'Israel has had no better friend than you', Netanyahu celebrates CBN Founder Pat Robertson on his 93rd birthday

Pat Robertson, the founder of the world-renowned Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN), turned 93 years old on Tuesday. Friends from around the world sent their heartfelt greetings to the pioneer responsible for the global ministry dedicated to sharing the Gospel and preparing the nations for the return of Jesus Christ.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, despite ongoing tensions in the Jewish state surrounding judicial reform legislation, took to Twitter to send a video greeting to his long-time personal friend.

“I would like to wish Pat Robinson a Happy 93rd birthday,” Netanyahu said. “You've been a tremendous friend and I have to say, you have many friends and many admirers around the world for the life of purpose that you have led.”

An important milestone - the 93rd #Birthday of CBN's Founder Pat Robertson was this week. It was a day to remember all that the Lord has done through Pat. Many people came to #celebrate and #honor him. Even Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin #Netanyahu! pic.twitter.com/ZwaT3Bwdv5

— Jerusalem Dateline (@JlemDateline) March 24, 2023

“But I want to say categorically that Israel has had no better friend than you,” the prime minister continued. “You have led many Christians believers around the world to understand the miracle of the Jewish return to the ancient Jewish homeland, the resurrection of Israel, the reuniting of Jerusalem. I know all that stirs your heart as much as it does mine. And I want to also say that you've been a great personal friend. So for all of that and much more, thank you Pat. Happy Birthday.”

Robertson established the popular CBN ministry in 1960, including the first Christian television station, which has since grown to be one of the largest broadcast ministries in the world, including many subsidiaries and affiliate organizations. The television announced his retirement from CBN’s flagship television program, The 700 Club – which features news from a biblical perspective, along with interviews and discussions – in October 2021 at the age of 91.

CBN has been committed to supporting the nation of Israel and its people for nearly 50 years. Robertson established CBN Israel as a movement of Christians who choose to bless and stand with the Jewish people, with a vision to “change the global conversation about Israel and build bridges of hope and healing between Jews and Christians worldwide.”

Netanyahu appeared on CBN in an interview in December to promote his new memoir, as part of his larger promotional tour of the Evangelical Christian circuit. The prime minister also appeared in an interview on the “The 700 Club” with Robertson back in 1991.

Among his many achievements, Robertson established CBN University in Virginia in 1997, which later became Regent University in 1990.