Israel-US

Smotrich to Huckabee: "Israel has no better friend than you'

Finance Minister Smotrich and US Ambassador discuss advancing economic partnerships and joint initiatives; thanks the Trump administration for support.

US-backed group to launch Gaza aid by end of May

A US-backed humanitarian organization, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), says it will begin aid operations in Gaza by the end of May. GHF urges Israel to immediately allow aid flow under existing procedures until its secure distribution sites are operational.

What did Hamas gain from Edan Alexander's release?

Al Jazeera media analyst says release of American-Israeli hostage handed Hamas a diplomatic victory and exposed tensions between Washington and Jerusalem.

Lizzy Savetsky criticizes Trump:

'We'd be outraged if it were Biden'

Online pro-Israel advocate Lizzy Savetsky voices concern over President Trump’s recent Middle East moves, including skipping Israel, rumored Hamas and Iran talks, and accepting a $400 million jet from Qatar. “Trump’s record is strong, but things feel different now.”

Witkoff:

'Reports of Trump-Netanyahu rift are preposterous'

Trump’s Middle East envoy dismisses reports of a rift with Netanyahu as "preposterous," reaffirms the strong US-Israel alliance.

Netanyahu responds to reports:

'There are no gaps between us and the Americans'

Prime Minister Netanyahu denied reports of a growing rift between his government and the Trump administration, and claimed that all reports are a campaign led by one specific channel.

Report:

Trump slams Gaza offensive as ‘wasted effort’

According to a report by NBC News, US President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu are at growing odds over military actions, the Iran nuclear approach, and other matters.

'Hamas must be defeated':

Israel backs US-led Gaza aid overhaul

Foreign Minister highlights Hamas' responsibility for the war, calls Iran 'most dangerous state,' and reaffirms strategic alliance with Germany.

Report:

US Defense Secretary Hegseth cancels visit to Israel

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reportedly cancelled his trip to Israel so he could accompany President Trump on his trip to the region.

Israel normalization requirement dropped from Saudi nuclear talks

Policy shift removes Israel normalization as a prerequisite for advancing nuclear cooperation with the kingdom.

Report:

Nobel laureate David Beasley in line to head Gaza relief group

Planned Gaza Humanitarian Foundation seeks to restore aid flow while ensuring terror groups are sidelined.

Report:

US, Israel discuss American-led interim administration in Gaza

Proposal would see a US official head a transitional administration in Gaza until demilitarization and a stable Palestinian leadership are achieved.

Trump:

'There are only 21 living hostages remaining in Gaza'

President Trump tells reporters three hostages in Gaza have died, lowering the total number of living hostages to 21. Coordinator for Hostages and Missing Gal Hirsch clarifies: 59 hostages are being held by Hamas, 24 of them are listed as living hostages.

Revealed:

US felt snubbed, ignored Israel's call before strike on Nasrallah

A new Israeli TV exposé reveals how deep tensions ran between Israel and the Biden administration, including a moment when the US ignored a critical Israeli call before a planned strike on Hezbollah’s Nasrallah.

Report:

Hegseth to visit Israel ahead of Trump’s Middle East tour

Axios reports that US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth will visit Israel on May 12 to meet with Netanyahu and Defense Minister Katz, amid rising tensions over Iran and ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Yemen.

Republicans propose cut to UN funding over anti-Israel actions

Republican senators introduce "Stand with Israel" act that would strip US funding from United Nations agencies found to be discriminating against Israel.

Trump:

'I told Netanyahu to be good to Gaza'

President Trump says he urged Netanyahu to send aid to Gaza during their call this week. On the US-Iran talks, Trump says they are progressing well.

Revealed:

Biden team eyed Netanyahu’s ouster early in Gaza war

A Channel 13 exposé, to air in full on Sunday, reveals top Biden officials discussed ways to remove Netanyahu amid Gaza war tensions.

Stresses Iran threat

Netanyahu meets bipartisan US delegation

Prime Minister Netanyahu meets a bipartisan US delegation to discuss Israel's fight against terror, efforts to dismantle Iran's nuclear program, and ongoing talks for hostage release.

Sa'ar to Huckabee:

Israel could not have hoped for a better ambassador

Minister Sa’ar and Ambassador Huckabee's first working meeting focused on key strategic issues on the agenda, chief amongst them the Iranian nuclear threat.

Trump responds to report:

'I wouldn't say I waved off attack on Iran, I'm not in a rush'

President Trump addressed a report that he shelved an Israeli plan to attack Iranian nuclear facilities and stated that he prefers to attempt a diplomatic method first.

Conf. of Presidents welcomes Huckabee as US Ambassador to Israel

The Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations congratulates Mike Huckabee on his confirmation as US Ambassador to Israel, praising his steadfast support for Israel and the Jewish people.

Prep. for possible Iran strike

US sending significant weapons shipments to Israel

Heavy bombs and interceptors for THAAD batteries have arrived via an airlift of transport planes from US bases worldwide.

Huckabee reveals first thing he will do upon arriving in Israel

Incoming US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee revealed that President Trump gave him a prayer to deliver to the Western Wall in Jerusalem.

One year later:

US airmen look back on defending Israel from Iranian attack

A year after Iran launched hundreds of missiles and attack drones at Israel, the US airmen who helped intercept them look back on that historic night.

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.