Israel-US

Graham in Israel:

'America has no better friend than the State of Israel'

Sen. Lindsey Graham meets top Israeli leaders in Jerusalem, praising the US‑Israel alliance and citing rising Iran tensions.

Israel, US explore mutual recognition for securities trading

Prime Minister Netanyahu met with US SEC Chairman Paul Atkins to discuss advancing a mutual recognition framework that could ease Israeli companies’ access to US markets.

Iran on the agenda

Report: Mossad Chief in US for high-level meetings

Barnea’s US visit comes amid Israel-US consultations on Iran protests, possible military action, and concerns over retaliation and renewed talks.

US-Iran:

Graham to travel to Israel as tensions reach critical point

Senator Lindsey Graham says he will travel to Israel to meet Netanyahu as US-Iran tensions spike.

Netanyahu signals Israel may phase out US military aid

In an interview with The Economist, PM Netanyahu vows to secure Israel’s future, restore its global standing, fight “propaganda," reassess US aid, and confront threats from Iran.

International Gaza force

The American proposal for Turkish involvement which was rejected

American officials proposed that Turkey could assist the international force in Gaza while remaining outside the Strip. However, Netanyahu made it clear to Trump that he opposed the idea.

Netanyahus attend Trump's New Year's Eve gala

Prime Minister Netanyahu was the only foreign leader invited to the event, and the only one to have ever taken part in the President's Gala.

Report:

Israel preparing to reopen Rafah crossing after US pressure

Kan 11 News reports that Israel is preparing for a possible reopening of the Rafah crossing after Netanyahu’s US visit.

Netanyahu:

'Israel has come out stronger than ever before'

Speaking in Surfside, Florida, PM Netanyahu says Israel is “stronger than ever,” urges Jews to “fight back” against antisemitism, and vows to return the last hostage from Gaza.

Netanyahu on Newsmax:

'Trump brought America back, he's Israel's greatest friend'

Netanyahu hails Trump as “the man who brought America back,” vows to recover Ran Gvili’s remains, and defends Israel’s recognition of Somaliland.

Netanyahu to Fox News:

'Hamas must disarm or disappear, Gaza peace depends on it'

In interview with Bret Baier, PM Netanyahu stresses disarming Hamas is key to Gaza peace, praises Trump’s support, warns Iran, and rejects claims his leadership prolongs war for political gain.

Trump, Netanyahu expected to decide next steps in Gaza ceasefire

Arab media reports say an upcoming meeting between President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu is expected to determine next steps in the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement.

Report:

Trump rebuffed Netanyahu’s push to retain Syria sanctions

Israel reportedly asked the Trump administration not to lift all Syria sanctions, but the request was denied. Kan 11 says the US offered Israel “compensation” following the refusal.

Trump:

'Netanyahu would like to see me, we’ll probably meet in Florida'

Trump says a meeting with PM Netanyahu is likely next week in Florida, though the White House has not yet confirmed plans.

Mashal:

Trump should take note of growing right-wing criticism of Israel

In an interview with Drop Site News, Hamas leader Khaled Mashal says President Trump should factor growing US criticism of Israel into policy decisions.

Israel Allies Foundation honors Trump at Washington, D.C., gala

IAF gala in DC honors President Trump for historic pro-Israel leadership, regional security role, and faith-based diplomacy.

Yisrael Ganz in DC:

'We have the best administration for the State of Israel'

Yisrael Ganz, chairman of the Yesha Council and governor of the Binyamin Regional Council, spoke about his meeting with House Representatives regarding Judea and Samaria.

State Dept:

'Rubio, Sa’ar discussed Gaza plan, regional security'

State Department says Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s meeting with Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar in Washington focused on Gaza, Syria, and Lebanon, stresses importance of US-Israel collaboration.

House passes $900B defense bill with major pro-Israel provisions

House passes a $900B defense bill with a troop pay raise and major pro-Israel funding, advancing missile defense, tech cooperation, and global security provisions to the Senate.

'Alliance has never been stronger'

Sa'ar and Rubio meet in Washington

Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs Gideon Sa'ar and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met to discuss mutual opportunities and challenges in the Middle East, Latin America, Africa, and beyond.

'Hamas has to go':

US Amb. tells Herzog US determined to end ‘cycle of insanity’

Herzog and Waltz discuss UN Resolution 2803, President Trump's Peace Plan, and the return of the last Gaza hostage.

Report:

Trump expected to announce 'Board of Peace' before holidays

White House advances Gaza governance plan as officials cite progress on Trump's 20‑point framework ahead of the anticipated holiday announcement.

House shifts Israel defense funds to Arrow 3 in 2026 NDAA

The House of Representatives’ 2026 defense bill cuts Iron Dome funding, boosts Arrow 3 missile defense, expands Israel cooperation on tunnels and drones, and sets $901B in overall US defense spending.

Report:

US, Israel, Qatar set high-level talks to repair strained ties

High-level talks seek to rebuild coordination among Washington, Jerusalem and Doha following the fallout from the Israeli strike in Qatar.

Report:

US officials warned Netanyahu over strikes in Syria

According to Axios, US officials warned Netanyahu that repeated strikes in Syria risk destabilization and blocking peace efforts: “If it continues, he will self-destruct”.

Trump urges Israel on Syria, invites Netanyahu to White House

President Trump said Syria is advancing after US policy changes and urged Israel to keep open dialogue with Damascus to avoid disrupting the country’s political and economic progress.

Elimination of Hezbollah CoS

White House: Trump supports Israel’s self-defense

White House Press Secretary affirms Trump’s support for Israel’s right to defend itself after the IDF eliminated Hezbollah’s Chief of Staff in Beirut, citing the group’s long history of terror operations against Israel.

Due to police interrogation

MK Succot refused US visa

The US consulate halted the visa process after Succot admitted that he had been questioned by the police the day before on his entry into the Sde Teiman military base.

Israel:

'US F-35 sale to Saudis won’t undermine our military edge'

Israel says its military edge will remain intact despite US plans to sell F-35s to Saudi Arabia.

Jonathan Pollard accuses US elements of targeting Huckabee

Pollard tells i24NEWS his meeting with Ambassador Huckabee was purely personal, while accusing internal US actors of exploiting it to undermine the envoy.

Minister Gamliel to Arutz Sheva:

'The Saudis may pressure, but no Palestinian state'

Minister Gila Gamliel in an interview with Arutz Sheva-Israel National News: Expanding the Abraham Accords is welcome. We must leverage President Trump’s strengthened ties with the Arab world to combat antisemitism in the US.

Following anti-Israel statement:

US cancels meetings with Lebanese Military chief

Washington calls off all engagements with General Rodolphe Haykal after LAF refers to Israel as an 'enemy', prompting congressional outrage and aid reassessment.

Herzog to Adams:

'You are a dear friend of Israel and the Jewish People'

During a visit to Israel, New York City Mayor Eric Adams was praised by President Isaac Herzog for his unwavering support for Israel and the global Jewish community.

Netanyahu:

Israel will stand on its own, not rely on US funding

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel is moving toward greater self-reliance, denying reports of a long-term US aid deal and stressing that Israel fights its own battles without foreign troops.

'You get right to the point'

Netanyahu thanks Trump for letter to Herzog

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reacted to President Donald Trump's letter to Israeli President Isaac Herzog asking him to pardon him.

Smotrich:

There is dialogue with US, letting terrorists go is a moral folly

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said Israel retains control over security decisions despite US pressure, and called releasing terrorists in Rafah 'a moral folly' that could threaten troops.

Feiglin:

Netanyahu surrendered Israeli sovereignty to Trump

Zehut Party Chairman Moshe Feiglin told Arutz Sheva that Israel’s dependence on the US around Gaza and Lebanon stems from a calculated policy by its leadership, not external pressure.

Ohio House approves landmark Ohio-Israel innovation partnership

Bipartisan bill advances economic and research collaboration, drawing strong support from Jewish groups, business leaders, and interfaith partners.

Senator Graham:

Disarmament of Hamas key to Gaza rebuilding

In an interview with Sky News Arabia, Senator Lindsey Graham says Gaza's rebuilding, regional normalization, and lasting peace hinge on Hamas disarmament.

US Jews say Israel’s existence is vital, back Trump peace plan

A new survey finds most US Jews view Israel as vital to Jewish continuity, support Trump’s peace plan for Gaza, and credit him with securing the hostage release deal.

Trump quips:

'I can’t imagine we didn’t do better with the Jewish vote'

President Trump addresses Republican Jewish Coalition’s Annual Leadership Summit, touts his record on Israel, national security, and fighting antisemitism: “Israel has never had a better friend than President Donald J. Trump.”

PM:

We inform US, don’t seek approval for security moves

Netanyahu rejected claims Israel is a US protectorate, called the Sde Teiman leak Israel’s public relations attack, and vowed to disarm Hamas and deter Hezbollah and the Houthis.

US officials:

'IDF may have committed hundreds of rights violations'

A classified US report allegedly finds “many hundreds” of potential IDF rights violations in Gaza. The findings will take years to review, say officials.

Netanyahu:

‘Israel controls its own security, not the US’

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed claims of US control over Israel’s defense policy, stressing that Israel acts independently and “does not ask permission” to defend itself.

Report:

US launches drone missions over Gaza to track ceasefire

Israeli and American officials tell The New York Times that US drones are flying over Gaza with Israeli consent to monitor the ceasefire.

Netanyahu:

'Israel is independent, US does not dictate our policy'

PM Netanyahu rejects claims of US control over Israeli policy, stressing independence while praising Trump’s support in Gaza and hostage rescue efforts.

Netanyahu:

'The US is interested in a strong and independent Israel'

At a ceremony welcoming new Shin Bet Director Maj.-Gen. (Res.) David Zini, the Prime Minister reaffirmed Israel's independence in security policy and vowed total victory.

Netanyahu:

Sovereignty vote 'a deliberate political provocation'

The Prime Minister’s Office condemned the Knesset vote on sovereignty in Judea and Samaria, calling it a political stunt during Vice President Vance’s visit and vowing the bill will not advance.

Trump:

'Israel would lose US support if it annexes Judea and Samaria'

In an interview with TIME Magazine, President Trump said any Israeli move to apply sovereignty over Judea and Samaria would cost it US support, while pledging continued peace efforts across the region.

US VP Vance:

Sovereignty vote a 'stupid political stunt, I was insulted'

US Vice President JD Vance attacked the vote to apply Israeli sovereignty over Judea and Samaria, and confirmed: 'The West Bank is not going to be annexed by Israel.'

Ben-Gvir, Rothman:

Sovereignty in Judea, Samaria consistent with US friendship

Following the Knesset vote on the sovereignty bill, right-wing MKs emphasized that Israel’s independence and the move toward sovereignty strengthen-rather than endanger-ties with the US.

Herzog to Vance:

‘Your visit is a brick toward building peace’

President Isaac Herzog met US Vice President JD Vance in Jerusalem, thanking him and President Trump for their efforts to advance peace and expressing hope for the swift return of all hostages.

US Vice President Vance arrives in Israel

Visit to Israel will likely focus on concluding Phase A of the deal to end the war in Gaza.

Smotrich meets Bessent: 'We have true friends in Washington'

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich met US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in Washington, thanking the Trump administration and discussing Gaza disarmament and expanding the Abraham Accords.

Trump:

Israel could return to fighting in Gaza if Hamas violates deal

President Trump tells CNN Israel could return to Gaza 'as soon as I say the word' if Hamas fails to meet ceasefire terms, including full hostage return.

Jerusalem in red, white & blue

Israeli capital completes preparations to welcome President Trump

Jerusalem completes final arrangements for President Trump's visit, including road closures, flag displays, and enhanced city services for residents.

Watch:

Giant American flag flies over Binyamin region

The flag, measuring 26×36 feet (8×11 meters), was erected in Ateret, which is in a major flight path to Ben Gurion Airport.

Pollard to Arutz Sheva:

Israel should have rejected US-imposed ceasefire deal

Jonathan Pollard tells Arutz Sheva that Israel’s acceptance of an American-imposed ceasefire reflects failed leadership and warns it could bring another national disaster.

President Trump to visit Israel following Gaza hostage deal

President Donald Trump is set to arrive in Israel on Saturday night following the Gaza hostage deal, with plans to address the Knesset and meet Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Netanyahu, Trump hail Gaza ceasefire deal in warm call

Netanyahu and Trump speak after a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal. Trump expected to visit Israel Sunday to address the Knesset.