Prime Minister Netanyahu’s trip to Washington continued today as he met with Vice President J.D. Vance, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, and National Security Advisor Michael Waltz.
Speaking to Hegseth at the Pentagon, Netanyahu highlighted Israel's unique value as a capable U.S. ally. “We have no compunction about fighting our enemies by ourselves. We are willing to shoulder the burden of our defense by confronting the forces of radicalism and terror, and the forces that are anti-American at their core," Netanyahu said. “By confronting these various enemies, we are not only defeating those who wish to attack us, but those who wish to attack you as well."
Last night, Netanyahu and Trump held a joint press conference, reaffirming the ironclad relationship between the two allies. Alongside Netanyahu, President Trump said, "The bonds of friendship and affection between the American and Israeli people have endured for generations, and they are absolutely unbreakable. They are unbreakable. I'm confident that under our leadership, the cherished alliance between our two countries will soon be stronger than ever.”
The president also proposed a new concept for Gaza that involves the U.S. taking control of the Strip. The full press conference can be watched here.
Tomorrow, Netanyahu is expected to meet with congressional leaders, including Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD), Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
New Israeli Amb to U.S.: “Partnership in a new global paradigm”
Israel’s new ambassador to the U.S., Yechiel “Michael” Leiter, published an op-ed in The Hill, highlighting the importance of the U.S.-Israel partnership at this pivotal moment in world history.
“Israel’s position as America’s strategic partner in this trend-setting agenda cannot be overstated. Our relationship generates tens of billions in mutual economic benefits annually. Israel’s military innovations save American lives and dollars, from the Trophy tank defense system to drone technology. Our intelligence sharing and cybersecurity cooperation protect both countries from evolving threats. Israel has also taken out terrorists with bounties on their heads for killing Americans, and while Israel’s wars are not wars of choice, by fighting the bad actors here, we free Americans from having too.”
“As I assume my role in Washington, I look forward to working with the American people and American leadership to advance our shared interests and values. By standing together and helping ensure Israel can secure its future in one of the most troubled areas on the globe, we can establish a new paradigm that brings genuine peace through strength — not just to Israel and its neighbors, but to all nations that choose construction over destruction.”
Iran uses advanced Russian air defense systems in military exercises
Iran used Russian-made long-range air defense systems in a military exercise today, Iranian state TV reported.
The exercise reportedly utilized Iran’s long-range air defense system Bavar-373 as well as the Russian-made S-300 to shoot down a simulated hostile target.
The exercise follows Israel’s retaliatory strike in October, which seriously weakened Tehran’s air defense capabilities. “Some enemy officials and media outlets, after the malicious attack in October, had claimed that they had rendered Iran’s long-range air defense systems non-operational,” Iranian media said, referring to Israeli strikes.
Last month, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian signed a 20-year strategic partnership, which includes deepening “military-technical cooperation.”
Liri, Naama, Daniella and Karina released from hospital
Four of the five young female surveillance soldiers taken hostage on 10/7 were discharged from the hospital today, 11 days after their return from Gaza on January 26.
Liri Albag, Naama Levy, Daniella Gilboa and Karina Ariev were welcomed back to their hometowns by exuberant crowds of Israelis and heartwarming chants of “Am Yisrael Chai.”
Agam Berger, the fifth surveillance soldier who was freed shortly after the others, will remain under medical supervision for a few more days.
A joint statement from the five families said in part, “We would like to thank the people of Israel for the warmth and love that we and the girls have received. The girls are expected to have a long rehabilitation journey, and we ask that you respect the privacy, quiet and time that they need to slowly return to themselves.”
79 hostages remain in Hamas captivity, including six Americans.
The United States must continue to stand with our ally Israel and increase the pressure on Hamas' allies Qatar and Turkey to ensure the terror group fully adheres to the agreement.
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