Israel-US

After Passover:

Smotrich to head to Washington for discussions on tariffs

Finance Minister holds meeting with senior officials in his ministry to formulate a set of measures aimed at reducing the impact of US trade tariffs on the Israeli economy.

Yesha Council to Huckabee:

We regard you as a true partner of the people of Israel

Chairman of the Yesha Council, Yisrael Ganz, sent a letter to Mike Huckabee congratulating him on his confirmation in the Senate as US Ambassador to Israel.

Trump:

'I don't understand why Israel gave up Gaza'

Netanyahu promises to cut the trade deficit between the US and Israel. Trump explains plan for Gaza and adds: 'I don't understand why Israel ever gave it up...They took ocean-front property and gave it away for peace - how did that work out? Not good.'

Louisiana State Representative:

'Israel has right to live in heart of Biblical homeland'

Louisiana State Representative Michael Bayham visited the Binyamin Regional Council and expressed his support for the application of Israeli sovereignty in Judea and Samaria.

Ahead of key talks with Trump

Netanyahu lands in Washington, meets US Commerce Secretary

Prime Minister Netanyahu lands in Washington to meet with President Trump and top US officials. Trump says he will discuss trade issues with the Prime Minister.

'I hope I can help'

Netanyahu leaves for US to talk to Trump about tariffs

Prime Minister Netanyahu leaves Hungary for the US where he will meet with President Trump to discuss the situation in Gaza as well as the new 17% tariff on Israeli goods.

Trump:

Netanyahu may visit the US next week

US President says he spoke with Netanyahu and adds the Prime Minister may visit the United States next week or “sometime in the not so distant future.”

15 Democrats back Sanders’ failed bid to block Israel arms sales

15 Senate Democrats support Bernie Sanders’ resolutions to halt $8.8 billion in US arms sales to Israel, but the measures fail overwhelmingly.

Senate panel advances Huckabee’s nomination as Israel Ambassador

Senate Foreign Relations Committee approves Mike Huckabee’s nomination as US ambassador to Israel. The nomination now moves to the full Senate for a final decision.

US Sen. Graham objects to Netanyahu's choice for ISA Chief

US Senator Lindsey Graham published a post calling on Israel to reconsider the appointment of VADM Eli Sharvit, who recently wrote a column criticizing President Trump's policies.

Ambassador Danon: Stefanik a ‘true ally’ of Israel

Israel’s Ambassador to the UN comments on White House’s decision to withdraw the nomination of Elise Stefanik as US Ambassador to the UN: "I am confident that she will continue to stand by our side".

Sanders moves to block $8.8 billion in US arms sales to Israel

Senator Bernie Sanders accuses Prime Minister Netanyahu of violating US and international law by suspending entry of aid to Gaza. Previous efforts by Sanders to block arms sales to Israel failed

Report:

Sensitive Israeli intelligence leaked in Trump admin. chat group

Israeli officials raise concerns over breach of trust after sensitive intelligence was exposed in a Signal chat to which a journalist was inadvertently added.

Witkoff:

'I may have been duped by Hamas'

US special envoy Steve Witkoff reaffirms America’s commitment to Israel: We need to be clear who the aggressor is here, and that is Hamas.

In call with Netanyahu

Rubio reaffirms US support for Israel

State Department says Secretary of State Marco Rubio conveyed to Netanyahu the Administration’s determination to restore freedom of navigation in the Red Sea through operations against the Houthis.

Mike Waltz:

'Hamas chose war, Israel has the right to defend'

Trump’s National Security Advisor expresses support for Israel’s renewed military campaign against Hamas: The ceasefire would have been extended if Hamas released all remaining hostages.

Report:

Israeli delegation heads to White House for Iran strategy talks

Senior Israeli and US officials to discuss Iran nuclear threat amid low expectations for a new deal.

US:

'Hamas solely responsible for Gaza hostilities'

Speaking at UN Security Council, Acting US Ambassador to the United Nations Dorothy Shea stresses that the US supports Israel in its actions against Hamas.

White House Press Secretary:

'Israel consulted US pre-Gaza strikes'

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirms Israel consulted the US before launching strikes on Hamas in Gaza: As President Trump has made it clear, all the terrorists will see a price to pay.

US announces task force to pursue justice for 10.7 victims

Attorney General Pamela Bondi vows 'there will be consequences' as the task force targets those responsible for the October 7 attack, prosecutes Hamas leadership and combats terrorism financing.

Gabbard reconsiders appointment of critic of Israel’s war in Gaza

New York Times report: Tulsi Gabbard, US director of national intelligence, decided against appointing Daniel Davis, a critic of Israel’s war in Gaza, to key position after backlash from within Trump's coalition.

Israel and US agree:

Talks with Hamas to be fully coordinated between the countries

Prime Minister Netanyahu and his staff told the cabinet that they had spoken to the Trump administration about the direct talks between Envoy Boehler and Hamas and agreed that they would be fully coordinated.

Adam Boehler:

'Hamas interested in disarming, not threatening Israel'

Special envoy for the hostage negotiations Adam Boehler claimed that Hamas is interested in ending the conflict in favor of a US-supervised truce.

Report:

Israel expressed outrage over secret US-Hamas talks

Axios reports that Israel’s deep concerns over secret negotiations between the Trump administration and Hamas resulted in heated exchange between Minister Ron Dermer and US envoy for hostages Adam Boehler.

Report:

Israel weighing intelligence sharing amid US Russia policy shift

Sources told NBC News that several US allies, including Israel, fear exposure of classified sources as the Trump administration shifts its approach to Moscow.

After 4-year boycott:

Minister Smotrich meets with American counterpart

Minister of Finance Bezalel Smotrich met with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. The Minister discussed strengthening the economic partnership between the nations and thanked the administration for its support.

Smotrich leaves for Washington

Smotrich will meet with several senior administration officials including the Secretary of the Treasury. 'The goal of the visit is to strengthen the economic partnership between Israel and the US.'

In call with DM Katz

Hegseth reaffirms commitment to Israel

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth speaks with Defense Minister Israel Katz, tells him that the United States “remains 100 percent committed to Israel's security”.

Israel and US considering withdrawing from ICJ

Minister Ron Dermer coordinating moves regarding a joint withdrawal from the court with senior Trump administration officials, on behalf of Prime Minister Netanyahu.

Prime Minister Netanyahu:

'Trump is Israel’s greatest friend in the White House'

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a statement thanking President Trump for his strong support and noted that Hamas's demands for a ceasefire are 'totally unacceptable.'

Reversing Biden's hold

Rubio announces $4B military aid to Israel

Secretary of State announces he has signed a declaration to use emergency authorities to expedite the delivery of approximately $4 billion in military assistance to Israel: Israel has no greater ally in the White House than President Trump.

President Trump:

'Hamas is a vicious group of people, Israel must make a decision'

US President Donald Trump said he was 'disappointed' hostages are returning dead and noted that Israel is going to have to decide what it is doing as phase one ends.

Trump on Hamas ultimatum:

'It's up to Netanyahu and Israel'

Trump comments on his previous ultimatum to Hamas: It's up to Bibi Netanyahu and Israel. I may have done it differently than him. It's not my decision, it's his decision.

'An appropriate response'

White House backs Israel's decision to delay terrorist release

White House expresses support for Israel’s decision to delay the release of more than 600 terrorist prisoners, says Trump "prepared to support Israel in whatever course of action it chooses regarding Hamas.”

Stefanik at CPAC: Hamas must be eradicated

Trump’s nominee for Ambassador to the United Nations: It has never been more important to show the world’s unequivocal support for Israel.

Stefanik after hostage news:

'Never been more important to show our support for Israel'

Elise Stefanik, US Ambassador-Designate to the UN, stresses importance of support for Israel after announcement that the bodies of Shiri Bibas and her young sons Ariel and Kfir will be returned: This must not be Israel’s fight alone but a fight between good and evil.

Due to hostages' return:

IDF Chief of Staff ends US visit early

During his official visit, Halevi held a series of meetings with senior officials in the United States Armed Forces.

Trump on ultimatum to Hamas:

'Up to Israel what to do next, in consultation with me'

US President comments on the ultimatum he gave to Hamas that it must release all the hostages. "I told Bibi, you do whatever you want...the next step is up to Israel, in consultation with me."

Netanyahu to Con. of Presidents:

Meeting with Trump most consequential between US-Israeli leaders

In a speech to the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, Prime Minister Netanyahu stressed the importance of Israel’s alliance with the United States in achieving regional security.

Rubio to Herzog:

'Iranian regime behind all challenges in the region'

Ahead of their meeting, President Herzog and Secretary of State Rubio spoke to the media about the challenges that the two nations face in the region.

What do everyday Israelis think about Trump's plan for Gaza?

American journalist Nate Friedman takes to the streets of Jerusalem and Tel Aviv to find out what Israelis think about the hostage deal, US President Trump, his plan for Gaza, and other hot-button issues.

State Department:

Rubio's Israel visit to center on Phase II of hostage deal

US State Department issues official statement about Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit to the Middle East from February 15-18, which will include a stop in Israel.

Netanyahu on Fox News:

'Trump is the greatest friend Israel has ever had'

Netanyahu recaps his week in Washington, D.C. in an interview with Mark Levin: I intend to get all the hostages out. We have three war aims in Gaza and I'm committed to achieving all three.

'This year in Jerusalem'

Netanyahu invites House Speaker Mike Johnson to visit Israel

Prime Minister Netanyahu meets US House Speaker Mike Johnson in Washington. Johnson: What Israel has done in the past seven months really is a testament to what can be accomplished when we do not let the enemy set the rules.

Report:

Rubio plans Middle East visit

US Secretary of State set to visit the Middle East in mid-February, marking his first trip to the region since taking office, according to a report in Axios.

'The war's turning point'

The golden pager that Netanyahu gifted Trump

The Prime Minister's Office published a photo of the golden pager that the Prime Minister presented to the American President who replied: 'That was a brilliant operation.'

Pentagon:

'Hegseth said US is 100 percent committed to Israel's security'

Pentagon issues statement summarizing meeting between Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Prime Minister Netanyahu: Hegseth made clear that the United States will stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Israel to pursue peace through strength.

US Defense Sec. to Netanyahu:

'We will provide you with the ammunition that was not provided'

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, who expresses appreciation for the activities of the IDF and for Israel's resilience in the face of security threats.

'Ethnic cleansing'

Democratic lawmaker seeks to impeach Trump over Gaza plan

Rep. Al Green says he would bring articles of impeachment against President Trump for 'dastardly deeds proposed and dastardly deeds done.'

Trump:

'The US will take over the Gaza Strip'

Trump and Netanyahu hold press conference following their meeting at the White House. Trump on Gaza: The US will take over the Gaza Strip and create an economic development that will supply unlimited numbers of jobs and housing for the people of the area.

Trump:

'The goal is to resettle the people of Gaza permanently'

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu becomes the first international leader to meet President Trump since he assumed office. Trump in response to Arutz Sheva: Saudis are not expecting a Palestinian state as a condition for normalization with Israel.

Billion dollar deal:

Trump planning defense aid package for Israel

The billion-dollar defense deal includes two central components: 4,700 guided half-ton bombs worth a total of 700 million dollars, as well as armored bulldozers worth 300 million dollars.

Rep. Andrew Harris:

'Israel is for Jews, from the river to the sea'

Rep. Andrew Harris (R-MD 1st District) sent a letter to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu supporting the Knesset resolution against a Palestinian state.

'Amazing what they've done'

Trump demonstrates Israel's size using his pen

US President Donald Trump spoke to reporters about how small Israel is and said he had no assurances that the ceasefire in Gaza would hold.

Trump:

'Talks on the Middle East are progressing'

Ahead of his meeting with Netanyahu on Tuesday, Trump says talks with Israel and other countries on the Middle East are progressing: We have some very big meetings scheduled.

'We need both parties to support Israel'

Reps. Brad Sherman (D-CA) and Joe Wilson (R-SC) speak to Arutz Sheva-Israel National News ahead of Netanyahu’s meeting with Trump. Rep. Wilson: We know that Netanyahu and Trump will work together to achieve all of the hostages being released. And it will be done very quickly.

Watch:

Netanyahu lands in Washington

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lands in Washington, DC, ahead of his meetings with Steve Witkoff and President Trump.

Netanyahu before leaving to US:

'Working with President Trump we could redraw the map'

Netanyahu spoke to the press before boarding his flight to the US ahead of his meeting with the US President.

White House:

'Trump is committed to the release of all remaining hostages'

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt: Trump’s working meeting with the Israeli Prime Minister next week emphasizes his continued support for Israel and ensuring that brutal terrorists in that region have hell to pay.

Report:

Netanyahu and Trump to meet twice in Washington on Tuesday

Axios reports that Trump and Netanyahu are expected to meet in the afternoon for a working meeting and later in the evening for an informal dinner with their spouses.