JERUSALEM—Israeli leaders on Monday hailed the death of Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden at the hands of US forces, with the premier congratulating the United States on “a victory for justice.”
“The state of Israel joins together in the joy of the American people after the liquidation of Bin Laden,” said a statement from the premier’s office.
“Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu congratulates US President Barack Obama for this victory for justice, liberty and the common values of democratic nations which fought side by side against terrorism.”
President Shimon Peres also welcomed the news.
He told public radio Sunday’s operation in Pakistan was “a great success, not only for the United States, but for the whole free world which now breathes more easily following the belated but merited punishment inflicted on Bin Laden.”
Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman told Israel’s army radio: “The next few days will be crucial because all organizations linked to Al-Qaeda or who claim to represent it will make every effort to carry out a spectacular attack.”