Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu congratulated the Iranian people on the occasion of Nowruz.

Axar.az reports Netanyahu conveyed his message through a video address:

"Spring is approaching, and so is the Persian new year.

I would like to wish the Iranian people and Persians everywhere a Happy Nowruz.

I wish you health, happiness, prosperity and most of all – I wish you freedom.

I wish that this Nowruz will serve as a new beginning – A new beginning that overcomes all the hurdles and all the barriers that you have faced for too long.

May this be a year of Servat – Prosperity. Prosperity when you the people of Iran can finally enjoy Iran’s rich natural resources, those resources that have been so long denied to you by an oppressive regime.

A year in which the rial will have real value.

A year of Amniat - Security. Spiritual, economic and physical security.

A year of Doosti - Friendship. Friendship with those who have your best interests at heart, and that include my country Israel.

A year of Omid – Hope: Hope and optimism that lead to liberty.

A year of Iman – Faith: Faith that you can have a better life.

A year of Azadi – Freedom: Real freedom. Freedom from oppression, freedom from want, freedom to live, freedom to choose.

Chag Nowruz sameach!

Happy Nowruz!”