Israel-US

Hegseth to Katz:

'US fully supports Israel's right to defend itself'

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth holds introductory call with Defense Minister Israel Katz, reaffirms the unbreakable bond between the United States and Israel.

Yechiel Leiter assumes role as Israel's Ambassador to the US

New ambassador dedicates his first day in office to meetings with diplomats at the embassy, thanks them for their dedicated work to strengthen ties between Israel and the United States.

Netanyahu, US Defense Sec. discuss 'unbreakable' US-Israel bond

One day after being sworn in, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth speaks by phone to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. US defense official says Hegseth stressed that the United States is fully committed to ensure that Israel has the capabilities it needs to defend itself.

Trump:

'A lot of things that were not sent to Israel are on their way'

US President confirms reports that he has instructed to release hold on 2,000-pound bombs intended for shipment to Israel and which were frozen by Biden.

'The honor of my lifetime'

Israel's Ambassador to the US in parting message

Israel’s outgoing Ambassador to the US, Michael Herzog, posts a farewell post on X as his tenure concludes. He will be replaced by Dr. Yechiel Leiter.

Historic boost for communities:

Yesha Council delegation attends President Trump's inauguration

During the visit, the delegation held a series of meetings with senior officials from the new administration and members of Congress.

Rubio to Netanyahu:

We'll work tirelessly to help free all remaining hostages

US Secretary of State speaks to Prime Minister Netanyahu, underscores US steadfast support for Israel and says he looks forward to addressing the threats posed by Iran.

Vice President Harris and President Herzog discuss hostage deal

In their twelfth conversation since Harris took office, the Vice President thanked Herzog for his partnership and expressed that she expects the hostage deal to be implemented fully and on schedule.

US aid package:

Israel signs deal to expand Iron Dome interceptor production

Under the contract, the first under the US aid package approved in April, Rafael will supply the Ministry of Defense and IDF with a significant amount of Iron Dome interceptors.

Mike Waltz:

'If Israel needs to go back into Gaza, we’re with them'

US President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming National Security Adviser to Fox News: The hostage release deal was reached thanks to the Trump effect. We’re with Israel if Hamas doesn’t live up to the terms of this agreement.

Report:

Trump to impose severe sanctions on ICC

US President-elect Trump plans to introduce sweeping sanctions against International Criminal Court in bid to get the court to cancel arrest warrants against Netanyahu and Gallant.

At end of Biden's term

US plans $8 billion sale of arms to Israel

State Department informs Congress about $8 billion arms deal with Israel, which includes missiles, artillery shells, and other munitions.

US message to Israel:

Attacks on Houthis will intensify until Biden's term concludes

Report: Senior US officials told Israeli officials that, until the Biden administration concludes its term on January 20, the United States intends to intensify its strikes against the Houthi rebels in Yemen.

Israel Ganz in the US:

'The Jewish people look forward to the Trump era'

Binyamin Regional Governor and Yesha Council Chairman Israel Ganz is currently US and has been meeting with senior US officials to promote the future of Judea and Samaria.

20 Congress Members urge Biden:

'Suspend offensive military transfers to Israel'

20 Members of Congress from the Democratic Party, including members of The Squad, write a letter calling on the Biden administration to suspend offensive military transfers to the Israeli government.

US deploys USS Harry S. Truman carrier strike group to MidEast

CENTCOM announces that the USS Harry S. Truman carrier strike group had entered its area of responsibility in the Middle East and will "ensure regional stability and security."

Report:

US begs Israel to approve military aid for Palestinian Authority

US sent Israel an urgent request to allow it to send military equipment and ammunition to the PA security forces who are operating against terrorists in northern Samaria.

Sullivan:

'Netanyahu is ready to do a deal'

US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan holds a press availability in Tel Aviv concluding a visit to Israel and declares: "When I go to Doha and Cairo, my goal will be to put us in a position to close a deal this month"

Trump to TIME:

'There are ideas other than a two-state solution'

In his Man of the Year interview, US President-elect Donald Trump said that he wants to see lasting peace in the region and noted: 'Everyone is forgetting conveniently about October 7, but that was a horrible day for the world.'

Funds for US-Israel cooperation

House approves annual defense bill

US House of Representatives approves annual defense bill, which allocates substantial funding for Israel-related initiatives, by a 281-140 majority.

Netanyahu reveals:

'Obama offered me a secret visit to Afghanistan'

During his testimony in court, Prime Minister Netanyahu delved into his rocky relationship with the former US president and revealed that from their first meeting, Obama pressured him to create a Palestinian state.

US official backs Israeli operations in Syrian territory

A US administration official expressed support for Israel's advance into Syrian territory telling Kan News: 'No nation can tolerate terror groups being right on their doorstep'

Ambassador Jack Lew:

'Hamas is to blame for the fact that there's no hostage deal'

US Ambassador to Israel tells Kan 11 News that Hamas is responsible for the fact that no agreement for a hostage release has been reached, but says some of Israel’s actions 'shifted the focus from Hamas in a way that’s not helpful.'

Senator Graham:

'If you empower the ICC, you'll have trouble with the US'

US Senator Lindsey Graham spoke to the press in Jerusalem and pledged that he would work to sanction the International Criminal Court and any country that took action against Israel.

Lloyd Austin:

'Ceasefire is good for Israel and good for Lebanon'

US Secretary of Defense welcomes ceasefire agreed to by Israel and Lebanon: Our support for Israel's security remains ironclad, and so does our support for Israel's right to defend itself from Iranian-backed terrorist organizations like Hezbollah and Hamas.

House Speaker Johnson:

'Biden and Harris are still withholding weapons to Israel'

House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson criticizes Biden and Harris following the announcement of the ceasefire in Lebanon: They repeatedly appeased Iran. It is President Trump’s Administration that will pave the way to lasting peace.

Biden against ICC:

'Arrest warrants against Israeli leaders are outrageous'

US President condemns International Criminal Court’s decision to issue arrest warrants against Netanyahu and Gallant: There is no equivalence — none — between Israel and Hamas.

'A den of antisemitism'

Stefanik blasts UN over its anti-Israel bias

Rep. Elise Stefanik, designated US Ambassador to the United Nations, delivers forceful critique of the organization: It betrayed both Israel and the United States.

Senate rejects Sanders' bid to block arms sales to Israel

US Senate votes against effort by Senator Bernie Sanders to block the sale of offensive weapons to Israel over civilian casualties in Gaza. All the lawmakers who voted in favor were Democrats.

Human rights expert:

'US entertained idea of not vetoing until the last minute'

Prof. Anne Bayefsky comments on Security Council resolution calling for Gaza ceasefire which the US vetoed: Now is not the time to lose focus. A Biden December surprise is still a distinct possibility.

Over warrants for Israelis

Senate Majority Leader-elect threatens ICC with sanctions

Senator John Thune calls for legislation imposing sanctions on the ICC and its prosecutor if they do not reverse their actions to pursue arrest warrants against Israeli officials.

Sen. Graham to Netanyahu:

'Do what you have to do to prevent Iran from nuclear weapons'

Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) meets Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Israel: A nuclear-armed Iranian ayatollah is an existential threat to Israel and a nightmare for the world.

Report:

Jared Kushner to be pivotal to Trump admin’s Middle East efforts

CNN report: Despite not likely taking a formal role within the new Trump administration, Trump's son-in-law is seen as central to its Middle East strategy.

Huckabee to Arutz Sheva:

There is no 'occupation', it is the 'promised land'

Soon-to-be US Amb. to Israel in special interview: "I oppose the two state solution, that's a position that Trump has held and I expect that he will continue to."

Minister Eli Cohen:

'We expect Trump to take a strong stance against Iran'

Energy Minister tells Reuters Israel expects the Trump administration to take a strong stance against Iran and its nuclear ambitions, potentially creating opportunity for additional peace agreements.

'We stand with Israel'

Senate Republican Leader John Thune speaks to Netanyahu

New Republican Senate Leader John Thune says he held a phone call with Netanyahu and "reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to standing with Israel, our closest friend and ally.”

Trump's first promise to Israel

President-elect Trump's associates have delivered an explicit promise that as soon as he enters the White House, he will remove all restrictions on the supply of military equipment and ammunition to Israel.

Last-ditch effort:

Democrats call on Biden to sanction Ben-Gvir and Smotrich

17 Democratic senators and 71 members of the House of Representatives signed a letter to the President calling on him to take advantage of his time left in office to sanction the two senior Israeli officials.

Senators propose act to cut off UN agencies that exclude Israel

The Stand with Israel Act, which is backed by over two dozen senators, would prohibit the US from funding UN agencies that expel, downgrade, suspend, or otherwise restrict the participation of the State of Israel.

'Gift' to Trump

Report: Israel preparing Lebanon ceasefire plan

Israeli officials tell The Washington Post that Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer told Trump and Jared Kushner that Israel is rushing to advance a ceasefire deal in Lebanon.

Trump appoints Steven Witkoff as Special Envoy to the Middle East

Witkoff, a real estate investor, was born to a Jewish family in the Bronx and raised in Baldwin Harbor, New York.

Dagan congratulates Huckabee:

'We will work together hand in hand'

Head of the Samaria Regional Council, Yossi Dagan, congratulates Mike Huckabee on his appointment as US Ambassador to Israel: A great partner of the Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria.

Report:

Dermer met Trump in Mar-a-Lago

Sources tell Axios the meeting between Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer and US President-elect was aimed at passing messages from Netanyahu to Trump and briefing Trump on Israel's plans in Gaza, Lebanon and Iran for the next two months.

Herzog at JFNA General Assembly:

'Iran is the engine behind the modern-day antisemitism'

President Herzog congratulates Trump, calls him "a champion of peace and cooperation", and also thanks Biden for his “steadfast support from the very beginning of the war”.

After taking office

Katz holds first conversation with US Defense Secretary Austin

Defense Minister Israel Katz thanks Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin for the US steadfast support for Israel: "I am confident we will meet soon in Israel."

Blinken to continue to try resolving Gaza and Lebanon conflicts

State Department spokesperson says Secretary of State intends to continue working toward resolving the Gaza and Lebanon conflicts before Trump takes office in January.

Austin to Gallant:

'A trusted partner and friend'

Pentagon says US Secretary of Defense praised outgoing Defense Minister's "expertise, professionalism, and seasoned judgment in addressing pressing security challenges".

Netanyahu on Trump victory:

Powerful recommitment to the great alliance

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Issac Herzog congratulated US President-Elect Donald Trump on his apparent victory in the elections. Herzog: 'I look forward to working with you to strengthen the ironclad bond between our peoples.'

US official:

'The decision to fire Gallant is concerning'

US official expresses concern following Netanyahu's decision to fire Defense Minister: We have real questions about the reasons for Gallant’s firing.

Pentagon:

'The US will work closely with Israel's next Defense Minister'

Pentagon describes dismissed Defense Minister Yoav Gallant as a "trusted partner," stresses the Pentagon will continue to work closely with the next defense minister, Israel Katz.

Blinken to Gallant:

'US committed to Israel’s security against threats from Iran'

US Secretary of State speaks to Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, urges Israel to take "further actions to substantially increase and sustain humanitarian aid to Gaza".

Austin to Gallant:

'US fully prepared to defend Israel against threats from Iran'

US Secretary of Defense speaks to Defense Minister amid reports that Iran’s Supreme Leader has ordered an attack on Israel.

'You’re a war criminal'

Harris heckled twice during election rallies

US Vice President and Democratic presidential nominee twice heckled by anti-Israel protesters during campaign rallies in North Carolina and Pennsylvania. In the second incident, a heckler referred to her as a war criminal.

White House spokesperson:

'If Iran attacks Israel, we will support Israel'

White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre comments on reports that Iran plans to attack Israel before the US election: Iran should not respond to Israel's retaliation. If they do, we will support Israel in defending itself.

Biden:

'I will talk to Netanyahu about negotiations under fire comment'

US President asked about Netanyahu’s view that it is better to conduct negotiations under fire rather than during a ceasefire: I’ll reserve that for my discussion with him.

Iranian FM charges:

'The US was complicit in Israel's attack on Iran'

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi accuses US of complicity in Israel's military operation against Iran: The US partnership in Israel's crimes and escalation of tension in West Asia is quite clear and Washington bears responsibility for it.

Harris:

Not concerned over Trump's conversations with Netanyahu

US Vice President says she has no concerns regarding recent discussions between Trump and Netanyahu, reiterates her own stance on the war.

US Treasury Sec. to Netanyahu:

Stop Palestinian Authority from collapsing

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen together with counterparts from several other nations sent a letter warning the Israeli PM that his Finance Minister's policies may lead to the financial collapse of the PA.

Austin to Gallant:

'Iran should not respond to Israel's strikes'

US Secretary of Defense speaks to Defense Minister following IDF’s strikes on military targets in Iran, reaffirms the United States' ironclad commitment to Israel's security and support for its right to defend itself.

US official:

'Aid to Gaza was prominent in Blinken's meetings in Israel'

Senior US administration official says Blinken “went through in detail” the letter he sent to the Israeli government, in which he warned that US weapon shipments to Israel could be affected if Israel fails to make improvements in Gaza within 30 days.