Norris produced video endorsements for Netanyahu in 2013 and 2015, praising his leadership and stance against threats facing both countries.
By Shula Rosen
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday paid tribute to U.S. martial artist and action film star Chuck Norris, who died at 86, highlighting his longstanding support for Israel and personal ties to the Israeli leader.
“Sara and I were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Chuck Norris, a great friend of Israel and a close personal friend,” Netanyahu wrote. “Chuck brought martial arts and the warmth of his character to millions around the world. May his memory be a blessing.”
Norris, widely known for his role in Walker, Texas Ranger, maintained a public record of support for Israel over decades, including multiple visits to the country and filming projects on location. Israel’s National Library shared a tribute noting his presence in Israel during the production of his 1986 film The Delta Force.
The actor described himself as a Zionist and frequently spoke in support of Israel’s security and its alliance with the United States. He produced video endorsements for Netanyahu in 2013 and 2015, praising his leadership and stance against threats facing both countries.
In 2017, Norris met with Netanyahu in Israel and reaffirmed his backing, saying, “Believe me, you’ll always have my support!”
U.S. President Donald Trump, who said he had known Norris since the 1980s, also addressed his death at a press conference. “ A great guy, he was a really good, tough cookie, you didn’t want to fight him….he was a great supporter. Wow, that’s too bad.”
Beyond his political views, Norris built a decades-long entertainment career. In 1993, he starred as a crime-fighting lawman in Walker, Texas Ranger, which ran for nine seasons. In 2010, then-Gov. Rick Perry named him an honorary Texas Ranger, and the Texas Senate later designated him an honorary Texan.
Reflecting on the show in a 1996 interview with The Associated Press, Norris said, “It’s not violence for violence’s sake, with no moral structure. You try to portray the proper meaning of what it’s about — fighting injustice with justice, good vs. bad. … It’s entertaining for the whole family.”
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