Israel-US

Republican leaders demand answers from Biden

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson criticize Biden for pausing of shipment of bombs to Israel last week.

Biden in message to Israel:

'I will stop sending bombs over major invasion of Rafah'

US President says he will halt shipments of American weapons to Israel if Netanyahu orders a major invasion of Rafah: Civilians have been killed in Gaza as a consequence of those bombs.

US warns Israel:

Do not expand military operations in Rafah

Israel made clear to the Americans that preventing the delivery of precise munitions can harm the military effort, strengthen Hamas, and therefore may threaten a deal for a ceasefire and hostage release.

Israeli official:

Israel deeply frustrated with US arms shipment pause

According to an Israeli official, tensions had already been running high after Israel felt the US allowed it to be blindsided by Hamas’ announcement earlier this week that it was accepting a version of a cease-fire proposal that was unknown to Israel beforehand.

The US Embassy's unusual request

The US Embassy asked the Police Internal Investigations Unit for the cellphone of slain employee Yaakov Tuhi, who was killed by an off-duty Border Police officer.

US official confirms:

US paused a shipment of bombs to Israel last week

Senior US administration official says the decision was made over concerns that Israel was approaching a decision on launching a full-scale assault on Rafah.

Report:

US held up ammo shipment to Israel

According to Israeli officials, the incident raised serious concerns inside the Israeli government and sent officials scrambling to understand why the shipment was held.

Minister Strock:

'US doesn't deserve to be called a friend of the State of Israel'

Minister of Settlements and National Missions Orit Strock said she is worried by the American push to end the war in Gaza.

After his criticism:

Schumer poised to invite Netanyahu to address Congress

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer says he is ready to sign House Speaker Mike Johnson's invitation to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to deliver an address to Congress.

Report:

US senators discussed Israel warrants with ICC officials

Axios report: A bipartisan group of US senators held a virtual meeting with senior officials at the ICC to express concern about possible arrest warrants being issued for Israeli leaders.

Trump backs down from two-state solution

The former President and 2024 presidential candidate said in an interview that while he once supported a two-state solution, the level of Palestinian Jew hatred makes it 'much tougher to get.'

Austin:

'Operation in Rafah needs credible plan to evacuate civilians'

US Defense Secretary speaks to Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, stresses US position on a possible Israeli operation in Rafah.

Israel warns:

ICC warrants will lead to retaliation against PA

The Biden administration has made clear to ICC officials in private that arrest warrants against Israeli leaders would be a mistake and that the US doesn't support the action.

Gallant to Blinken:

'Determined to bring back the hostages, ready to go into Rafah'

The Defense Minister and US Secretary of State toured Kibbutz Nir Oz and the Kerem Shalom Crossing and discussed the hostage negotiations and humanitarian aid efforts.

Netanyahu to Blinken:

'We will not accept a deal that ends war'

Secretary of State Antony Blinken made to the Prime Minister clear that the US objects to an operation without an executable plan to protect the civilian population and evacuate civilians.

Sanders supports anti-Israel protests on campuses

Sen. Bernie Sanders says he supports protests against Israel’s war in Gaza, but stresses the need to “condemn, in every form, antisemitism, Islamophobia and other forms of bigotry.”

During Middle East trip:

Blinken to visit Israel this week

State Department announces that Secretary of State will visit Israel and Jordan after he visits Saudi Arabia on his Middle East trip which concludes on Wednesday.

White House:

'Biden reiterated his clear position on Rafah incursion'

Following Biden-Netanyahu phone call, White House says Biden "reaffirmed his ironclad commitment to Israel’s security" and stressed the need for progress in delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Sanders to Netanyahu:

'It is not antisemitic to criticize your government'

Vermont Senator criticizes Israel's conduct in Gaza: Do not insult the intelligence of the American people by attempting to distract us from the immoral and illegal war policies of your extremist and racist government.

Israel's cautious prediction:

US to back down from Netzah Yehuda sanctions

According to Israeli sources, the Americans were surprised by the Israeli's angry response to reports of the sanctions, and the Israeli pressure is expected to convince the US not to impose them, at least for now.

Blinken:

'No announcement on Netzach Yehuda today, but stay tuned'

US Secretary of State tells reporters an announcement is expected “in the days ahead” on whether to restrict assistance to the IDF's Netzach Yehuda Battalion.

Gallant and Chief of Staff:

'Sanctions on Netzach Yehuda - not the right path'

Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant speaks to IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi on US intentions to impose sanctions against the IDF’s “Netzach Yehuda” battalion.

Minister Gantz to Blinken:

'Sanctions on Netzach Yehuda - a double mistake'

The National Unity Party chair asked the US Secretary of State to reconsider sanctions on the IDF unit since they would hurt Israel's legitimacy and have no justification since Israel has a strong and independent judiciary.

'The US-Israel alliance is critical'

Ambassador Herzog thanks House for approving aid bill

Israel’s Ambassador to the US thanks House of Representatives for approving bill to provide billions of dollars in military aid for Israel: We live in a dangerous world and the US-Israel alliance is all the more critical at this time.

White House:

'Israel agreed to take our concerns on Rafah into account'

US and Israeli officials discuss possible Israeli operation in the Gazan city of Rafah. White House: US participants expressed concerns with various courses of action in Rafah, Israeli participants agreed to take these concerns into account.

NGO report:

UN promoted criminal protests in the US

Human Rights Voices reveals UN distributed links promoting protests in which bridges and roads were illegally blocked on Monday during 'Tax Day' anti-Israel protests.

House Speaker to promote Israel aid bill

House Speaker Mike Johnson plans to move forward with four individual bills to fund Israel, Ukraine and Taiwan. White House reiterates its objection to standalone bills.

In call with Gallant:

Sec. Austin reaffirms 'goal of regional stability'

US Secretary of Defense and Defense Minister speak for the fourth time in recent days, amid speculation that Israel plans to retaliate for Iranian attack.

After Iranian attack:

Biden stresses need to pass Israel aid bill in Congress

Biden speaks to top four congressional leaders, urges passage of Israel aid bill that Democrats and Republicans have clashed over.

Austin to Gallant:

'We'll continue to take action to defend Israel and US personnel'

US Defense Secretary and Defense Minister speak, for the third time this weekend, after Iran's attack on Israel.

John Bolton:

'Biden is an embarrassment to the United States'

Former US National Security Adviser blasts Biden for encouraging Israel not to respond to Iran’s attacks: If Iran doesn’t feel the pain, it’s only got to get worse for Israel.

Trump:

'Iranian attack wouldn't have happened if I were in office'

Former US President rips into Biden over Iran’s attack against Israel: This is because we show great weakness.

Sen. Cruz after Iranian attack:

'I stand with Israel to do whatever it takes to defend itself'

US Senator Ted Cruz condemns Iranian attack on Israel: These attacks are enabled and financed by deliberate policy choices made by Joe Biden and Biden officials.

Biden:

'I condemn the Iranian attacks in the strongest possible terms'

US President issues statement after speaking to Netanyahu: Israel demonstrated a remarkable capacity to defend against and defeat even unprecedented attacks.

Austin to Gallant:

'Notify us in advance of response to Iranian attack'

Meanwhile, US officials tell NBC News that there is concern in Washington that Israel could do something quickly in response to Iran’s attacks without thinking through potential fallout afterward.

Biden to Iran:

'My message is don't attack Israel'

US President tells reporters that the US is devoted to the defense of Israel and Iran will not succeed in attacking it.

Threat of Iranian attack

US moving 'additional assets' to the Middle East

White House says there remains a “real,” “credible” and “viable” threat of Iran launching strikes.

US official:

'Iran attack on Israel won’t be big enough to draw US into war'

US official says the United States expects an attack by Iran against Israel but one that would not be big enough to draw Washington into war.

Austin to Gallant:

'Israel can count on full US support to defend itself'

Pentagon Press Secretary says Secretary of Defense Austin reiterated to Defense Minister Gallant “ironclad US support for Israel's defense in the face of growing threats from Iran and its regional proxies.”

Gallant to Austin:

'Direct Iranian attack will require appropriate Israeli response'

The Minister and Secretary discussed readiness for an Iranian attack against the State of Israel, which could lead to regional escalation.

House Speaker Mike Johnson:

'Biden has transformed into an anti-Israel president'

US House Speaker Mike Johnson blasts President Joe Biden: He’s more concerned with placating the antisemitism in his base than standing with Israel.

Blinken to Gallant:

'The US will stand with Israel against any threats by Iran'

US Secretary of State speaks with Defense Minister amid speculations Iran is planning an imminent attack.

Amid Iranian threats:

Senior US general to visit Israel

Axios reports that CENTCOM commander Gen. Erik Kurilla will visit Israel on Thursday to coordinate around a possible attack on Israel by Iran and its proxies.

Trump:

'Biden has totally lost control of the Israel situation'

The former President told supporters in Atlanta that President Biden 'doesn't even know what he's supporting.'

Biden:

'I think what Netanyahu is doing is a mistake'

US President ups his criticism of Netanyahu over the war in Gaza: I don’t agree with his approach.

Diplomatic sources predict:

Rafah operation to begin only after talks with US end

According to diplomatic sources, a ground offensive in the southern city would depend on talks for a hostage deal. They say the US is applying enough pressure to reach one.

House Speaker:

'Time to stop lecturing Israel on how it should defend itself'

US House Speaker Mike Johnson blasts “appalling” lack of support for Israel from some Democrats.

Report

Biden warned Netanyahu: We won't be able to support you

Source says President Biden laid out an ultimatum to Netanyahu in their call on Thursday, telling him that If Israel doesn't change course in Gaza, "we won't be able to support you".

Biden on Israel aid:

'I asked them to do what they’re doing'

US President asked by reporter if he threatened to stop military aid to Israel, does not confirm nor deny.

'These steps must be implemented'

US welcomes increase of aid to Gaza

US National Security Council spokesperson welcomes Israel’s decision to approve measures to increase the entry of humanitarian aid to Gaza.

VP Harris:

'If Israel doesn't change its approach, we'll change ours'

US Vice President says conversation between Biden and Netanyahu was "candid and frank" but Israel needs to change its approach on humanitarian aid entering Gaza.

Report:

Biden told Netanyahu he could condition aid to Israel

US officials tell NBC News that, during their phone call on Thursday, Biden warned Netanyahu that the US could condition military aid to Israel on what it does to address humanitarian concerns in Gaza.

Minister Chikli to Schumer:

'You're more than welcome to immigrate to Israel'

Diaspora Affairs Minister responds to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer after he again called for Israel to hold elections: The gates of Israel are open to you.

Report:

Jill Biden pressing for end to Gaza war

US first lady Jill Biden has been one of the strongest voices inside the White House urging an end to civilian casualties in Gaza, The New York Times reports.

Report:

Biden not planning to change policy towards Israel

Officials say Biden's public statement criticizing Israel over strike which killed aid workers in Gaza is as far as he and the White House will go for now.

After Gantz's remarks:

Schumer again calls for elections in Israel

Senate Majority Leader calls on Israel to hold elections, cites Benny Gantz’s remarks: When a leading member of Israel’s war cabinet calls for early elections, you know it’s the right thing to do.

Minister Cohen:

'If US doesn't back Israel it has nothing to do in the Mideast'

Minister of Energy Eli Cohen says the US changed its stance because of the upcoming elections.

'Constructive engagement'

US and Israeli officials discuss Rafah operation

Monday’s meeting was initially supposed to take place in person last week, but Netanyahu cancelled it after the US did not veto a UN Security Council resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of all hostages.

MK Halevi to Arutz Sheva:

'We want go into Rafah to save Washington'

MK Amit Halevi says the US must respect Israel's sovereignty and not force it to refrain from entering Rafah.

Report:

US, Israeli officials to meet virtually and discuss Rafah

The meeting was supposed to take place in person last week, but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cancelled it after the US did not veto a UN Security Council resolution on Gaza.