STORY: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu congratulated U.S President Donald Trump on Sunday (April 5), on the successful retrieval of an American airman from Iran, after their aircraft was downed.

Netanyahu emphasized Israel's history with rescue missions and said that he also participated in such missions.

Earlier on Sunday, Israeli defence Minister Katz alluded to Israel's involvement in the rescue mission and commended the 'cooperation' between the two countries.

U.S. special forces conducted the complex operation that averted a potential crisis for President Donald Trump, as the war entered its sixth week with little sign of progress in diplomatic efforts for a resolution.

Trump announced the rescue in the early hours of Sunday in a social media post that described the operation, in a mountainous area of Iran, as "one of the most daring Search and Rescue Operations in U.S. History."

Iran's military said several U.S. aircraft were destroyed during the operation, including two military transport planes and two Black Hawk helicopters. Footage posted on social media showed burned out aircraft wreckage, which Reuters verified was in the area.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

SHOWS: UNKNOWN LOCATION (APRIL 5, 2026) (GPO - Access all)

1. (SOUNDBITE)(English) ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER BENJAMIN NETANYAHU, SAYING:

"This rescue operation reinforces the sacred principle 'no one is left behind'. This is a shared value demonstrated time and time again in the history of both our countries. As a nation that repeatedly carried out daring rescue operations, and as someone who was wounded in such a mission and lost a brother in the Entebbe rescue, Israelis and I, we know what a bold decision you took.

President Trump, Donald, my dear friend, once again your decisive leadership brought another great victory to America. I salute you! We all do."