Benjamin Netanyahu. Photo: screenshot via youtube.

Speaking of his own affection for the words of Thomas Jefferson, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sent a message to the United States on Tuesday, wishing Americans a happy 4th of July.

“America’s revolution was founded on two very powerful arguments,” Netanyahu said.  “First, that people should have the right to elect their own leaders and be sovereign over their own destiny. And second, that the power of those leaders, the power of governments, must be checked, so that individual rights can be protected.”

Referring to recent political and social trends in the Middle East, Netanyahu said he believes access to information will prevail in bringing “freedom” to youth across the region.

“In the long term, I believe there’s reason for hope, because with the spread of information technology it will become increasingly difficult to keep young minds closed, to cloister it in darkness.  Ultimately the power of freedom is bound to prevail.”

To watch Netanyahu’s message to the U.S., click below.