ambassadors, heads of Jewish communities, the media, and representatives of leading Jewish organizations. 

Witkoff, who was the keynote speaker at Monday evening’s event, began by thanking Israeli Ambassador Leiter and the guests in attendance. 

“Ambassador Leiter, my dear friend, distinguished guests, and friends of Israel, of course Independence Day is a time to pause, reflect on the past year, and envision the future.” 

Witkoff brought greetings from U.S. President Donald Trump, whom he called “a great friend of Israel.” He congratulated the Jewish state on its celebration and called Israel “an extraordinary nation.” 

“From its founding, it has faced external threats with creativity, resilience, and triumph, and we will always be their strongest ally,” Witkoff told the group. 

Witkoff also referred to the “bittersweet” celebrations in Israel due to the remaining hostages still in Gaza. 

“This year has been challenging, and our celebration is bittersweet. While 59 hostages remain cruelly held by Hamas, I remember being in the hospital in Israel when we got the female IDF soldiers out, and I sang the song 'Am Israel Chai' with them and their families,” he recounted. “And I thought to myself, this could be the most joyous moment in my life.” 

The special envoy also promised that the U.S. administration would continue to support Israel. 

“On behalf of President Trump, I pledge that we will work tirelessly this year so that next year's Independence Day is not just a wish for happiness but a reality of peace, prosperity, and for Israel, unity. 

Witkoff highlighted U.S. efforts in the Middle East, which he said the administration hopes “will yield great progress by next year,” including the expansion of the Abraham Accords. 

“There are many efforts underway – humanitarian aid initiatives for Gaza, which we applaud, the expansion of the Abraham Peace Accords, which we think will have some or a lot of announcements very, very shortly, which we hope will yield great progress by next year, and discussions on regional challenges in the Middle East like Syria, Lebanon, and of course Iran, and we agree that they shall never get a nuclear weapon.” 

The special envoy, who has visited Israel several times since taking on his role, especially as part of the hostage negotiations, called on Israelis to choose unity. 

“Yet Israel's strength lies in its unity,” Witkoff noted. “Over the past 20 months, countless Israelis have sacrificed so much, like Ari Spitz right here,” he continued, indicating wounded IDF soldier Ari Spitz, who lost both legs and one arm due to injuries suffered in the Gaza War, and who also participated in the Independence Day event. 

“In their honor, I urge the Israeli people to choose unity over division, vision over disagreement, and hope over despair. When you do, Israel's future will shine brighter than ever.”