Netanyahu celebrates 70th birthday with former IDF comrades

The celebration was held at the Crusader fortress at Kochav Hayarden National Park, where ‘Team Bibi’ staged it’s final military exercise 50 years ago.

By World Israel News Staff

On Tuesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu celebrated his 70th birthday with his former comrades from the IDF General Staff Reconnaissance Unit.

This group of former soldiers is often referred to as “Team Bibi” because Netanyahu served as their commander.

The celebration was held at the Crusader fortress at Kochav Hayarden National Park, where Team Bibi staged it’s final military exercise 50 years ago.

“Fifty years ago, in the southern approaches to Afula, I received these boys. They have not changed much, I must say,” Netanyahu stated in his speech. “We marched 120 kilometers in order to reach the unit. We started a long training march ahead of the important missions we carried out as a team.”

“Two of us are absent, Udi and Uri who have passed away, but the unity has been maintained over the years. This cohesiveness, this friendship, this fellowship, is exceptional,” he added.

During the celebration, Netanyahu joined his fellow comrades in singing the unit’s song and was given a medal, inscribed with the words: “To Bibi, marking 50 years since the unit was formed. From your soldiers in Team Bibi Netanyahu. Summer of 1969-Summer of 1972.”

“I would be happy if I could tell you everything that we did. But here, in this place, Kochav Hayarden, was the conclusion of an important exercise that took several days. They carried out all kinds of missions and reached this point where they received the unit insignia,” Netanyahu said. “I had the privilege of having such soldiers. I have had the privilege that we have kept this bond, a very special and very strong bond. I can only wish that we will meet here in another 50 years.”

Benjamin Netanyahu