Israel-US

Israeli, Saudi officals fear:

US insistence on Palestinian issue can harm normalization

Sources say disagreements regarding the central issues on the agenda can be overcome, while the Palestinian issue can collapse the talks.

Pro-PA groups:

'Suspend Israel's entry into the Visa Waiver Program'

Pro-Palestinian Arab groups say Israel's acceptance into VWP should be suspended until a lawsuit in the matter is resolved.

Israel Heritage Foundation:

'Israel should be deciding which Americans to admit'

Israel Heritage Foundation welcomes Israel's acceptance to Visa Waiver Program, criticizes senators who demanded Israel admit antisemites.

Report:

Blinken signed letter recommending Israel to Visa Waiver Program

Sources tell Axios that Secretary of State recommended to allow Israel to join the US Visa Waiver Program.

State Department:

'No decision yet about Israel and Visa Waiver Program'

State Department spokesperson says a determination on Israel's candidacy for the Visa Waiver Program will be made "in the coming days".

Israel on brink of joining US Visa Waiver Program

Report: Unofficial communication from the US confirms Israel satisfies prerequisites for Visa Waiver Program.

Prime Minister’s Office:

'Biden-Netanyahu meeting mostly dealt with Israel-Saudi peace'

Prime Minister’s Office summarizes meeting between Netanyahu and Biden: A good and friendly private conversation.

Henry Kissinger:

'I'm worried about the concessions to the Saudis'

Former US Sec. of State discussed negotiations between the US and Saudi Arabia, the political situation in Israel, and the Yom Kippur War.

Fmr. Ambassador Oren:

'The protesters feel they have support of the Biden admin.'

Former Israeli Ambassador to the United States, Michael Oren criticized the planned protests against PM Netanyahu in the US.

Saudis, PA & judicial reform:

This is what PM Netanyahu and President Biden will discuss

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to depart tonight to the US, where he will address the UN and meet with world leaders.

White House confirms:

Biden and Netanyahu to meet in New York next week

White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan confirms Biden will meet Netanyahu at the UN General Assembly.

White House won't confirm Biden-Netanyahu meeting

"No meetings to speak to at this point", says White House official John Kirby when asked about reported meeting next week.

Senators to Biden:

'Do not accept Israel into the Visa Waiver Program'

15 Democratic senators claim Israel is not abiding by its commitments and as such should not be accepted to Visa Waiver Program.

US boycott continues:

Senior Israeli ministers not invited to embassy New Year toast

Invitations to the event were withheld from Ministers from Religious Zionism and Otzma Yehudit, including Smotrich and Ben-Gvir.

Gallant to top US officials:

'Iran undermines stability in the Middle East'

During the meetings the minister discussed the Abraham Accords, Iran, IDF counterterrorism efforts in Judea and Samaria, among other things.

Smotrich against the US:

'We saw how they acted in Afghanistan and Iraq'

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said that no one is as ethical as Israel and that the US has no right to criticize the Israeli government.

Netanyahu clarifies:

'Israel allows freedom of movement, terrorists take advantage'

Netanyahu’s office issues English statement clarifying Ben Gvir’s comments which resulted in condemnation from the United States.

Again:

US equates Burqa incident to Palestinian Arab terrorism

US Ambassador to the UN expresses concern over terrorist attacks against Israelis but also condemns "terror attack by settlers in Burqa".

Republican candidate:

'The United States should reduce its aid to Israel'

Vivek Ramaswamy, a contender for the Republican presidential nomination, says Israel should not get more aid than its neighbors after 2028.

Blinken to Dermer:

'Israel, Palestinians should take steps to de-escalate tensions'

Secretary of State meets Minister for Strategic Affairs in Washington.

Amid concerns over refusals:

Chair of Joint Chiefs of Staff to visit Israel

Gen. Mark Milley will meet Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi and other senior Israeli security officials.

Report:

Orthodox Jew Fmr. Treasury Secretary candidate for US ambassador

According to the report President Biden is considering appointing fmr. Secretary of the Treasury Jack Lew as the US ambassador to Israel,

Michigan Democrat apologizes for Israel visit

Senator Sylvia Santana apologizes for her recent visit to Israel after it caused an uproar among her Arab and Muslim constituents.

US pushes back on Netanyahu's claim of White House visit

National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby: We still anticipate Biden-Netanyahu meeting and it will be somewhere in the US.

Report:

US, Saudis agree on broad outiline for deal with Israel

Crown Prince bin Salman told advisors that he was in no rush to come to such an agreement, especially with the current Israeli government.

Mississippi:

Israeli Navy raises flag over new landing craft

The INS Nahshon, the first of two such crafts, will serve as a logistical axis for transporting equipment and soldiers.

Jewish group tells US lawmakers not to meddle in Israeli policy

Agudath Israel of America says judicial reform in Israel is a matter for Israelis to determine through 'their vibrant democratic process.'

Israeli officials:

Bid for US Visa Waiver Program progressing

Sources said that the matter is progressing, and the Americans are satisfied. "We're optimistic," the sources stated.

Ambassador Herzog:

'I was heartened to see the resounding bipartisan support'

Israel’s Ambassador to the US thanks lawmakers for attending last week’s speech to Congress by his brother, President Isaac Herzog.

White House:

'We're still working on details of Netanyahu-Biden meeting'

White House Press Secretary won't confirm location of meeting between Biden and Netanyahu: They agreed to meet later this year.

State Department:

'No plans to cut military aid to Israel'

Deputy State Department spokesperson: Our commitment to Israel’s security is ironclad.

'They speak candidly':

WH press secretary won't say if Biden believes Netanyahu

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre when asked whether Biden believes Netanyahu: They had a candid conversation.

White House to Israel:

'Respect the right of peaceful assembly'

US comments on incidents of violence during protests against the judicial reform: There is a significant debate in Israel.

White House:

'Unfortunate that vote took place with slimmest majority'

US expresses disappointment that first phase of judicial reform passed in the Knesset without a broad consensus.

Biden:

'Netanyahu shouldn't rush judicial overhaul bill'

US President tells Barak Ravid of Axios: Given the range of threats confronting Israel, it doesn’t make sense to rush the reform.

Ambassador Herzog:

'I didn't hear call from Biden admin. to stop the legislation'

Israeli Ambassador to the United States, Michael Herzog, says he believes President Biden must invite PM Netanyahu to the White House.

Blinken on judicial reform:

'Major changes are best done by trying to build consensus'

Secretary of State at Aspen Security Forum: As such close friends with Israel, we share the concerns we have about the judicial reform.

Biden:

'Herzog and I discussed key issues of mutual concern'

US President tweets about his meeting with President Isaac Herzog: I look forward to strengthening our partnership.

Herzog and Harris announce:

'US and Israel to invest $70 million in climate initiative'

President Herzog meets US Vice President Harris: I want to thank you personally for your long-standing contribution to our relations.

Thomas Friedman:

Biden's message to Netanyahu: 'Please stop now'

The NYT analyst claims the US president invited him for a meeting to ensure his position is 'crystal clear to all Israelis.'

House approves resolution:

'Israel is not a racist or apartheid state'

House of Representatives votes 412-9 in favor of resolution condemning antisemitism and supporting Israel. All nine opposed were Democrats.

Herzog meets Blinken:

'We'll be discussing our missing in action and POWs in Gaza'

Secretary of State tells Herzog that Israel and the US "have a unique relationship, grounded in our commitment to Israel's security."

Biden to Herzog:

'The conversation with Netanyahu was good and cordial'

Biden tells Herzog the noise surrounding the judicial reform makes it difficult to promote regional processes in the Middle East.

Herzog departs for US

President tells MKs: Make an effort, the price is too great

During his visit to the US, President Herzog will address a joint session of Congress marking the 75th anniversary of Israel's independence.

Top White House official:

'Biden-Netanyahu meeting - probably before the end of the year'

US National Security Council spokesman: Biden's invitation does not mean the administration isn't concerned about judicial reform.

White House:

'Biden expressed concern to Netanyahu about settlement growth'

White House issues statement on Biden-Netanyahu conversation, says the President stressed the need for consensus on judicial reform.

Democrat lawmaker:

'Israel isn't racist, Netanyahu's gov't has racist policies'

Rep. Pramila Jayapal walks back comments suggesting Israel as a racist state, says she was referring to current government's policies.

Netanyahu to Amb. Herzog:

'You should've done more to get me invited to White House'

PM reportedly outraged with Israel's Ambassador in Washington over his perceived lack of action in securing invitation to meet Biden.

President Herzog's US visit:

Anti-judicial reform protesters to demonstrate on Capitol Hill

Chartered busses are expected to bring protesters from NYC to protest outside Israeli President Isaac Herzog's address to Congress.

Mark Levin:

'Biden sides with Iran against Israel'

A stark warning from Mark Levin about the dangers Israel faces from the current US administration.

Ahead of US trip:

Netanyahu emphasizes Israel's two red lines to Herzog

Netanyahu and Herzog discuss a host of issues, chief among them the Iranian nuclear threat and Iran's activities to destabilize the region.

White House:

'Herzog visit to highlight enduring partnership and friendship'

President Herzog and his counterpart will discuss opportunities to deepen Israel’s regional integration and more.

Despite tensions with US:

Progress made on Israel's inclusion in Visa Waiver Program

US will soon launch a pilot program that will examine the conditions for the entry to Israel of Palestinian Arabs with US citizenship.

Top diplomatic source:

'No knowledge of American decision to 'reassess' relationship'

The source emphasized that even if such a move would be done, it would not be unprecedented.

Thomas Friedman:

US to reassess relationship with Israel

According to the NYT columnist Pres. Biden will tell Pres. Herzog that a reassessment of the relationship is inevitable.

DeSantis:

'Biden meets with dictators but snubs Israeli Prime Minister'

Florida Governor criticizes Biden administration after Ambassador Nides said US is trying to keep Israel "from going of the rails".

White House issues rare statement on protests in Israel

White House calls on Israel to "respect the right of peaceful assembly" amid protests against judicial reform.

State Department spokesman:

'We'll continue to express our concerns about Israel'

State Department spokesperson responds to Minister Ben Gvir who, in response to Biden's criticism, said Israel is an independent country.

Ambassador Nides:

'We're trying to stop Israel from going off the rails'

Outgoing US Ambassador to Israel argues the judicial reform in Israel raises questions about Israel's democratic credentials.

US admin source reveals:

Deal with Saudi Arabia - Israel to relinquish land control to PA

According to the offer, Israel would recognize Palestinian state and transfer control over land in Judea and Samaria.