Israel-US

Threat of Iranian attack

US moving 'additional assets' to the Middle East

White House says there remains a “real,” “credible” and “viable” threat of Iran launching strikes.

US official:

'Iran attack on Israel won’t be big enough to draw US into war'

US official says the United States expects an attack by Iran against Israel but one that would not be big enough to draw Washington into war.

Austin to Gallant:

'Israel can count on full US support to defend itself'

Pentagon Press Secretary says Secretary of Defense Austin reiterated to Defense Minister Gallant “ironclad US support for Israel's defense in the face of growing threats from Iran and its regional proxies.”

Gallant to Austin:

'Direct Iranian attack will require appropriate Israeli response'

The Minister and Secretary discussed readiness for an Iranian attack against the State of Israel, which could lead to regional escalation.

House Speaker Mike Johnson:

'Biden has transformed into an anti-Israel president'

US House Speaker Mike Johnson blasts President Joe Biden: He’s more concerned with placating the antisemitism in his base than standing with Israel.

Blinken to Gallant:

'The US will stand with Israel against any threats by Iran'

US Secretary of State speaks with Defense Minister amid speculations Iran is planning an imminent attack.

Amid Iranian threats:

Senior US general to visit Israel

Axios reports that CENTCOM commander Gen. Erik Kurilla will visit Israel on Thursday to coordinate around a possible attack on Israel by Iran and its proxies.

Trump:

'Biden has totally lost control of the Israel situation'

The former President told supporters in Atlanta that President Biden 'doesn't even know what he's supporting.'

Biden:

'I think what Netanyahu is doing is a mistake'

US President ups his criticism of Netanyahu over the war in Gaza: I don’t agree with his approach.

Diplomatic sources predict:

Rafah operation to begin only after talks with US end

According to diplomatic sources, a ground offensive in the southern city would depend on talks for a hostage deal. They say the US is applying enough pressure to reach one.

House Speaker:

'Time to stop lecturing Israel on how it should defend itself'

US House Speaker Mike Johnson blasts “appalling” lack of support for Israel from some Democrats.

Report

Biden warned Netanyahu: We won't be able to support you

Source says President Biden laid out an ultimatum to Netanyahu in their call on Thursday, telling him that If Israel doesn't change course in Gaza, "we won't be able to support you".

Biden on Israel aid:

'I asked them to do what they’re doing'

US President asked by reporter if he threatened to stop military aid to Israel, does not confirm nor deny.

'These steps must be implemented'

US welcomes increase of aid to Gaza

US National Security Council spokesperson welcomes Israel’s decision to approve measures to increase the entry of humanitarian aid to Gaza.

VP Harris:

'If Israel doesn't change its approach, we'll change ours'

US Vice President says conversation between Biden and Netanyahu was "candid and frank" but Israel needs to change its approach on humanitarian aid entering Gaza.

Report:

Biden told Netanyahu he could condition aid to Israel

US officials tell NBC News that, during their phone call on Thursday, Biden warned Netanyahu that the US could condition military aid to Israel on what it does to address humanitarian concerns in Gaza.

Minister Chikli to Schumer:

'You're more than welcome to immigrate to Israel'

Diaspora Affairs Minister responds to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer after he again called for Israel to hold elections: The gates of Israel are open to you.

Report:

Jill Biden pressing for end to Gaza war

US first lady Jill Biden has been one of the strongest voices inside the White House urging an end to civilian casualties in Gaza, The New York Times reports.

Report:

Biden not planning to change policy towards Israel

Officials say Biden's public statement criticizing Israel over strike which killed aid workers in Gaza is as far as he and the White House will go for now.

After Gantz's remarks:

Schumer again calls for elections in Israel

Senate Majority Leader calls on Israel to hold elections, cites Benny Gantz’s remarks: When a leading member of Israel’s war cabinet calls for early elections, you know it’s the right thing to do.

Minister Cohen:

'If US doesn't back Israel it has nothing to do in the Mideast'

Minister of Energy Eli Cohen says the US changed its stance because of the upcoming elections.

'Constructive engagement'

US and Israeli officials discuss Rafah operation

Monday’s meeting was initially supposed to take place in person last week, but Netanyahu cancelled it after the US did not veto a UN Security Council resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of all hostages.

MK Halevi to Arutz Sheva:

'We want go into Rafah to save Washington'

MK Amit Halevi says the US must respect Israel's sovereignty and not force it to refrain from entering Rafah.

Report:

US, Israeli officials to meet virtually and discuss Rafah

The meeting was supposed to take place in person last week, but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cancelled it after the US did not veto a UN Security Council resolution on Gaza.

Report:

US quietly authorized bombs and fighter jets to Israel

Washington Post report: Biden administration in recent days quietly authorized the transfer of billions of dollars in bombs and fighter jets to Israel, despite tensions over possible Rafah operation.

US to Israel:

'We understand your demands'

The US has sent a message to the Israelis that they understand their demands to remain in the humanitarian corridor and not to allow unlimited passage of Gazans from the south to the north.

Top US general:

'Israel hasn't received every weapon it asked for'

Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff comments on US aid to Israel: We've been supporting them with capability, but they've not received everything they've asked for.

MK Danon:

'I'm not sure Trump would have acted any differently'

MK Danny Danon says while the US wants the war to end before elections, Israel has to care only about its own interests. 'If we hadn't listened to the Americans for the past few months all this may have been behind us already.'

Senator Graham:

'UNRWA is dead to the United States'

South Carolina Senator says the US has no intention to resume funding to UNRWA: Somebody needs to pull the Palestinian school system up by its roots and destroy it.

Gallant:

'We share 100% of the values with the United States'

Gallant tells reporters after meeting with Lloyd Austin that he stressed the importance of US ties to Israel's security.

Austin to Gallant:

No to Rafah operation without ensuring civilians' safety

Pentagon Press Secretary summarizes meeting between Austin and Gallant: The Secretary stressed that the United States and Israel have a moral imperative and a shared strategic interest in safeguarding civilians.

Intl. law expert:

'Biden team's moral backbone collapsed'

Human Rights Voices President Anne Bayefsky speaks to Arutz Sheva about America's failure to veto UN ceasefire resolution, ambassador's statement a ceasefire requires release just 1 hostage.

Bernie Sanders:

'Netanyahu government should not receive another penny'

Senator Bernie Sanders criticizes appropriations bill which froze the US assistance to UNRWA and includes US military aid to Israel: This will only intensify the already horrific situation in Gaza.

John Kirby:

'An Israeli operation in Rafah would be a disaster'

White House spokesperson John Kirby says US will share with Israeli officials alternatives for eliminating Hamas in Gaza without a ground offensive in Rafah.

After Israel visit:

Blinken again warns against Rafah operation

Secretary of State speaks to reporters after meeting Netanyahu: We share Israel’s goal of defeating Hamas, but a major military ground operation in Rafah is not the way to do it.

US official:

'Pier off Gaza should be ready by May 1'

Chief of Staff of the National Security Council says the US military is working hard to ensure pier that will facilitate transfer of aid to Gaza is ready by the target date.

Schumer hints:

Not opposed to Netanyahu speaking to Congress

Senate Majority Leader comments on House Speaker's intent to invite Netanyahu for a speech: I will always welcome the opportunity for the Prime Minister of Israel to speak to Congress in a bipartisan way.

John Kirby:

'Netanyahu can decide who he wants to talk to'

US National Security Council spokesman comments on Netanyahu's decision to speak to Senate Republicans via video: Support for Israel has been a long-standing bipartisan issue in this country.

Congress address?

House Speaker considering inviting Netanyahu

House Speaker Mike Johnson says he is considering inviting Netanyahu to address Congress: It's very important for us to show solidarity and support for Israel right now.

Former US officials to Biden:

'Be tougher on Israel'

Nearly 70 former US officials, diplomats and military officers urge Biden to warn Israel of “serious consequences” if it denies civil rights and basic necessities to Palestinian Arabs and expands “settlement activity”.

Netanyahu to Republicans:

'Israel will continue its efforts to defeat Hamas'

Republican Senators who attended Netanyahu's address at their policy lunch say the PM stressed he is going to finish the job in Gaza.

Report:

Netanyahu asked to meet Democrats, Schumer nixed it

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asked to address Senate Democrats at their caucus lunch, but the Senate Majority Leader denied his request.

Netanyahu vs. Biden:

We'll go into Rafah, we do what's vital for security

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he appreciates President Biden's support but Israel must act in its security interests. 'We can not complete the victory without the IDF entering Rafah, to eliminate the remaining Hamas battalions.'

US Jewish leaders:

'We have reservations about Schumer’s speech'

Conference of Presidents releases statement after speaking to Senate Majority Leader about his controversial speech: We remain distressed that an American official would tell a sovereign, democratic ally when to conduct its electoral process.

Amid tensions with Biden:

Netanyahu to speak to Senate Republicans

Prime Minister Netanyahu is tentatively scheduled to speak virtually to Senate Republicans during their regular lunch meeting on Wednesday.

Pentagon official:

US Defense Secretary to host Gallant next week

Pentagon official says Secretary Lloyd Austin will host Defense Minister Yoav Gallant next week for a bilateral meeting at the US Defense Department.

Schumer:

'I considered calling on Netanyahu to step down'

Senate Majority Leader on his controversial speech: I considered saying Netanyahu should step down, but that is telling Israel what to do.

Biden:

'Target Hamas without major operation in Rafah'

US President says he asked Netanyahu to send a team to Washington to discuss ways to target Hamas without a major ground operation in Rafah.

Schumer responds to Trump:

'To make Israel a partisan issue only hurts Israel'

Senate Majority Leader fires back at Trump over criticism of Jews who vote for Democrats: Trump is making highly partisan and hateful rants.

Schumer insists:

'Speech wasn't meant to be an attack on Israel'

Senate Majority Leader tells Washington Post columnist his speech which caused a firestorm was meant to "show that you could be against Netanyahu and still be very pro-Israel".

Netanyahu:

'Schumer's comments were totally inappropriate'

During an interview with CNN, the Israeli Prime Minister discussed comments by the US Senate Majority Leader calling for new elections and referring to him as a threat to peace.

John Kirby:

'Elections in Israel? The people will decide'

White House National Security Communications Advisor rejects assertions that Biden is calling for new elections in Israel: We are going to keep supporting Israel in their fight against Hamas.

Israeli official:

'US slow-walking some military aid'

Senior Israeli official tells ABC News that the US has begun slow-walking some military aid to Israel. Senior US officials deny the claims.

'He made a good speech'

Biden backs Schumer's remarks on Israel

US President backs remarks made by Senate Majority Leader against the Israeli government: He expressed serious concerns shared by many Americans.

Schumer clarifies:

'Israel has the right to choose its own leaders'

Senate Majority Leader seeks to clarify remarks against the Israeli government which caused a firestorm: The US cannot dictate the outcome of an election.

Report:

US will only support 'small-scale' Rafah operation

Politico report: Senior US officials have told their Israeli counterparts the Biden administration would support a Rafah operation as long as Israel avoids a large-scale invasion.

Secretary Blinken:

'Deal on the table, question is will Hamas take it'

Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed humanitarian efforts in Gaza and said that they will improve once there is a ceasefire. 'Does Hamas want to end the suffering that it's provoked?'

White House walks back Biden's comments on Israel

National Security Adviser asked about Biden's comments that a Rafah operation would be a red line: The President didn't make any declarations or pronouncements.

Report:

Biden could condition aid if Israel invades Rafah

Four US officials tell Politico President Biden will consider conditioning military aid to Israel if the country moves forward with a large-scale invasion of Rafah.

Biden:

'I have not scheduled a meeting with Netanyahu'

US President tells reporters he has no plans to address the Knesset at this time, after expressing a desire to do so in a TV interview.