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."
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Israel-US
News and updates about Israel-US
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.
Herzog to Blinken:
'We must take all the steps to eradicate Hezbollah's abilities'
Herzog noted that he was moved to see the Secretary of State meet with the families of the hostages.
Pentagon denies
Senior Pentagon employee behind leak of Israeli strike plans
A Pentagon official told Sky News Arabia that a director of one of the assistant secretary of defense's offices is suspected of leaking documents with Israel's plans to retaliate for the October 1st missile strike on the country by Iran.
Blinken to Netanyahu:
'Capitalize on Sinwar's elimination to bring hostages home'
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed the war in Gaza and Lebanon, the Iranian threat, the Hezbollah strike on Netanyahu's home, and the governmental structure in Gaza after the war.
'Intensive discussions'
Blinken takes off for Israel
US Secretary of State making his tenth visit to Israel since October 7, 2023: On my way to Israel for intensive discussions about the importance of ending the war in Gaza, returning the hostages to their families, and alleviating the suffering of the Palestinian people.
US Sec. of Defense:
THAAD anti-missile system 'in place' in Israel
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin noted that the US could put the system into operation very quickly and added: 'We're on pace with our expectations.'
Former Amb. Michael Oren:
'Harris' claim is a very dangerous precedent'
Former Israeli ambassador to the US urges the White House to state unequivocally that Israel is not committing genocide in Gaza.
House Speaker Johnson:
'Netanyahu is in good spirits and undeterred'
House Speaker Mike Johnson speaks to Netanyahu after Hezbollah fired a UAV at his private home: It is vital that the Biden-Harris Administration stop slow-walking needed weapons to Israel.
Trump:
'Netanyahu said he wouldn't listen to Biden'
Former US President praises Netanyahu for not following President Joe Biden's advice, says Israel "wouldn't be in this position" if Netanyahu had listened to Biden.
'It's real'
Harris appears to agree Israel is committing genocide
At a campaign stop at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, US Vice President Harris appeared to publicly agree with a protester who interrupted her to accuse Israel of committing genocide: What he’s talking about, it’s real.
After US ultimatum:
Israel vows to improve conditions in Gaza
Axios report: Israeli officials have been reassuring US counterparts that Israel will take swift action to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, following a threat of an arms embargo from the Biden administration.
AIPAC:
'Threatening to cut support for Israel sends a dangerous message'
AIPAC criticizes Biden administration's warning to Israel of a US arms embargo over humanitarian aid into Gaza: Israel routinely takes unprecedented steps to preserve and safeguard Palestinian lives.
Biden to Congress:
'THAAD, troops deployed to defend Israel against further attack'
US President writes letter to Congressional leadership detailing the measures his administration has taken to defend Israel against Iranian missile attacks.
Israeli official on US threat:
'Israel takes this matter seriously'
Israeli official responds to US letter warning of an arms embargo over entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza: Israel intends to address the concerns raised in this letter with our American counterparts.
After Hezbollah UAV attack
Austin calls Gallant, expresses condolences
US Secretary of Defense speaks to Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, expresses condolences over deaths of four soldiers killed when a Hezbollah drone hit a base near Binyamina.
Pentagon:
Deployment of advanced missile defense system in Israel approved
Secretary Lloyd Austin authorized the deployment of a THAAD battery and US military personnel to Israel to help bolster Israel's air defenses following Iran's unprecedented attacks against Israel on April 13 and again on October 1.