Trump administration

Witkoff:

'Iran can not achieve its deadly ambitions, no matter the cost'

At United Hatzalah Gala, US envoy Steve Witkoff vows unwavering support for Israel, denounces Iran’s nuclear ambitions, and affirms commitment to bringing hostages home.

Setback for Trump:

Judge rejects foreign policy grounds for Mahmoud Khalil detention

US District Judge rules that the Trump administration cannot use foreign policy to justify detaining Columbia University student and pro-Palestinian Arab activist Mahmoud Khalil.

Fmr. Amb. Friedman:

Should millions of Americans expect sanctions too?

According to Former US Ambassador to Israel David Friedman, millions of Americans, including many in the Trump admin, oppose a Palestinian state, and therefore should be subject to sanctions by the UK and other countries.

Trump admin warns world:

Skip Palestinian state summit or face consequences

Washington issues warning as European nations, led by France, move toward recognition of a Palestinian state.

Mike Huckebee

'Israel lousy at genocide, even US doesn't give such warnings'

US Ambassador to Israel defends Israel against accusations of genocide and war crimes in Gaza. 'They could drop a few bombs and everybody would be dead.'

Report:

Netanyahu seeks US-mediated negotiations with Syria

Prime Minister eyes renewed talks with Damascus following US policy shift, seeks revised security pact and peace accord.

Huckabee:

US no longer fully supports creation of Palestinian state.

US Ambassador to Israel tells Bloomberg that if a Palestinian state is created, it might not have to be in Judea and Samaria.

Harvard alumni mobilize against Trump funding freeze

Over 12,000 Harvard alumni file an unprecedented amicus brief supporting their alma mater against the Trump administration's $2.2 billion funding freeze.

12 countries targeted

Trump’s new travel ban takes effect

Order includes African, Middle Eastern, Caribbean and Asian nations; new visa applications blocked starting Monday

Trump admin cracks down on Iranian shadow banking system

US sanctions over 30 individuals and entities in an Iranian "shadow banking" network, accused of laundering billions globally. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent states this system is a "critical lifeline" for Iran's destabilizing activities.

Foreign student ban

Harvard accuses White House of 'vendetta'

Harvard University expands its lawsuit against the Trump administration, challenging a new proclamation banning new foreign students from the university. A judge temporarily blocks ban on US entry of foreign nationals seeking to study at Harvard.

Vows justice pursuit

ICC slams US sanctions on its judges

The ICC blasts the Trump administration's sanctions on four of its judges, two involved in Netanyahu/Gallant warrants and two in Afghanistan probes, calls them a "clear attempt to undermine" judicial independence.

Trump sanctions four ICC judges

Trump administration imposes sanctions on four judges at the International Criminal Court, two of whom authorized arrest warrants against Netanyahu and Gallant.

'Radicalized Lunatics':

Trump suspends foreign student visas at Harvard

President Trump signs a proclamation suspending F, M, and J visas for new foreign students at Harvard University, citing national security concerns and Harvard's "demonstrated history of concerning foreign ties and radicalism."

Over antisemitism

Trump admin moves to strip Columbia of accreditation

Trump administration initiates action to revoke Columbia University's accreditation, citing the school's failure to protect Jewish students from harassment.

For 1st time:

Hostage families meet WH Chief of Staff, Press Secretary

For the first time since the October 7 attacks, families of hostages held in Gaza met with White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles,White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, and Special Envoy Stev Witkoff.

Ken's Thought of the Week:

Assessment of Trump's "America First" agenda

How is the Trump Administration doing? Here's a graded report card. Opinion.

Ideological wars do NOT end in deals

This is so even if the leader of the Free World believes otherwise. It seems the deal is Trump’s Achilles heel, one that readily steps on friends. Opinion.

Report:

US proposes deal allowing Iran to enrich uranium

Latest US proposal would allow Iran to enrich uranium to a low level for an undetermined but limited time in a shift away from the Trump Administration's previous position that Iran cannot be allowed to enrich uranium.

Report:

Iran will reject US proposal for new nuclear deal

Iranian diplomatic source states Iran will reject the Trump Administration's proposal that would see the regime end its uranium enrichment.

Judge extends block on Harvard foreign student ban

Federal judge extends temporary order blocking the Trump administration's revocation of Harvard's ability to enroll international students.

Negotiating with Iran:

President Trump - do not forget the Iranian people!

The regime’s deepest anxiety stems from the potential resurgence of widespread domestic anger and unrest—from a nation that is oppressed, impoverished, and seething with rage. Opinion.

DeSantis warns nuclear talks with Iran are 'hazardous'

Florida Governor voices deep skepticism of the Trump administration's talks with Iran on the regime's nuclear weapons program and says the regime cannot be trusted.

Trump confidante:

'Trump knows a safe Israel also means a safe America'

GOP National Spokesperson Elizabeth Pipko, who is considered one of the people closest to US President Donald Trump, tells i24NEWS Trump is just as supportive of Israel as ever.

Is Trump buying the Iranian Deception?

Why an agreement between the U.S. and Iran may pose a greater danger than having no agreement at all. Opinion.

Lapid to Netanyahu:

'You no longer understand America and lost Trump'

Opposition leader accuses the prime minister of losing the support of the Trump Administration following America's recent moves in the Middle East.

An Israeli gift to Trump - withdrawal from WHO

What can Israel give the US President who has everything? Israel can leave the hypocritical and mendacious organization that President Trump is encouraging world leaders to abandon as he did. Israel has everything to gain by doing so. Opinion.

Amid vetting expansion

Trump administration halts student visa interviews

Trump administration orders US embassies worldwide to halt scheduling new student visa interviews. The order follows recent actions against international students, including a blocked order targeting Harvard.

Trump admin moves to terminate all federal contracts with Harvard

Administration announces plans to cancel all remaining federal contracts with Harvard University, amounting to approximately $100 million, after cutting billions in federal grants, over failure to combat antisemitism.

Trump announces cut of $3 billion from 'very antisemitic' Harvard

US President says grant money cut from Harvard over antisemitism will be given to "trade schools" as Ivy League institution's losses in federal funding rise to over $5 billion.

Report:

US pressuring Israel to hold off on full-scale Gaza operation

The Trump administration has reportedly asked Israel to postpone the start of the full ground maneuver in Gaza by several days in order to exhaust the negotiations for an agreement.

Harvard wins temporary reprieve on student visa program

Federal court temporarily halts the Trump administration's attempt to cancel Harvard's student visa program, following a university lawsuit against the move.

Trump Admin bans Harvard from enrolling foreign students

US govt. informs Harvard all international students must find other schools or leave the US in latest escalation over Harvard's failures to confront antisemitism and discrimination at the school.

Report:

Trump Admin. threatens to abandon Israel if war doesn't end

Washington Post reports that US President Donald Trump's staff conveyed a message to Israel that if the war in Gaza does not end, Washington will abandon the Jewish State.

Erdan warns:

Dictatorships laugh while Israel is targeted by UN institutions

Fmr. Amb. Gilad Erdan accused the UN of enabling dictatorships and warned that President Trump is making ‘serious mistakes’ by negotiating with Iran and accepting gifts from terror-supporting states.

Report: Vance canceled Israel visit amid Gaza offensive concerns

US Vice President JD Vance canceled a planned visit to Israel to avoid signaling US support for the IDF’s expanded Gaza operation, Axios report claims.

Trump taps Orthodox rabbis for Religious Liberty Commission

Trump names four Orthodox rabbis among advisors of his new Religious Liberty Commission.

Trump's Middle East strategy:

Building bridges or constructing a mirage?

Close scrutiny of President Trump's recent diplomatic endeavors in the Middle East raise several crucial questions about possible dangerous consequences. Does the US have a backup plan? Opinion.

Thank you, Uncle Trump

We saw and understood your message, without any need to put it into words: America needs to take care of itself, solve its problems, and focus on its own interests – while Israel must stand tall and move on to the phase of true independence. Opinion.

To avert full Gaza operation

Report: Trump administration offers new ceasefire deal

Updated offer proposes 45-60 day ceasefire for release of 10 hostages and prisoners, with new provisions hinting at path to end the war.

Witkoff:

Trump’s red line on Iran - Zero enrichment

Envoy Steve Witkoff outlines Trump’s hardline stance on Iran and coordinated humanitarian strategy for Gaza.

VP Vance to visit Israel this week

US Vice President JD Vance is scheduled to arrive in Israel on Tuesday following President Trump's tour of the Middle East last week that did not include Israel

It’s all about relationships: Interview with Anthony D’Esposito

A no-nonsense approach is what categorizes the kid from Island Park, who is now poised to assist in heading one of the biggest departments in the U.S. government.

Trump’s Middle East trip: Strategy over spectacle

Trump leveraged shifting alliances to reshape decades-old regional divisions, sidelining entrenched hostilities in favor of pragmatic cooperation, but the success of that policy will be in its longevity. Opinion.

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.

Trump's $1.2T economic deal with Qatar

Record-setting aerospace and defense agreements mark deepening economic ties with Gulf state linked to Hamas.

Trump Admin supports Jewish professor’s lawsuit against CUNY

Trump Admin files statement of interest in federal court supporting a lawsuit brought by Jewish Studies Center at Hunter College chair Leah Garrett over antisemitic incidents on campus following the October 2023 Hamas attacks.

The Trojan Airplane?

Mr. President, don't forget your greatest ally: Israel!

To put it briefly, Israelis need to know that they’re not being left behind. American Christians who love Israel need to hear that their president still walks with them in solidarity. Conservatives need to know that “America First” never meant “Israel Last.” Opinion.

Alexander Family:

Witkoff was calling US officials at 3 AM to share the good news

Released hostage's father thanks US President Trump, urges continued negotiations to free remaining hostages.

Schumer:

No DOJ confirmations until Trump explains Qatari 'gift' plane

Senate Democrat demands testimony over Qatari jet gift, citing national security risks and possible ethics violations.

Backchannel via Bahbah:

How covert talks freed Edan Alexander

Pro-Trump Palestinian-American businessman Bishara Bahbah reportedly served as key intermediary in covert talks with Hamas.

Witkoff to families:

Trump will not tolerate anything less than full hostage return

US envoys Witkoff and Boehler meet with hostage families in Tel Aviv, affirm full US commitment to securing the return of all 58 hostages.

Edan Alexander speaks with President Trump

Steve Witkoff and Adam Boehler meet Alexander at Tel Aviv’s Ichilov Medical Center, Witkoff praises his resilience and reaffirms US commitment to bring all hostages home.

Watch:

US Hostage Envoy on plane with Edan Alexander's mother

While flying to Israel for the release of American-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander, Adam Boehler insisted that 'the President cares very much about all of you. So I am here, and I am getting the hostages back.'

Report:

US and Hamas holding direct talks on ceasefire

Both Al Jazeera and Reuters are reporting that Hamas and the US are directly discussing a ceasefire and the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

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.

'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: Trump to meet Mahmoud Abbas in Saudi Arabia

Arabic media reports that at the request of MBS, Trump will meet the PA chairman and Syrian president this week. MBS reportedly seeks US approval for a Palestinian state.

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.

Huckabee:

Trump orders humanitarian aid to be brought into Gaza

Ambassador Huckabee says any crisis in Gaza is entirely the fault of Hamas in announcement Trump has ordered humanitarian aid into the enclave.