Israel-US

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.

VP Harris:

'Don't conflate Israeli gov't with Israeli people'

US Vice President Kamala Harris says Israelis deserve security and there should be a distinction between the Israeli people and the Israeli government.

Biden:

'Israeli operation in Rafah would be a red line'

US President tells MSNBC that Netanyahu "must, must, must" pay more attention to preventing civilian casualties in Gaza. "He hurts Israel more than he protects her. This is a mistake."

'False and misleading'

Israel Heritage Foundation seeks apology from Harris

Israel Heritage Foundation calling on Vice President Kamala Harris to apologize after appearing to blame Israel for the “inhumane” conditions in Gaza.

Biden:

'Israel will provide security for Gaza aid port'

US President when asked whether Netanyahu should be doing more to provide aid to Gaza: “Yes he does”.

Report:

White House asks for list of Israel-bound weapons

The White House recently asked the State Department and the Pentagon for a list of all weapons transfers to Israel that are planned or are up for approval in the coming weeks.

Report:

US quietly approved hundreds of arms sales to Israel

Washington Post reports that the United States has delivered thousands of munitions and other lethal aid to Israel since the start of the Gaza war.

Blinken to Gantz:

'Humanitarian plan needed before operation in Rafah'

Minister Benny Gantz meets US Secretary of State in Washington. State Department: The Secretary underscored the importance of reaching an agreement to achieve the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas.

Int'l law expert:

UN will still not condemn Hamas after rape report

Professor Anne Bayefsky, the Director of the Touro Institute on Human Rights, tells Arutz Sheva the UN will not act against Hamas even after publishing its own report saying there are 'reasonable grounds' to believe Hamas committed mass rape.

Head of CENTCOM visited Israel last week

US Central Command says its Commander, Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, visited the Middle East, including Israel, where he met Defense Minister Gallant and Chief of Staff Halevi.

Israel has overwhelming support from US citizens

Israel has to be allowed to win the war against Hamas. The American People are fully engaged in the effort. Op-ed.

Not coordinated with PM

Gantz to take off for Washington on Sunday

Sources close to Netanyahu say he "made it clear to Minister Gantz that the State of Israel has only one Prime Minister".

Report:

US wants written assurances on weapons in Gaza

Officials tell Axios that Biden administration gave Israel until mid-March to sign letter that provides assurances that it will abide by international law while using US weapons in Gaza.

'Shameful decision'

Blinken under fire for reversing 'settlement' policy

Figures from the Republican Party blast Secretary of State who reversed predecessor Mike Pompeo's policy on Israel's presence in Judea and Samaria.

Kirby on post-war plans:

'We don't believe in forced displacement of Gazans'

White House National Security Council Spokesperson asked about Israel's post-war plans: We have very consistent positions, we still hold to them.

Blinken:

'Settlements inconsistent with international law'

Secretary of State reverses policy set by predecessor Mike Pompeo, says Washington views the Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria as “inconsistent with international law”.

Over Israel criticism

Rep. Torres quits Congressional Progressive Caucus

New York Democrat has been one of the most vocally pro-Israel Democrats in the House.

US to ICJ:

'Don't force Israel to withdraw from Judea, Samaria'

US gives its views in ICJ case discussing Israel’s alleged “occupation” of Judea and Samaria.

US Ambassador to Israel:

'Israel to be grateful for the nudge to our morals'

Ambassador Jacob Lew spoke to the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations and emphasized that US support of Israel has not wavered.

Netanyahu in message to US:

'We reject international dictates'

After speaking to Biden, Netanyahu responds to reports that the administration is planning to establish a Palestinian state: Israel will continue to oppose the unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state.

For the second time this week:

Netanyahu and Biden speak

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Joe Biden speak for about 40 minutes, discuss hostage release deal and the war in Gaza.

Yesha Council to PM:

Hold urgent meeting on foreign intervention

Yesha Council chair Shlomo Ne’eman says the sanctions recently imposed on Israelis constitute a severe oversight of Israeli sovereignty and severe political disregard based on blood libel.

FBI Director makes surprise trip to Israel

FBI Director Christopher Wray meets fellow law enforcement and intelligence partners to discuss the threats facing both countries.

State Department:

US reviewing reports of civilian harm by Israel

State Department spokesman says US reviewing reports that Israel harmed civilians in Gaza, under guidelines aimed at ensuring countries receiving US arms conduct military operations in line with humanitarian law.

Senate approves promotion of Israel aid bill

Senate sets the stage for final passage of a $95.34 billion aid package for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, though there are doubts it will pass the Republican-controlled House of Representatives.

US demands:

Increase entry of humanitarian aid to Gaza

US administration demands that Israel allow many points of entry for humanitarian aid into the Strip in the event of an operation in Rafah.

Report:

Biden's expletive-laden rants against Netanyahu

Five sources have reported that the US President has vented his frustration with the Israeli Prime Minister's refusal to comply.

Senator Fetterman:

'There’s only one right side and that’s with Israel'

Senator John Fetterman speaks to Channel 12 News about his support for Israel: Until Hamas is effectively neutralized, I could never support a ceasefire.

Biden to Netanyahu:

'No Rafah op. without plan to protect civilians'

The Prime Minister and President spoke for 45 minutes and discussed hostage negotiations, humanitarian aid, and Israel's expected operation in Rafah.

White House confirms:

'Biden was referring to Israel’s conduct in Gaza'

White House press secretary clarifies that President Biden was referring to Israel’s military operation when he described the response in Gaza as “over the top”.

Blinken:

'Daily toll on innocent civilians is still too high'

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken addresses the press in Tel Aviv after meeting with President Herzog, Prime Minister Netanyahu, and members of Israel's war cabinet.

Herzog to Blinken:

'Biden following footsteps of giants such as Truman'

President Herzog met with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken who is in Israel for the 6th time since the October 7th massacre.

House Speaker:

'Jewish people deserve to live in their homeland'

House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson hosts Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana. Also in attendance: Israel’s Ambassador to the United States, Michael Herzog, and family members of hostages being held captive by Hamas.

Vote falls short

House fails to pass standalone Israel aid bill

Democrats reject the measure, saying they want a vote on a broader measure that would also provide assistance to Ukraine and new money for border security.

Otzma Yehudit MK:

'The criticism of Ben Gvir is hypocrisy'

MK Yitzhak Kroizer responds to those who blasted Minister Itamar Ben Gvir over his criticism of US President Joe Biden's policy towards Israel.

Israel aid included in Senate's new budget proposal

US Senators release $118 billion package that includes, among other things, $14 billion in military aid to Israel.

Biden's spokesman denies

Report: Biden cursed Netanyahu in closed talks

Politico reports that Biden privately called Netanyahu a “bad f***ing guy.” Biden spokesperson: The president did not say that, nor would he.

US pressing:

Extended ceasefire for Saudi normalization deal

According to the proposed two-stage deal, Israel will stop fighting for at least four months and release a large number of terrorists in return for the release of the remaining hostages and a normalization deal with Saudi Arabia.

White House:

'No plans to sanction Israeli government officials'

White House spokesperson John Kirby on sanctions against Israeli "settlers": A signal to the world that Biden takes settler violence seriously.

State Department:

'Palestinian state is the best way to bring peace'

State Department spokesperson says the United States is “actively pursuing” the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.

White House spokesman:

'Israel is relying less on its Air Force in Gaza'

National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby comments on tensions between Netanyahu and Biden: They don't always agree on everything but they have the kind of relationship where they can be frank and honest.

Report:

Gallant promised US not to let Jews return to Gaza

During a meeting with US Ambassador and Envoy for Humanitarian Affairs, the Defense Minister stressed the buffer zone would be temporary and for security purposes only.