WASHINGTON – For much of Israel’s turbulent history, most Americans viewed the Jewish state as a force for good, deserving to be the largest recipient of U.S. economic and military assistance in the world. That attitude is becoming history, according to public opinion surveys.&nbsp;One of the most striking came from Gallup, one of the world’s most respected polling firms, which tracked American sympathies for the main players in the Middle East conflict since 1921. Earlier this year, it found that for the first time, more Americans sympathise more with Palestinians than with Israelis – 41% to 38%. &nbsp;&nbsp;Other surveys have come to similar results, and experts agree that this shift points to a profound generational divide. Americans aged between 18 and 34 hold significantly more negative views than older generations. The figures: 53 percent sympathise more with Palestinians, 23 percent more with Israelis. &nbsp;&nbsp;The Washington-based Pew Research Center describes this as a record low for Israel support for this age group. This contrasts with 49 percent of older Americans (55 and older) favouring Israel and 31 percent for Palestinians. The pollsters note that this means that for the first time in decades, less than half of older Americans side with Israel.&nbsp;Those numbers stand in stark contrast with decades of a relationship so close that unquestioned support for Israel was one of the few issues in divided America on which, with very few exceptions, Democrats and Republicans agreed.&nbsp;The relationship had an auspicious start: U.S. President Harry Truman was the first foreign leader to recognise Israel when it declared independence on May 14, 1948. Truman issued a statement granting U.S. recognition of the new state just 11 minutes after its proclamation in Tel Aviv.&nbsp;Although the “special relationship” the two countries established proved durable for decades, much to the frustration of its hostile Arab neighbours, it now seems truly over.&nbsp;The most striking example of how much has changed is the fact that New York City, home to as many Jews as Jerusalem, has a mayor so critical of Israel that he threatened to arrest Israel’s Prime Minister when he visits New York for September’s U.N. General Assembly meeting. &nbsp;&nbsp;Mayor Zohran Mamdami, who took office in January, cited an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in 2024 on charges of war crimes committed by Israel in Gaza. Mamdami first issued the arrest threat when he was still campaigning to become mayor. He backed off 19 months later, saying the city had no legal authority to execute the arrest.&nbsp;A YouGov poll published in July found that 49 percent of Americans (68 percent Democrats, 55 percent Independents, and 24 percent Republicans) showed support for Mamdami’s arrest threat.&nbsp;More dissatisfaction with U.S. policies on Israel became apparent in Democratic primary races in advance of mid-term elections in November for the 435 seats in the House of Representatives. The one that made most headlines was in Michigan, where Abdul El-Sayed beat the pro-Israel Haley Stevens, who outspent her challenger by a 12-to1 margin.&nbsp;More than $31 million of her war chest came from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), the powerful pro-Israel lobby which has played a major role in past elections. &nbsp;&nbsp;What is the reason for the deep generational gap in views of Israel? Older Americans grew up with memories of the Holocaust still fresh. Israel was perceived as a beleaguered nation surrounded by hostile Arabs whose superior armies attacked the country twice, in the 1967 six-day war an again in 1973. &nbsp;&nbsp;Outgunned and outmanned, Israel won. Moshe Dayan, the eye-patched defence chief, became an internationally acclaimed hero for leading the David vs Goliath fight that ensured Israel’s survival and eventual role as the Middle East’s dominant military and economic power. &nbsp;&nbsp;Younger generations came of age during Israel’s occupation of land that had been slated to become a sovereign Palestinian state under a 1947 partition plan developed by the United Nations. But the “two-state” solution never became reality. The prolonged peace process of the 1990s failed, and the system Israel developed drew comparisons with South Africa’s Apartheid.&nbsp;An agreement to bring peace looks even more remote after the October 7, 2023 attack on southern Israeli communities by militants of Hamas, a Sunni Islamist group based in Gaza. The attackers broke through the border fence, killed 1,200 people, including hundreds attending a music festival, in an orgy of stomach-turning violence. Another 250 were abducted and taken as hostages to Gaza.&nbsp;Shifts in American public opinion were underway before the Hamas attack, but they sharpened when Israel struck back with a ferocious bombing campaign U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres described as collective punishment. It killed more than 73,000 Palestinians, according to local health authorities.&nbsp;Much of Gaza has been turned into fields of rubble, and the misery inflicted on civilians, livestreamed over social media for more than two years, has helped change perceptions even among committed backers of Israel.&nbsp;An anti-Israeli backlash has become a feature of U.S. domestic politics and will play a role in the mid-term elections. For years, calls for downgrading the relationships have come mainly from the political left, but recently prominent figures in the MAGA (Make America Great Again) sphere have spoken up, too.&nbsp;Once unthinkable for right-wingers like Tucker Carlson, Steve Bannon, and Marjory Taylor-Green, their arguments mirror those of the left – Israel is dragging the United States into foreign wars that suck up resources America should use at home.&nbsp;Dissent on the right also comes from citizens who feel U.S. President Donald Trump broke most of the promises that helped him win a second term at the White House. They included “No more foreign wars”. Instead, Trump started a war against Iran. No end to that conflict, now in its sixth month, is in sight.

The most striking example of how much has changed is the fact that New York City, home to as many Jews as Jerusalem, has a mayor so critical of Israel that he threatened to arrest Israel’s Prime Minister when he visits New York for September’s U.N. General Assembly meeting.  


WASHINGTON – For much of Israel’s turbulent history, most Americans viewed the Jewish state as a force for good, deserving to be the largest recipient of U.S. economic and military assistance in the world. That attitude is becoming history, according to public opinion surveys. One of the most striking came from Gallup, one of the world’s most respected polling firms, which tracked American sympathies for the main players in the Middle East conflict since 1921. Earlier this year, it found that for the first time, more Americans sympathise more with Palestinians than with Israelis – 41% to 38%. Other surveys have come to similar results, and experts agree that this shift points to a profound generational divide. Americans aged between 18 and 34 hold significantly more negative views than older generations. The figures: 53 percent sympathise more with Palestinians, 23 percent more with Israelis. The Washington-based Pew Research Center describes this as a record low for Israel support for this age group. This contrasts with 49 percent of older Americans (55 and older) favouring Israel and 31 percent for Palestinians. The pollsters note that this means that for the first time in decades, less than half of older Americans side with Israel. Those numbers stand in stark contrast with decades of a relationship so close that unquestioned support for Israel was one of the few issues in divided America on which, with very few exceptions, Democrats and Republicans agreed. The relationship had an auspicious start: U.S. President Harry Truman was the first foreign leader to recognise Israel when it declared independence on May 14, 1948. Truman issued a statement granting U.S. recognition of the new state just 11 minutes after its proclamation in Tel Aviv. Although the “special relationship” the two countries established proved durable for decades, much to the frustration of its hostile Arab neighbours, it now seems truly over. The most striking example of how much has changed is the fact that New York City, home to as many Jews as Jerusalem, has a mayor so critical of Israel that he threatened to arrest Israel’s Prime Minister when he visits New York for September’s U.N. General Assembly meeting. Mayor Zohran Mamdami, who took office in January, cited an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in 2024 on charges of war crimes committed by Israel in Gaza. Mamdami first issued the arrest threat when he was still campaigning to become mayor. He backed off 19 months later, saying the city had no legal authority to execute the arrest. A YouGov poll published in July found that 49 percent of Americans (68 percent Democrats, 55 percent Independents, and 24 percent Republicans) showed support for Mamdami’s arrest threat. More dissatisfaction with U.S. policies on Israel became apparent in Democratic primary races in advance of mid-term elections in November for the 435 seats in the House of Representatives. The one that made most headlines was in Michigan, where Abdul El-Sayed beat the pro-Israel Haley Stevens, who outspent her challenger by a 12-to1 margin. More than $31 million of her war chest came from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), the powerful pro-Israel lobby which has played a major role in past elections. What is the reason for the deep generational gap in views of Israel? Older Americans grew up with memories of the Holocaust still fresh. Israel was perceived as a beleaguered nation surrounded by hostile Arabs whose superior armies attacked the country twice, in the 1967 six-day war an again in 1973. Outgunned and outmanned, Israel won. Moshe Dayan, the eye-patched defence chief, became an internationally acclaimed hero for leading the David vs Goliath fight that ensured Israel’s survival and eventual role as the Middle East’s dominant military and economic power. Younger generations came of age during Israel’s occupation of land that had been slated to become a sovereign Palestinian state under a 1947 partition plan developed by the United Nations. But the “two-state” solution never became reality. The prolonged peace process of the 1990s failed, and the system Israel developed drew comparisons with South Africa’s Apartheid. An agreement to bring peace looks even more remote after the October 7, 2023 attack on southern Israeli communities by militants of Hamas, a Sunni Islamist group based in Gaza. The attackers broke through the border fence, killed 1,200 people, including hundreds attending a music festival, in an orgy of stomach-turning violence. Another 250 were abducted and taken as hostages to Gaza. Shifts in American public opinion were underway before the Hamas attack, but they sharpened when Israel struck back with a ferocious bombing campaign U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres described as collective punishment. It killed more than 73,000 Palestinians, according to local health authorities. Much of Gaza has been turned into fields of rubble, and the misery inflicted on civilians, livestreamed over social media for more than two years, has helped change perceptions even among committed backers of Israel. An anti-Israeli backlash has become a feature of U.S. domestic politics and will play a role in the mid-term elections. For years, calls for downgrading the relationships have come mainly from the political left, but recently prominent figures in the MAGA (Make America Great Again) sphere have spoken up, too. Once unthinkable for right-wingers like Tucker Carlson, Steve Bannon, and Marjory Taylor-Green, their arguments mirror those of the left – Israel is dragging the United States into foreign wars that suck up resources America should use at home. Dissent on the right also comes from citizens who feel U.S. President Donald Trump broke most of the promises that helped him win a second term at the White House. They included “No more foreign wars”. Instead, Trump started a war against Iran. No end to that conflict, now in its sixth month, is in sight.

The most striking example of how much has changed is the fact that New York City, home to as many Jews as Jerusalem, has a mayor so critical of Israel that he threatened to arrest Israel’s Prime Minister when he visits New York for September’s U.N. General Assembly meeting. &nbsp;

Americans are falling out of love with Israel

US President Donald Trump has said that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asked to meet him at the White House. According to a report, the meeting between the leaders could take place as early as next week after Trump returns from the NATO summit in Turkey. Trump suggested that the Israeli leader “knows who the boss is” in their relationship. He added that the two leaders get along “very good”.“We get along very good. [Netanyahu] knows who the boss is,” Trump told Axios in an interview, referring to himself.According to an Israeli official, the visit may come next week after Trump returns from the NATO summit in Ankara that will happen on July 7-8. “It might take place the week after,” the official told Axios.Earlier, Netanyahu’s office said that the two leaders spoke on Friday and agreed to meet “soon” in the United States. Their last meeting happened on February 11 in Washington.“During their conversation, the Prime Minister said that the United States is a guarantor of global freedom, and that Israel greatly values the close relationship between the two nations. Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Trump agreed to meet soon in the United States,” Netanyahu’s office said.Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/one-shot-and-we-can-take-them-all-trump-says-us-could-strike-iran-s-leadership-at-khamenei-s-funeral-1783226002244"> ‘One shot and we can take them all’: Trump says US could strike Iran’s leadership at Khamenei’s funeral</a>A possible White House meeting with Donald Trump would be politically significant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as he prepares for Israel’s October elections, where he is currently trailing in opinion polls.Speaking to Axios, Trump said he has been closely watching the funeral of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who was killed in a joint US-Israeli operation on the first day of the war. He claimed Iran was “begging” for a deal and said both sides had agreed to pause talks during the funeral period.Trump also said he was surprised to see mourning in Iran, questioning whether the grief was genuine.Watch | Khamenei Funeral: Iran's Intel Ministry Vows To Avenge Late Supreme Leader's Blood<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/khamenei-funeral-iran-s-intel-ministry-vows-to-avenge-late-supreme-leader-s-blood-1783216603067/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/khamenei-funeral-iran-s-intel-ministry-vows-to-avenge-late-supreme-leader-s-blood-1783216603067/embed</a>

Trump said Netanyahu requested a White House meeting, possibly after Trump’s NATO trip. He added they get along well and said Netanyahu “knows who the boss is”.

US President Donald Trump has said that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asked to meet him at the White House. According to a report, the meeting between the leaders could take place as early as next week after Trump returns from the NATO summit in Turkey. Trump suggested that the Israeli leader “knows who the boss is” in their relationship. He added that the two leaders get along “very good”. “We get along very good. [Netanyahu] knows who the boss is,” Trump told Axios in an interview, referring to himself. According to an Israeli official, the visit may come next week after Trump returns from the NATO summit in Ankara that will happen on July 7-8. “It might take place the week after,” the official told Axios. Earlier, Netanyahu’s office said that the two leaders spoke on Friday and agreed to meet “soon” in the United States. Their last meeting happened on February 11 in Washington. “During their conversation, the Prime Minister said that the United States is a guarantor of global freedom, and that Israel greatly values the close relationship between the two nations. Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Trump agreed to meet soon in the United States,” Netanyahu’s office said. Also read | ‘One shot and we can take them all’: Trump says US could strike Iran’s leadership at Khamenei’s funeral A possible White House meeting with Donald Trump would be politically significant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as he prepares for Israel’s October elections, where he is currently trailing in opinion polls. Speaking to Axios, Trump said he has been closely watching the funeral of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who was killed in a joint US-Israeli operation on the first day of the war. He claimed Iran was “begging” for a deal and said both sides had agreed to pause talks during the funeral period. Trump also said he was surprised to see mourning in Iran, questioning whether the grief was genuine. Watch | Khamenei Funeral: Iran's Intel Ministry Vows To Avenge Late Supreme Leader's Blood https://www.wionews.com/videos/khamenei-funeral-iran-s-intel-ministry-vows-to-avenge-late-supreme-leader-s-blood-1783216603067/embed

Trump said Netanyahu requested a White House meeting, possibly after Trump’s NATO trip. He added they get along well and said Netanyahu “knows who the boss is”.

Netanyahu ‘knows who the boss is’: Trump says ahead of possible White House meet

The US Senate is about to pass a bill that legally mandates unprecedented, permanent integration between the US and Israeli defence, intelligence, and military-technological ecosystems. Section 622 of the intelligence authorisation bill titled “United States-Israel Intelligence Sharing Enhancement” does not necessarily join CIA and Mossad, but it requires the President to “expand and enhance intelligence sharing with the Government of Israel” on every topic of interest especially West Asia. This integration is driven primarily by Section 224 of the House version of the 2027 National Defence Authorisation Act (NDAA), known as the "United States-Israel Defence Technology Cooperation Initiative. The proposal comes as Israel witnesses a plummeting support within the United States, specifically around military aid to Israel. Israeli Prime Minister has claimed that it would be fine to phase out the military aid. Washington provides Israel with about $3.8bn a year in military assistance. The 10-year agreement runs through 2028.<h2>Structural shifts in the US-Israel intelligence and military relationships</h2>If passed, then the US-Israel relationship, which is one of the closest partnerships in the world and is centred around defence aid by the US to Israel, will move towards network integration and data fusion between the two nations. The US will be required to appoint an “executive agent”: a single official to coordinate military cooperation between the US and Israel. Instead, the CIA and Mossad, sharing curated intelligence reports on a case-by-case basis, will interlink their digital infrastructure. This dedicated official will be solely responsible for synchronising, testing, and managing joint US-Israel defence research, development, and data sharing. This change essentially bypasses any political or diplomatic channel and intertwines the two nations in an institutional and bureaucratic framework.Former US intelligence official claims that what Congress is trying to do now is find different ways of entrenching the relationship so deeply in America’s own defence industrial base that it’s impossible to root it out. Section 224 of the National Defence Authorisation Act would mandate Israeli defence technologies into the core US military supply chain and vice versa. This implies that cutting-edge spyware, data analytics, from artificial intelligence to drones and cyber-operations, will be jointly operated, giving both nations incredible leverage over each other.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-birthday-gift-for-trump-us-iran-deal-friday-israel-jeopardises-agreement-1781502735540">No birthday gift for Trump: US-Iran MoU to be signed on Friday as Israel tries to jeopardise agreement</a><h2>US-Israel friction in the intelligence networks</h2>The US-Israel intelligence relationship is witnessing growing friction in recent times, driven by growing mutual threat assessment. The Defence Intelligence Agency last month elevated its counterintelligence threat level for Israel to "critical"—its highest internal classification. According to reports from NBC and the NYT, Israeli intelligence services have intensified surveillance efforts aimed at top-tier American policymakers- Steve Witkoff, US chief negotiator and special envoy; Elbridge Colby, Pentagon policy chief; Michael DiMino, Senior Middle East policy official. The Israeli Embassy in Washington vehemently denied the reports, calling the espionage allegations "completely false." The case of US Navy analyst Jonathan Pollard, whose conviction for spying for Israel in 1985 remains a historic blueprint for the friction between the two nations. He was given a hero's welcome in Israel. Eventhough both sides on the surface deny spying reports, there has been historical evidence of aggressive clandestine operations on American soil. Many analysts note that the leaks of increasing counter-intelligence threat levels coincide with the discussion around Section 224 of the National Defence Authorisation Act and Section 622 of the Intelligence Authorisation Bill. &nbsp;

New US congressional proposals could permanently integrate American and Israeli intelligence and defence networks. The move comes amid renewed scrutiny over espionage allegations and growing tensions within intelligence circles.

The US Senate is about to pass a bill that legally mandates unprecedented, permanent integration between the US and Israeli defence, intelligence, and military-technological ecosystems. Section 622 of the intelligence authorisation bill titled “United States-Israel Intelligence Sharing Enhancement” does not necessarily join CIA and Mossad, but it requires the President to “expand and enhance intelligence sharing with the Government of Israel” on every topic of interest especially West Asia. This integration is driven primarily by Section 224 of the House version of the 2027 National Defence Authorisation Act (NDAA), known as the "United States-Israel Defence Technology Cooperation Initiative. The proposal comes as Israel witnesses a plummeting support within the United States, specifically around military aid to Israel. Israeli Prime Minister has claimed that it would be fine to phase out the military aid. Washington provides Israel with about $3.8bn a year in military assistance. The 10-year agreement runs through 2028. Structural shifts in the US-Israel intelligence and military relationships If passed, then the US-Israel relationship, which is one of the closest partnerships in the world and is centred around defence aid by the US to Israel, will move towards network integration and data fusion between the two nations. The US will be required to appoint an “executive agent”: a single official to coordinate military cooperation between the US and Israel. Instead, the CIA and Mossad, sharing curated intelligence reports on a case-by-case basis, will interlink their digital infrastructure. This dedicated official will be solely responsible for synchronising, testing, and managing joint US-Israel defence research, development, and data sharing. This change essentially bypasses any political or diplomatic channel and intertwines the two nations in an institutional and bureaucratic framework. Former US intelligence official claims that what Congress is trying to do now is find different ways of entrenching the relationship so deeply in America’s own defence industrial base that it’s impossible to root it out. Section 224 of the National Defence Authorisation Act would mandate Israeli defence technologies into the core US military supply chain and vice versa. This implies that cutting-edge spyware, data analytics, from artificial intelligence to drones and cyber-operations, will be jointly operated, giving both nations incredible leverage over each other. Also Read: No birthday gift for Trump: US-Iran MoU to be signed on Friday as Israel tries to jeopardise agreement US-Israel friction in the intelligence networks The US-Israel intelligence relationship is witnessing growing friction in recent times, driven by growing mutual threat assessment. The Defence Intelligence Agency last month elevated its counterintelligence threat level for Israel to "critical"—its highest internal classification. According to reports from NBC and the NYT, Israeli intelligence services have intensified surveillance efforts aimed at top-tier American policymakers- Steve Witkoff, US chief negotiator and special envoy; Elbridge Colby, Pentagon policy chief; Michael DiMino, Senior Middle East policy official. The Israeli Embassy in Washington vehemently denied the reports, calling the espionage allegations "completely false." The case of US Navy analyst Jonathan Pollard, whose conviction for spying for Israel in 1985 remains a historic blueprint for the friction between the two nations. He was given a hero's welcome in Israel. Eventhough both sides on the surface deny spying reports, there has been historical evidence of aggressive clandestine operations on American soil. Many analysts note that the leaks of increasing counter-intelligence threat levels coincide with the discussion around Section 224 of the National Defence Authorisation Act and Section 622 of the Intelligence Authorisation Bill.

New US congressional proposals could permanently integrate American and Israeli intelligence and defence networks. The move comes amid renewed scrutiny over espionage allegations and growing tensions within intelligence circles.

How Washington plans to embed Israel into America's defence and intelligence ecosystem

The Trump administration asked Israel on Monday not to carry out further attacks on energy facilities in Iran, particularly oil infrastructure, according to three sources familiar with the discussions. The request marks the first time since the start of the war that the United States has asked Israel to avoid targeting a specific category of Iranian assets. Recent Israeli attacks blanketed Tehran in toxic black smoke and acid rain, prompting urgent health warnings for civilians. According to an Israeli source, the messages were delivered at the senior political level and directly to Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir.&nbsp;A source familiar with the matter said the Trump administration cited three main reasons for the request: attacks on energy infrastructure disproportionately harm ordinary Iranians, many of whom oppose the regime; Trump wants the possibility of cooperation with Iran’s oil sector after the war, similar to his approach toward Venezuela; and strikes on Iranian oil facilities could trigger large-scale retaliatory attacks on energy infrastructure across Gulf states.&nbsp;Earlier in the conflict, Iran launched drone attacks on energy facilities in the Gulf, though those strikes caused limited and reversible damage. US officials fear that a new wave of attacks on Iranian oil infrastructure could alter the situation and push global energy prices significantly higher. A source familiar with the details said Trump views strikes on Iran’s oil and energy infrastructure as a "doomsday option" that should be used only as a last resort if Iran deliberately attacks oil facilities in Gulf states.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-doesn-t-rule-out-troops-in-iran-as-tehran-lays-mines-in-strait-of-hormuz-says-us-targeted-iranian-mine-laying-vessels-1773175173553">Trump doesn’t rule out troops in Iran as Tehran lays mines in Strait of Hormuz; says US targeted Iranian mine-laying vessels</a>&nbsp;An Israeli senior official said Washington also asked Israel to notify the US in advance before carrying out attacks on energy or oil facilities. Trump reinforced this stance publicly on Monday, warning that Iran would be hit "20 times harder" if it disrupts global oil supplies and stressing that the United States would destroy targets that Iran “could never rebuild.” Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, a close Trump ally, also criticized the Israeli strike on Iranian oil facilities in a post on X. "Please be careful in choosing the targets you attack. Our goal is to liberate the Iranian people in a way that does not harm their ability to start a new and better life after the collapse of the regime. Iran's oil economy will be vital to this effort," he wrote.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-war-will-us-negotiate-with-iran-s-new-leader-trump-signals-softer-tone-wion-1773188989137/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-war-will-us-negotiate-with-iran-s-new-leader-trump-signals-softer-tone-wion-1773188989137/embed</a>&nbsp;Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Did Trump administration ask Israel not to strike Iran’s oil facilities? Here’s what report says

The Trump administration asked Israel on Monday not to carry out further attacks on energy facilities in Iran, particularly oil infrastructure, according to three sources familiar with the discussions. The request marks the first time since the start of the war that the United States has asked Israel to avoid targeting a specific category of Iranian assets. Recent Israeli attacks blanketed Tehran in toxic black smoke and acid rain, prompting urgent health warnings for civilians. According to an Israeli source, the messages were delivered at the senior political level and directly to Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir. A source familiar with the matter said the Trump administration cited three main reasons for the request: attacks on energy infrastructure disproportionately harm ordinary Iranians, many of whom oppose the regime; Trump wants the possibility of cooperation with Iran’s oil sector after the war, similar to his approach toward Venezuela; and strikes on Iranian oil facilities could trigger large-scale retaliatory attacks on energy infrastructure across Gulf states. Earlier in the conflict, Iran launched drone attacks on energy facilities in the Gulf, though those strikes caused limited and reversible damage. US officials fear that a new wave of attacks on Iranian oil infrastructure could alter the situation and push global energy prices significantly higher. A source familiar with the details said Trump views strikes on Iran’s oil and energy infrastructure as a "doomsday option" that should be used only as a last resort if Iran deliberately attacks oil facilities in Gulf states. Also Read: Trump doesn’t rule out troops in Iran as Tehran lays mines in Strait of Hormuz; says US targeted Iranian mine-laying vessels An Israeli senior official said Washington also asked Israel to notify the US in advance before carrying out attacks on energy or oil facilities. Trump reinforced this stance publicly on Monday, warning that Iran would be hit "20 times harder" if it disrupts global oil supplies and stressing that the United States would destroy targets that Iran “could never rebuild.” Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, a close Trump ally, also criticized the Israeli strike on Iranian oil facilities in a post on X. "Please be careful in choosing the targets you attack. Our goal is to liberate the Iranian people in a way that does not harm their ability to start a new and better life after the collapse of the regime. Iran's oil economy will be vital to this effort," he wrote. https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-war-will-us-negotiate-with-iran-s-new-leader-trump-signals-softer-tone-wion-1773188989137/embed Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

According to reports, the Trump administration urged Israel to halt strikes on Iran’s oil infrastructure, warning the attacks could harm civilians and trigger regional energy retaliation

More than 30 US senators have urged the Donald Trump administration to launch an independent investigation into the killing of a 19-year-old American in the occupied West Bank, warning that a growing number of similar cases have passed without accountability. In a letter sent Wednesday (Mar 4), lawmakers asked the administration to examine the February killing of Nasrallah Abu Siyam, a Philadelphia-born teenager who was shot in the West Bank village of Mukhmas.<h2>Lawmakers flag "consistent pattern"</h2>The letter, led by Maryland senator Chris Van Hollen, is addressed to the US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio; the US Attorney General, Pam Bondi; and the US Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee. It demands a US-led investigation into Nasrallah Abu Siyam's death and a full accounting of nine cases in which American citizens have been killed in the West Bank since 2022. They also requested that lawmakers be briefed in Congress by April 5.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/america-s-deadliest-war-crime-investigation-finds-us-likely-responsible-for-devastating-school-strike-that-killed-150-iranian-girls-1772766411530">US investigation admits America may be responsible for devastating school strike that killed over 150 Iranian girls</a>“This has now become a consistent pattern in which Americans are being killed in the West Bank by settlers or the [Israel Defense Forces (IDF)] without justice or accountability, despite promises from US officials,” the senators wrote.<h2>The killing in Mukhmas</h2>Nasrallah Abu Siyam, an American by birth, was shot on February 18 in the West Bank village of Mukhmas during an attack on Palestinian farmers, according to witness accounts. Residents said a group of masked Israeli settlers confronted farmers in the village. Israeli soldiers were reportedly present at the scene but did not intervene, provide medical assistance or make arrests.The US State Department confirmed the death of an American citizen at the time and said it expected “a full, thorough and transparent investigation.” Officials added that the US embassy in Jerusalem had been in contact with the family.“We condemn criminal violence by any party in the West Bank,” a department spokesperson said, “and take particular interest in this case due to our duty to protect American citizens”. The statement, however, did not indicate whether Washington would conduct its own probe.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-it-s-a-question-of-time-trump-vows-to-turn-us-focus-to-cuba-once-iran-conflict-is-finished-israel-tehran-carribean-island-1772759431337">'It's a question of time': Trump vows to turn US focus to THIS neighbour once Iran war is 'finished'</a><h2>At least 9 Americans killed by Israelis in West Bank: A pattern of unresolved cases</h2>Thursday’s letter was signed by 31 Democratic and independent senators, including senior figures such as Patty Murray, Dick Durbin, Jack Reed and Bernie Sanders.None of the nine killings of US citizens in the West Bank since 2022 has led to a criminal conviction, the senators noted. “For all nine of these killings, no one has yet been held accountable by the Netanyahu government,” they wrote, “nor has the US government upheld its duty to protect Americans and secure justice and accountability for their deaths.”<h2>The 9 Americans killed in the West Bank</h2>Among the victims was Palestinian American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, who was shot dead while covering an Israeli military operation in 2022. Others are: Omar Assad, an elderly Palestinian American who died following his detention by Israeli soldiers; Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, 26, from Seattle, was also shot in the head during a West Bank protest in 2024; Khamis al-Ayyada, 40, died of smoke inhalation in August after a fire was set by Israeli settlers in his village. Out of the nine individuals, three were underage: a 14-year-old from New Jersey and two 17-year-olds who died in distinct occurrences. &nbsp;

Why are US senators demanding an investigation into the killing of an American teen in the West Bank?

Over 30 lawmakers allege that the death of Nasrallah Abu Siyam could be part of a troubling pattern of Americans killed without accountability. Scroll down to read more.

More than 30 US senators have urged the Donald Trump administration to launch an independent investigation into the killing of a 19-year-old American in the occupied West Bank, warning that a growing number of similar cases have passed without accountability. In a letter sent Wednesday (Mar 4), lawmakers asked the administration to examine the February killing of Nasrallah Abu Siyam, a Philadelphia-born teenager who was shot in the West Bank village of Mukhmas. Lawmakers flag "consistent pattern" The letter, led by Maryland senator Chris Van Hollen, is addressed to the US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio; the US Attorney General, Pam Bondi; and the US Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee. It demands a US-led investigation into Nasrallah Abu Siyam's death and a full accounting of nine cases in which American citizens have been killed in the West Bank since 2022. They also requested that lawmakers be briefed in Congress by April 5. Also read | US investigation admits America may be responsible for devastating school strike that killed over 150 Iranian girls “This has now become a consistent pattern in which Americans are being killed in the West Bank by settlers or the [Israel Defense Forces (IDF)] without justice or accountability, despite promises from US officials,” the senators wrote. The killing in Mukhmas Nasrallah Abu Siyam, an American by birth, was shot on February 18 in the West Bank village of Mukhmas during an attack on Palestinian farmers, according to witness accounts. Residents said a group of masked Israeli settlers confronted farmers in the village. Israeli soldiers were reportedly present at the scene but did not intervene, provide medical assistance or make arrests. The US State Department confirmed the death of an American citizen at the time and said it expected “a full, thorough and transparent investigation.” Officials added that the US embassy in Jerusalem had been in contact with the family. “We condemn criminal violence by any party in the West Bank,” a department spokesperson said, “and take particular interest in this case due to our duty to protect American citizens”. The statement, however, did not indicate whether Washington would conduct its own probe. Also read | 'It's a question of time': Trump vows to turn US focus to THIS neighbour once Iran war is 'finished' At least 9 Americans killed by Israelis in West Bank: A pattern of unresolved cases Thursday’s letter was signed by 31 Democratic and independent senators, including senior figures such as Patty Murray, Dick Durbin, Jack Reed and Bernie Sanders. None of the nine killings of US citizens in the West Bank since 2022 has led to a criminal conviction, the senators noted. “For all nine of these killings, no one has yet been held accountable by the Netanyahu government,” they wrote, “nor has the US government upheld its duty to protect Americans and secure justice and accountability for their deaths.” The 9 Americans killed in the West Bank Among the victims was Palestinian American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, who was shot dead while covering an Israeli military operation in 2022. Others are: Omar Assad, an elderly Palestinian American who died following his detention by Israeli soldiers; Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, 26, from Seattle, was also shot in the head during a West Bank protest in 2024; Khamis al-Ayyada, 40, died of smoke inhalation in August after a fire was set by Israeli settlers in his village. Out of the nine individuals, three were underage: a 14-year-old from New Jersey and two 17-year-olds who died in distinct occurrences.

Why are US senators demanding an investigation into the killing of an American teen in the West Bank?Over 30 lawmakers allege that the death of Nasrallah Abu Siyam could be part of a troubling pattern of Americans killed without accountability. Scroll down to read more.

At least 9 Americans killed by Israelis in West Bank, senators demand probe into killing of Nasrallah Abu Siyam and others

Israel on Saturday (Feb 28) closed its airspace to civilian flights after announcing it had carried out "preemptive strikes" on Iran and sounding sirens in Jerusalem. According to reports, the strikes on Iran are a joint operation between Israel and the United States; however, America has yet to confirm its involvement.&nbsp;"Following the security developments, the Minister of Transportation has ordered the Director of the Israel Civil Aviation Authority to close the airspace of the State of Israel to civilian flights," the minister, Miri Regev, announced.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-s-stark-ultimatum-to-iranian-forces-surrender-or-face-certain-death-operation-lion-s-roar-israel-us-launch-strike-1772266430634">Trump's stark ultimatum to Iranian military: Surrender or face ‘certain death’</a><h2>Targets hit across Iran</h2>Israeli media reported that roughly 30 locations were struck in the opening phase of the joint military operation that is being called Operation Fury by the US and Operation Lion's Roar by Israel. Among them were sites linked to Iran's leadership and intelligence apparatus. Explosions and plumes of smoke were seen rising over parts of Tehran. The extent of the damage remains unclear.According to the Israeli military, their strikes on Iran, conducted in collaboration with the US, hit many military sites and were planned jointly by the allies for months. "The strike targeted dozens of military targets and was carried out as part of a broad, coordinated, and joint operation against the regime," the army said in a statement."In the months preceding the strike, close and joint planning was conducted between the IDF and the US military, enabling the execution of the broad strike in full synchronisation and coordination between the two militaries," it added.<h2>Questions over Khamenei’s whereabouts</h2>Meanwhile, the whereabouts of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei are uncertain. Reports suggest a strike took place near his headquarters in the Iranian capital, Tehran. It is not known whether he was present at the time or if he was injured in the strike. According to Reuters, an Iranian official said Khamenei had been moved to a secure location.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-s-new-iran-campaign-gets-dramatic-codename-lion-s-roar-here-s-why-netanyahu-chose-the-name-personally-1772264770052">Israel’s new Iran campaign gets dramatic codename ‘Lion’s Roar'. Here's why</a><h2>Trump issues stark ultimatum to Iranian troops</h2>Soon after the strikes, President Trump confirmed that American forces were involved in what he described as major combat operations. In a video message posted on his Truth Social, the US president ominously warned the “Islamic Revolutionary Guard, the Armed Forces, and all of the police” that they must surrender or be killed. He promised that those who surrender will be “treated fairly” and that they'll be granted “total immunity”. &nbsp;

Israel strikes Iran: Tel Aviv shuts airspace to civilian flights after launching attack on Tehran

Israel on Saturday (Feb 28) closed its airspace to civilian flights after announcing it had carried out "preemptive strikes" on Iran and sounding sirens in Jerusalem. According to reports, the strikes on Iran are a joint operation between Israel and the United States; however, America has yet to confirm its involvement. "Following the security developments, the Minister of Transportation has ordered the Director of the Israel Civil Aviation Authority to close the airspace of the State of Israel to civilian flights," the minister, Miri Regev, announced. Also read | Trump's stark ultimatum to Iranian military: Surrender or face ‘certain death’ Targets hit across Iran Israeli media reported that roughly 30 locations were struck in the opening phase of the joint military operation that is being called Operation Fury by the US and Operation Lion's Roar by Israel. Among them were sites linked to Iran's leadership and intelligence apparatus. Explosions and plumes of smoke were seen rising over parts of Tehran. The extent of the damage remains unclear. According to the Israeli military, their strikes on Iran, conducted in collaboration with the US, hit many military sites and were planned jointly by the allies for months. "The strike targeted dozens of military targets and was carried out as part of a broad, coordinated, and joint operation against the regime," the army said in a statement. "In the months preceding the strike, close and joint planning was conducted between the IDF and the US military, enabling the execution of the broad strike in full synchronisation and coordination between the two militaries," it added. Questions over Khamenei’s whereabouts Meanwhile, the whereabouts of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei are uncertain. Reports suggest a strike took place near his headquarters in the Iranian capital, Tehran. It is not known whether he was present at the time or if he was injured in the strike. According to Reuters, an Iranian official said Khamenei had been moved to a secure location. Also read | Israel’s new Iran campaign gets dramatic codename ‘Lion’s Roar'. Here's why Trump issues stark ultimatum to Iranian troops Soon after the strikes, President Trump confirmed that American forces were involved in what he described as major combat operations. In a video message posted on his Truth Social, the US president ominously warned the “Islamic Revolutionary Guard, the Armed Forces, and all of the police” that they must surrender or be killed. He promised that those who surrender will be “treated fairly” and that they'll be granted “total immunity”.

Israel strikes Iran: Tel Aviv shuts airspace to civilian flights after launching attack on Tehran

The Trump administration on Friday (Jan 30) approved a fresh round of major arms sales to the Middle East, authorising weapons deals worth a combined $15.6 billion for Israel and Saudi Arabia. The announcements were made late Friday by the US State Department, as tensions across the region continue to rise over the possibility of American military action against Iran.<h2>A $9 billion deal with Saudi Arabia</h2>The largest single package is for Saudi Arabia, which will receive 730 Patriot missiles and associated defence systems in a deal valued at around $9 billion.According to the State Department, the sale “will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a Major non-NATO Ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in the Gulf Region”.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-hopefully-we-won-t-have-to-use-it-trump-confirms-very-big-very-powerful-ships-heading-to-iran-1769735829348">‘Hopefully we won’t have to use it’: Trump confirms ‘very big, very powerful ships’ heading to Iran</a>US officials said the new missile systems would help protect Saudi and American forces, as well as regional partners, by improving the kingdom’s "contribution" to an integrated air and missile defence network.<h2>Israel’s $6.67 billion package</h2>The arms sales to Israel are spread across four separate packages, totalling $6.67 billion.The largest component is a $3.8 billion deal for 30 Apache attack helicopters, equipped with advanced targeting systems and rocket launchers. Another $1.98 billion will go toward 3,250 light tactical vehicles, designed to transport troops and equipment and extend logistical “lines of communication” for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).Israel will also spend $740 million on new power systems for armoured personnel carriers that have been in service since 2008. The remaining $150 million covers a smaller purchase of light utility helicopters to supplement existing aircraft.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/-what-the-f-ck-are-we-doing-batman-storms-santa-clara-city-council-meeting-to-rage-against-ice-agents-in-super-bowl-1769755218554">'What the f*ck are we doing?': Batman storms Santa Clara city council meeting to rage against ICE, Super Bowl | Watch</a><h2>No shift in the balance, Washington says</h2>In separate statements, the State Department said the new sales would not alter the military balance in the Middle East. Instead, officials argued the packages would “enhance Israel’s capability to meet current and future threats” by improving its ability to defend borders, infrastructure, and population centres.“The United States is committed to the security of Israel,” the department said, adding that “it is vital to U.S. national interests to assist Israel to develop and maintain a strong and ready self-defence capability.”&nbsp;

The Trump administration approved $15.6 billion in new arms sales to the Middle East, including a $9 billion Patriot missile deal with Saudi Arabia and $6.67 billion in weapons for Israel.

The Trump administration on Friday (Jan 30) approved a fresh round of major arms sales to the Middle East, authorising weapons deals worth a combined $15.6 billion for Israel and Saudi Arabia. The announcements were made late Friday by the US State Department, as tensions across the region continue to rise over the possibility of American military action against Iran. A $9 billion deal with Saudi Arabia The largest single package is for Saudi Arabia, which will receive 730 Patriot missiles and associated defence systems in a deal valued at around $9 billion. According to the State Department, the sale “will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a Major non-NATO Ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in the Gulf Region”. Also read | ‘Hopefully we won’t have to use it’: Trump confirms ‘very big, very powerful ships’ heading to Iran US officials said the new missile systems would help protect Saudi and American forces, as well as regional partners, by improving the kingdom’s "contribution" to an integrated air and missile defence network. Israel’s $6.67 billion package The arms sales to Israel are spread across four separate packages, totalling $6.67 billion. The largest component is a $3.8 billion deal for 30 Apache attack helicopters, equipped with advanced targeting systems and rocket launchers. Another $1.98 billion will go toward 3,250 light tactical vehicles, designed to transport troops and equipment and extend logistical “lines of communication” for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Israel will also spend $740 million on new power systems for armoured personnel carriers that have been in service since 2008. The remaining $150 million covers a smaller purchase of light utility helicopters to supplement existing aircraft. Also read | 'What the f*ck are we doing?': Batman storms Santa Clara city council meeting to rage against ICE, Super Bowl | Watch No shift in the balance, Washington says In separate statements, the State Department said the new sales would not alter the military balance in the Middle East. Instead, officials argued the packages would “enhance Israel’s capability to meet current and future threats” by improving its ability to defend borders, infrastructure, and population centres. “The United States is committed to the security of Israel,” the department said, adding that “it is vital to U.S. national interests to assist Israel to develop and maintain a strong and ready self-defence capability.”

The Trump administration approved $15.6 billion in new arms sales to the Middle East, including a $9 billion Patriot missile deal with Saudi Arabia and $6.67 billion in weapons for Israel.

Patriot missiles to Apache choppers: Trump arms Israel and Saudi with weapons worth $15.6 bn as Iran showdown looms

As tensions rise, US military hubs in Qatar, Bahrain, and Iraq face the risk of attack. These bases house critical command centres, naval fleets, and troops. Their proximity to Iranian missile sites and strategic importance makes them potential primary targets in any regional conflict.

As tensions rise, US military hubs in Qatar, Bahrain, and Iraq face the risk of attack. These bases house critical command centres, naval fleets, and troops. Their proximity to Iranian missile sites and strategic importance makes them potential primary targets in any regional conflict.

'U.S. vs. Iran': Why US bases in Qatar, Iraq, and Bahrain could be Iran’s primary targets

Israeli Prime Minister is scheduled to meet U.S. President Donald Trump in Florida to discuss a wide range of issues, including regional security, diplomatic relations, and international cooperation. Stay updated on the latest developments from this high-profile meeting.

US-Israel Talk: Israeli Prime Minister to Meet President Trump in Florida for Key Talks

US President Donald Trump believes Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may be prolonging the war in Gaza for political reasons, according to a report by The Atlantic, which cites two unnamed US administration officials.<h2>Trump unhappy with Netanyahu’s war stance</h2>The report says Trump thinks Netanyahu’s approach is standing in the way of reaching a ceasefire and is harming US efforts to stabilise the region and boost economic partnerships. Despite these concerns, Trump is unlikely to take strong action against the Israeli leader. A White House official told The Atlantic that there is “no significant rupture” in the relationship, saying, “Allies can sometimes disagree, even in a very real way.”Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-american-families-deserve-immediate-relief-us-drug-prices-too-high-trump-threatens-crackdown-on-17-major-pharmaceutical-giants-1753991994088">'American families deserve immediate relief': US drug prices too high? Trump threatens crackdown on 17 major pharmaceutical giants</a><h2>Frustration over Gaza aid and hunger crisis</h2>The US President is reportedly frustrated by reports of a hunger crisis in Gaza, which is affecting his push for a peace deal. To assess the situation independently, US envoy Steve Witkoff is currently visiting Israel. According to the officials, part of Witkoff’s trip is to get a clear picture of how Israel is handling humanitarian aid deliveries to the region.<h2>Trump still blames Hamas for failed truce talks</h2>Even with growing concerns about Netanyahu’s intentions, Trump still mainly blames Hamas for the collapse of truce negotiations, the officials told the publication.<h2>US officials to enter Gaza on Friday</h2>White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced that Witkoff and US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee will enter Gaza on Friday. The visit will focus on inspecting food distribution centres and speaking directly with Palestinians to understand the real situation on the ground. Leavitt described their earlier meeting with Netanyahu and senior Israeli officials as “very productive”, focused on speeding up aid delivery.<h2>Trump set to approve final Gaza aid plan</h2>Following their tour, Witkoff and Huckabee will return to brief Trump and secure his approval on a final aid distribution plan. The White House says more details will be shared after the President signs off. Trump has already announced the creation of new food centres in Gaza, promising no fences or barriers to ensure Palestinians can access&nbsp;aid&nbsp;freely.

Trump suspects Netanyahu is prolonging the Gaza war for political gain, hindering ceasefire efforts and regional stability, but no major fallout is expected between the US and Israel, officials say.

US President Donald Trump believes Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may be prolonging the war in Gaza for political reasons, according to a report by The Atlantic, which cites two unnamed US administration officials. Trump unhappy with Netanyahu’s war stance The report says Trump thinks Netanyahu’s approach is standing in the way of reaching a ceasefire and is harming US efforts to stabilise the region and boost economic partnerships. Despite these concerns, Trump is unlikely to take strong action against the Israeli leader. A White House official told The Atlantic that there is “no significant rupture” in the relationship, saying, “Allies can sometimes disagree, even in a very real way.” Also read: 'American families deserve immediate relief': US drug prices too high? Trump threatens crackdown on 17 major pharmaceutical giants Frustration over Gaza aid and hunger crisis The US President is reportedly frustrated by reports of a hunger crisis in Gaza, which is affecting his push for a peace deal. To assess the situation independently, US envoy Steve Witkoff is currently visiting Israel. According to the officials, part of Witkoff’s trip is to get a clear picture of how Israel is handling humanitarian aid deliveries to the region. Trump still blames Hamas for failed truce talks Even with growing concerns about Netanyahu’s intentions, Trump still mainly blames Hamas for the collapse of truce negotiations, the officials told the publication. US officials to enter Gaza on Friday White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced that Witkoff and US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee will enter Gaza on Friday. The visit will focus on inspecting food distribution centres and speaking directly with Palestinians to understand the real situation on the ground. Leavitt described their earlier meeting with Netanyahu and senior Israeli officials as “very productive”, focused on speeding up aid delivery. Trump set to approve final Gaza aid plan Following their tour, Witkoff and Huckabee will return to brief Trump and secure his approval on a final aid distribution plan. The White House says more details will be shared after the President signs off. Trump has already announced the creation of new food centres in Gaza, promising no fences or barriers to ensure Palestinians can access aid freely.

Trump suspects Netanyahu is prolonging the Gaza war for political gain, hindering ceasefire efforts and regional stability, but no major fallout is expected between the US and Israel, officials say.

'Disagreeing in a very real way': Trump suspects Netanyahu is dragging Gaza war for political gain

The United States announced on Sunday (Oct) 13 that it will deploy an advanced anti-missile system to Israel, along with US troops to operate it, to strengthen the country’s air defences following Iranian attacks earlier this month.

The United States announced on Sunday (Oct) 13 that it will deploy an advanced anti-missile system to Israel, along with US troops to operate it, to strengthen the country’s air defences following Iranian attacks earlier this month. President Joe Biden asked Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin to authorise "the deployment of a Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery and associated crew of US military personnel" to Israel. "The THAAD Battery will augment Israel's integrated air defence system. This action underscores the United States' ironclad commitment to the defence of Israel, and to defend Americans in Israel, from any further ballistic missile attacks by Iran," said Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder in a statement on Sunday. Also read: Pentagon puzzled after mystery drones hover over US military base for 17 days “It is part of the broader adjustments the US military has made in recent months, to support the defence of Israel and protect Americans from attacks by Iran and Iranian-aligned militias,” Ryder added. 'Only US system designed to intercept targets outside and inside the atmosphere' The THAAD system, produced by Lockheed Martin, "is the only US system designed to intercept targets outside and inside the atmosphere." This is not the first time the US has deployed THAAD to Israel, having previously done so in 2019 during joint exercises and following the Hamas-led attack on Israel on 7 October 2023, according to the statement. Also read: Israel vs UN: Netanyahu tells Guterres to withdraw south Lebanon peacekeepers On October 1, Iran launched approximately 180 missiles at Israel. This attack came after Israel’s assassination of the leader of Iran-backed group Hezbollah, Hassan Nasrallah, on September 27. This attack was larger than Iran’s April response when it launched 110 ballistic missiles and 30 cruise missiles at Israel after an Israeli strike on the Iranian embassy in Damascus, Syria. Iran warns US against sending troops to Israel Earlier on Sunday, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that by sending US troops to Israel to operate missile systems, the US was endangering its military personnel. "While we have made tremendous efforts in recent days to contain an all-out war in our region, I say it clearly that we have no red lines in defending our people and interests," Araghchi posted on X. (With inputs from agencies)

US to deploy anti-missile system THAAD in Israel to ‘defend Americans’ against future Iranian attacks

The United States, on Sunday (Sep 29)&nbsp;announced it will increase its military presence in the Middle East due to escalating tensions between Israel and the Iran-backed, Lebanon-based militant group&nbsp;Hezbollah, raising concerns about a potential full-scale war in the region.

In a statement, the Pentagon&nbsp;highlighted its readiness to deploy forces at short notice if necessary. “The United States retains the capability to deploy forces on short notice. The Department of Defense continues to maintain a significant amount of capability in the region and to dynamically adjust our force posture based on the evolving security situation,” the US Defense Department (DOD) said.

"...This afloat posture is complemented by DoD’s elevated fighter and attack squadron presence, including F-22, F-15E, F-16, and A-10 aircraft, and we will further reinforce our defensive air-support capabilities in the coming days,” the statement added.

US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin and the DoD emphasised that their main focus remains on protecting American&nbsp;citizens and troops in the region, supporting Israel’s defence, and de-escalating the situation through diplomacy.

<h2>'Determined to prevent Iran,&nbsp;proxies from exploiting the situation': US</h2>

"The United States is determined to prevent Iran and Iranian-backed partners and proxies from exploiting the situation or expanding the conflict," the statement said. "Should Iran, its partners, or its proxies use this moment to target American personnel or interests in the region, the United States will take every necessary measure to defend our people," the statement added.

<h2>'Going to war with Hezbollah or Iran isn’t the best approach': US</h2>

Meanwhile, in an interview with CNN,&nbsp;White House National Security Communications Adviser John Kirby emphasised that going to war with Hezbollah or Iran isn’t the best approach. "If you want to bring those people back home safely and in a long-lasting way, we think the diplomatic route is the right one," Kirby said.

The US is closely monitoring Hezbollah's actions as it works through its leadership changes "and is continuing to talk to the Israelis about what the right next steps are," he said.

"We’ve been clear that we don't always agree on how they carry out operations, especially when it comes to civilian protection," Kirby added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-airstrikes-cripple-key-yemeni-port-after-houthi-attack-aimed-at-central-israel-763009">Israeli airstrikes pound key Yemeni port after Houthis fire missiles at&nbsp;Israel</a>

<h2>US had no prior knowledge of the Israeli airstrike&nbsp;which killed Nasrallah</h2>

This statement follows an Israeli airstrike on Friday, which killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, along with Ali Karaki, the commander of Hezbollah’s Southern Front. On the same day, US President Joe Biden said Washington&nbsp;had no prior knowledge or involvement in the Israeli airstrike.&nbsp;

Austin also stated that he was not given advance notice, but had spoken to his Israeli counterpart as the operation was taking place.

“We had no advance warning. My call with Minister Gallant took place while the operation was actually already underway,” the US defence secretary&nbsp;told reporters upon landing at Joint Base Andrews near Washington at that time.

(With inputs from agencies)

The United States, on Sunday (Sep 29) announced it will increase its military presence in the Middle East due to escalating tensions between Israel and the Iran-backed, Lebanon-based militant group Hezbollah, raising concerns about a potential full-scale war in the region.

The United States, on Sunday (Sep 29) announced it will increase its military presence in the Middle East due to escalating tensions between Israel and the Iran-backed, Lebanon-based militant group Hezbollah, raising concerns about a potential full-scale war in the region. In a statement, the Pentagon highlighted its readiness to deploy forces at short notice if necessary. “The United States retains the capability to deploy forces on short notice. The Department of Defense continues to maintain a significant amount of capability in the region and to dynamically adjust our force posture based on the evolving security situation,” the US Defense Department (DOD) said. "...This afloat posture is complemented by DoD’s elevated fighter and attack squadron presence, including F-22, F-15E, F-16, and A-10 aircraft, and we will further reinforce our defensive air-support capabilities in the coming days,” the statement added. US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin and the DoD emphasised that their main focus remains on protecting American citizens and troops in the region, supporting Israel’s defence, and de-escalating the situation through diplomacy. 'Determined to prevent Iran, proxies from exploiting the situation': US "The United States is determined to prevent Iran and Iranian-backed partners and proxies from exploiting the situation or expanding the conflict," the statement said. "Should Iran, its partners, or its proxies use this moment to target American personnel or interests in the region, the United States will take every necessary measure to defend our people," the statement added. 'Going to war with Hezbollah or Iran isn’t the best approach': US Meanwhile, in an interview with CNN, White House National Security Communications Adviser John Kirby emphasised that going to war with Hezbollah or Iran isn’t the best approach. "If you want to bring those people back home safely and in a long-lasting way, we think the diplomatic route is the right one," Kirby said. The US is closely monitoring Hezbollah's actions as it works through its leadership changes "and is continuing to talk to the Israelis about what the right next steps are," he said. "We’ve been clear that we don't always agree on how they carry out operations, especially when it comes to civilian protection," Kirby added. Also read: Israeli airstrikes pound key Yemeni port after Houthis fire missiles at Israel US had no prior knowledge of the Israeli airstrike which killed Nasrallah This statement follows an Israeli airstrike on Friday, which killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, along with Ali Karaki, the commander of Hezbollah’s Southern Front. On the same day, US President Joe Biden said Washington had no prior knowledge or involvement in the Israeli airstrike. Austin also stated that he was not given advance notice, but had spoken to his Israeli counterpart as the operation was taking place. “We had no advance warning. My call with Minister Gallant took place while the operation was actually already underway,” the US defence secretary told reporters upon landing at Joint Base Andrews near Washington at that time. (With inputs from agencies)

US can 'deploy forces on short notice' to prevent Iran from 'expanding the conflict': Pentagon

Officials in the United States-led coalition, preparing to counter a potential Iranian attack, have cautioned Israel against a strong response, according to a report on Tuesday (Aug 6).

"Don’t push it," the unnamed officials advised Israel, as reported by Kan news, part of the Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation. "Think carefully before you attack in return. The goal at the end of the day is not to lead to an all-out war."

In April, a significant drone and missile attack from Iran was thwarted by a coalition that reportedly included Israel, the United States, Britain, France, Qatar, Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain.

Watch |&nbsp;Israel-Hezbollah conflict: Foreigners flee Lebanon amid fear of conflict

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Iran vowed to take action on Monday, saying that Israel must be "punished" for the death of Hamas militant group leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. This raised concerns that Iran's retaliation may push the already unstable Middle East toward a full-scale conflict.

In addition, Hezbollah, an Iran-backed&nbsp;militant&nbsp;group acting as a proxy, has also vowed to attack Israel from Lebanon after its military chief, Fuad Shukr, was killed in a strike in Beirut last week.&nbsp;

The Wall Street Journal, citing unnamed US sources, reported that Iran has been moving missile launchers and doing military manoeuvres lately, raising the possibility of an impending strike.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-war-israels-finance-minister-orders-seizure-of-26-million-of-palestinian-tax-funds-747406">Gaza war: Israel's finance minister orders seizure of $26 million in Palestinian tax funds</a>

According to an American&nbsp;official, US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris received a briefing on Monday from their national security team, which said that the timing of prospective assaults by Iran and Hezbollah is still unknown. The representative added that nothing is known about "the specifics of such an attack."

President Biden and VP Harris got an update on US military support for Israel's defence against any threats from Iran, the White House reported during a national security meeting on Monday. Along with discussing ways to ease tensions, they also looked at the current ceasefire and hostage-release agreement between Israel and Hamas.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/palestinian-officials-say-eight-dead-in-israel-west-bank-raids-747666">Palestinian officials say eight dead in Israel West Bank raids</a>

Biden and Harris addressed the Monday missile strike on a US military post in Iraq, according to the statement. Washington&nbsp;says it intends to respond "in the manner and place of our choosing."

According to the US State Department, Washington has been pushing other countries to send a message to Iran advising against any more escalation.

“Iran seeks to establish stability in the region, but this will only come with punishing the aggressor and creating deterrence against the adventurism of the Zionist regime,” said Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani, adding that action from Tehran was inevitable.

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq and non-state actors like Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Officials in the United States-led coalition, preparing to counter a potential Iranian attack, have cautioned Israel against a strong response, according to a report on Tuesday (Aug 6).

Officials in the United States-led coalition, preparing to counter a potential Iranian attack, have cautioned Israel against a strong response, according to a report on Tuesday (Aug 6). "Don’t push it," the unnamed officials advised Israel, as reported by Kan news, part of the Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation. "Think carefully before you attack in return. The goal at the end of the day is not to lead to an all-out war." In April, a significant drone and missile attack from Iran was thwarted by a coalition that reportedly included Israel, the United States, Britain, France, Qatar, Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain. Watch | Israel-Hezbollah conflict: Foreigners flee Lebanon amid fear of conflict × Iran vowed to take action on Monday, saying that Israel must be "punished" for the death of Hamas militant group leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. This raised concerns that Iran's retaliation may push the already unstable Middle East toward a full-scale conflict. In addition, Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militant group acting as a proxy, has also vowed to attack Israel from Lebanon after its military chief, Fuad Shukr, was killed in a strike in Beirut last week. The Wall Street Journal, citing unnamed US sources, reported that Iran has been moving missile launchers and doing military manoeuvres lately, raising the possibility of an impending strike. Also read: Gaza war: Israel's finance minister orders seizure of $26 million in Palestinian tax funds According to an American official, US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris received a briefing on Monday from their national security team, which said that the timing of prospective assaults by Iran and Hezbollah is still unknown. The representative added that nothing is known about "the specifics of such an attack." President Biden and VP Harris got an update on US military support for Israel's defence against any threats from Iran, the White House reported during a national security meeting on Monday. Along with discussing ways to ease tensions, they also looked at the current ceasefire and hostage-release agreement between Israel and Hamas. Also read: Palestinian officials say eight dead in Israel West Bank raids Biden and Harris addressed the Monday missile strike on a US military post in Iraq, according to the statement. Washington says it intends to respond "in the manner and place of our choosing." According to the US State Department, Washington has been pushing other countries to send a message to Iran advising against any more escalation. “Iran seeks to establish stability in the region, but this will only come with punishing the aggressor and creating deterrence against the adventurism of the Zionist regime,” said Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani, adding that action from Tehran was inevitable. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq and non-state actors like Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Israel urged by US, allies to limit response to imminent Iran attack: 'Think carefully before...'

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on Thursday (Jul 25)&nbsp;arrived at the White House to meet with United States President Joe Biden. This is&nbsp;Netanyahu's first visit to the White House under Biden's presidency.

Netanyahu arrived in a black SUV adorned with Israeli and American flags. The two leaders are expected to discuss the current negotiations for a ceasefire in Gaza amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas.

Notably, it is also Biden's first meeting with a foreign leader since he&nbsp;dropped&nbsp;out of the presidential race&nbsp;and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for the Democratic nomination.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fbi-director-unsure-if-bullet-hit-trump-says-it-couldve-been-shrapnel-744237">FBI director unsure if bullet hit Trump, says it could've been shrapnel</a>

The meeting is crucial due to the mounting&nbsp;pressure on the Israeli PM&nbsp;to end&nbsp;the war in Gaza which is in currently its ninth month.

“Well, welcome back, Mr. Prime Minister,” Biden told Netanyahu

“We’ve got a lot to talk about. I think we should get to it,” he added.

“Mr. President, we’ve known each other for 40 years and you’ve known every Israeli prime minister for 50 years, from Golda Meir,” Netanyahu told Biden ahead of the meeting in front of reporters.&nbsp;

“So from a proud Jewish Zionist to a proud Irish American Zionist, I want to thank you for 50 years of public service and 50 years of support for the state of Israel. And I look forward to discussing with you today and working with you in the months ahead on the great issues before us,” the Israeli PM told the US president.&nbsp;

Watch | Donald Trump vs Kamala Harris: What the polls tell us

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Both Biden and Netanyahu did not mention their disagreement regarding the Gaza ceasefire.

The US president has previously urged both Israel and Hamas to agree to a ceasefire deal. However, Netanyahu has repeatedly said that&nbsp;Israel will achieve "total victory" in Gaza and will only accept the ceasefire deal under specific conditions.&nbsp;

The White House announced that VP Harris will meet with Netanyahu separately later on Thursday, as she was unable to attend his speech at the US Congress due to prior travel commitments.

(With inputs from agencies)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on Thursday (Jul 25) arrived at the White House to meet with United States President Joe Biden. This is Netanyahu's first visit to the White House under Biden's presidency.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on Thursday (Jul 25) arrived at the White House to meet with United States President Joe Biden. This is Netanyahu's first visit to the White House under Biden's presidency. Netanyahu arrived in a black SUV adorned with Israeli and American flags. The two leaders are expected to discuss the current negotiations for a ceasefire in Gaza amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas. Notably, it is also Biden's first meeting with a foreign leader since he dropped out of the presidential race and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for the Democratic nomination. Also read: FBI director unsure if bullet hit Trump, says it could've been shrapnel The meeting is crucial due to the mounting pressure on the Israeli PM to end the war in Gaza which is in currently its ninth month. “Well, welcome back, Mr. Prime Minister,” Biden told Netanyahu “We’ve got a lot to talk about. I think we should get to it,” he added. “Mr. President, we’ve known each other for 40 years and you’ve known every Israeli prime minister for 50 years, from Golda Meir,” Netanyahu told Biden ahead of the meeting in front of reporters. “So from a proud Jewish Zionist to a proud Irish American Zionist, I want to thank you for 50 years of public service and 50 years of support for the state of Israel. And I look forward to discussing with you today and working with you in the months ahead on the great issues before us,” the Israeli PM told the US president. Watch | Donald Trump vs Kamala Harris: What the polls tell us × Both Biden and Netanyahu did not mention their disagreement regarding the Gaza ceasefire. The US president has previously urged both Israel and Hamas to agree to a ceasefire deal. However, Netanyahu has repeatedly said that Israel will achieve "total victory" in Gaza and will only accept the ceasefire deal under specific conditions. The White House announced that VP Harris will meet with Netanyahu separately later on Thursday, as she was unable to attend his speech at the US Congress due to prior travel commitments. (With inputs from agencies)

Netanyahu visits White House, thanks Biden for ‘50 years of support for the state of Israel’

On Wednesday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to ask for additional aid in Gaza while pressuring Hamas to accept a hostage deal that would end the violence in Gaza.

On Wednesday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to ask for additional aid in Gaza while pressuring Hamas to accept a hostage deal that would end the violence in Gaza. This is Blinken's seventh visit to Israel, which is the final stop of this Middle East tour, since October 2023. Blinken visited Ashdod Port in the southern area, where recent relief supplies to Gaza have begun. He plans to press the Israeli government to undertake a variety of measures to improve aid distribution to Gaza, where roughly half of the population is starving. Following a 2.5-hour discussion with Netanyahu in Jerusalem, Blinken appreciated progress in aid distribution and highlighted the need to speed up and sustain it, according to State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken also visited Gaza border crossing to see humanitarian aid shipment in person. Blinken went to Kerem Shalom, an Israeli entrance point into Gaza a few kilometers south of the flashpoint city of Rafah, where he spotted hundreds of trucks waiting to enter, as well as many Israeli military tanks stationed nearby. The meeting came nearly a month after US President Joe Biden cautioned that their support might be reassessed if Israel fails to address civilian harm, humanitarian crises, and the safety of aid workers. Also read: Israeli forces will enter Rafah ‘with or without’ Gaza hostage deal, says PM Netanyahu According to State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller, Blinken restated the US position that Hamas is hindering attempts to establish a cease-fire. Blinken also asked Hamas to examine a possible ceasefire arrangement arranged by Egyptian mediators, which includes the release of 33 hostages in exchange for a greater number of Palestinian inmates and an end to hostilities. On Tuesday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that he intends to launch a military attack on Rafah "with or without" a deal. Over half of Gaza's population has sought shelter in Rafah, after fleeing from elsewhere. Overcrowded Rafah is facing a lack of food, water, and medication. Blinken also visited a few family members of American hostages held in Gaza before boarding a motorcade to Jerusalem, where he attended a private meeting with Netanyahu. (With inputs from agencies)

Blinken meets Israeli PM Netanyahu, talks about Gaza aid, ceasefire and more

US President Joe Biden is facing backlash from MAGA Republicans following Iran's airstrike on Israel on Saturday (April 13). American President in his statement said that the US helped Israel take down "nearly all" of the the drones and missiles.

"Earlier today, Iran—and its proxies operating out of Yemen, Syria, and Iraq—launched an unprecedented air attack against military facilities in Israel. I condemn these attacks in the strongest possible terms," Biden said.&nbsp;

"At my direction, to support the defense of Israel, the U.S. military moved aircraft and ballistic missile defense destroyers to the region over the course of the past week. Thanks to these deployments and the extraordinary skill of our servicemembers, we helped Israel take down nearly all of the incoming drones and missiles," he added. President Biden has maintained strong support for Israel since the Middle Eastern nation's war with Hamas began.

<h2>MAGA Republicans' reaction to Iran's attack</h2>

Former President Donald Trump&nbsp;claimed on social media that Iran's strike would never have occurred if he were president. "The weakness that we've shown is unbelievable. It would not have happened if we were in office," Trump said. Republicans who support Trump also placed blame for Iran's attack on Biden.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott wrote on X, formerly Twitter, "Pres. Biden’s weak, ineffectual leadership led to this moment. Iran was emboldened to attack because Pres. Biden refused to stand up for our ally Israel. Texas stands with Israel and its people. Always. Our prayers are with Israel and our Jewish friends around the world."

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Pres. Biden’s weak, ineffectual leadership led to this moment. 
 
Iran was emboldened to attack because Pres. Biden refused to stand up for our ally Israel. 
 
Texas stands with Israel and its people. Always. 
 
Our prayers are with Israel and our Jewish friends around the world.
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) <a href="https://twitter.com/GregAbbott_TX/status/1779281779091775759?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 13, 2024</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<meta name="uuid" content="uuid5ad77xm8jQUm" /><meta charset="utf-8" /><a href="http://wionews.com/world/west-asia-crisis-us-to-stay-out-of-israeli-counter-strike-on-iran-joe-biden-tells-netanyahu-711229" target="_blank">West Asia crisis: US won’t be part of Israeli counter-strike on Iran, Joe Biden tells Netanyahu</a>

Texas Rep. Wesley Hunt wrote that the attack "would have NEVER happened under Trump."&nbsp;

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Emily and I are praying for the people of Israel as they defend themselves against the Islamo-Nazi regime in Tehran. 
 
This would have NEVER happened under Trump. 
 
America, Israel, and the world need strength at the helm now more than ever. 
 
Iran has been emboldened by…
— Wesley Hunt (@WesleyHuntTX) <a href="https://twitter.com/WesleyHuntTX/status/1779265776832197014?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 13, 2024</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene wrote on X, "Biden gave Iran access to $10 BILLION after Hamas attacked Israel. Now Iran has launched an attack on Israel."

<h2>Why did Iran attack Israel?</h2>

Iran fired numerous drones and missiles toward Israel in reaction to an attack on an Iranian embassy in Damascus, Syria, that killed 12 people, including two senior Iranian generals. The attack, the first time Iran has conducted a direct military attack on Israel, occurred as regional tensions have reached their peak since the Israel-Hamas conflict began six months ago.

(With inputs from agencies)

US President Joe Biden is facing backlash from MAGA Republicans following Iran's airstrike on Israel on Saturday (April 13). American President in his statement said that the US helped Israel take down "nearly all" of the the drones and missiles.

US President Joe Biden is facing backlash from MAGA Republicans following Iran's airstrike on Israel on Saturday (April 13). American President in his statement said that the US helped Israel take down "nearly all" of the the drones and missiles. "Earlier today, Iran—and its proxies operating out of Yemen, Syria, and Iraq—launched an unprecedented air attack against military facilities in Israel. I condemn these attacks in the strongest possible terms," Biden said. "At my direction, to support the defense of Israel, the U.S. military moved aircraft and ballistic missile defense destroyers to the region over the course of the past week. Thanks to these deployments and the extraordinary skill of our servicemembers, we helped Israel take down nearly all of the incoming drones and missiles," he added. President Biden has maintained strong support for Israel since the Middle Eastern nation's war with Hamas began. MAGA Republicans' reaction to Iran's attack Former President Donald Trump claimed on social media that Iran's strike would never have occurred if he were president. "The weakness that we've shown is unbelievable. It would not have happened if we were in office," Trump said. Republicans who support Trump also placed blame for Iran's attack on Biden. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott wrote on X, formerly Twitter, "Pres. Biden’s weak, ineffectual leadership led to this moment. Iran was emboldened to attack because Pres. Biden refused to stand up for our ally Israel. Texas stands with Israel and its people. Always. Our prayers are with Israel and our Jewish friends around the world." Pres. Biden’s weak, ineffectual leadership led to this moment. Iran was emboldened to attack because Pres. Biden refused to stand up for our ally Israel. Texas stands with Israel and its people. Always. Our prayers are with Israel and our Jewish friends around the world. — Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) April 13, 2024 × Also read: West Asia crisis: US won’t be part of Israeli counter-strike on Iran, Joe Biden tells Netanyahu Texas Rep. Wesley Hunt wrote that the attack "would have NEVER happened under Trump." Emily and I are praying for the people of Israel as they defend themselves against the Islamo-Nazi regime in Tehran. This would have NEVER happened under Trump. America, Israel, and the world need strength at the helm now more than ever. Iran has been emboldened by… — Wesley Hunt (@WesleyHuntTX) April 13, 2024 × Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene wrote on X, "Biden gave Iran access to $10 BILLION after Hamas attacked Israel. Now Iran has launched an attack on Israel." Why did Iran attack Israel? Iran fired numerous drones and missiles toward Israel in reaction to an attack on an Iranian embassy in Damascus, Syria, that killed 12 people, including two senior Iranian generals. The attack, the first time Iran has conducted a direct military attack on Israel, occurred as regional tensions have reached their peak since the Israel-Hamas conflict began six months ago. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump and MAGA Republicans blame Joe Biden for Iran’s strikes on Israel

President Joe Biden in a conversation with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told him that the US won't participate in any counter-strike against Iran, according to media reports.

President Joe Biden in a conversation with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told him that the US won't participate in any counter-strike against Iran, according to media reports. The US President and senior members of his national security team are worried that following the barrage of Iranian missiles and drones directed toward Israel, Israel will take some action that would lead to a regional war. On Saturday (April 13) in a conversation with his Israeli counterpart, Biden sought to frame Israel’s successful interception of the Iranian onslaught as a major victory and suggested that further Israeli response was unnecessary, a senior administration official told CNN. “You got a win. Take the win,” Biden told Netanyahu according to media reports. Biden told the Israeli prime minister in his phone call that he should consider Saturday a win because Iran’s attacks had been largely unsuccessful and demonstrated Israel’s superior military capability, a senior administration official said. Also read: Iran’s drone swarm shows adventurism that hides a diplomatic disaster for the Palestinian cause John Kirby, the White House national security spokesperson, stated that Israel's ability to thwart the assault showed its "military superiority" and that Iran was not the "military power that they claim to be." “This was an incredible success, really proving Israel’s military superiority and just as critically, their diplomatic superiority, that they have friends in the region, that they have around the world that are willing to help them,” he told CNN. “I told him that Israel demonstrated a remarkable capacity to defend against and defeat even unprecedented attacks — sending a clear message to its foes that they cannot effectively threaten the security of Israel,” US President said in a statement following his conversation with Netanyahu. Lloyd Austin, US Defense Secretary told Israel to notify the US ahead of any potential response to the Iranian attack, according to another US official. Why did Iran launch an attack on Israel? Iran launched the attack in retaliation for an airstrike in Syria on April 1 that killed seven Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps members. Israel has not confirmed or disputed responsibility. It was Iran's first-ever direct strike on Israel, using over 300 drones and missiles. (With inputs from agencies)

West Asia crisis: US won’t be part of Israeli counter-strike on Iran, Joe Biden tells Netanyahu

The US is showing signs of strained patience with ally Israel. Reports say the Biden administration is holding up the sale of more than 20,000 US made rifles to Israel. U.S. National security advisor Jake Sullivan is travelling to Israel for talks

Israel war: US stops sale of M16 guns to Israel, as tensions rise

The United States has reportedly warned Tel Aviv that it would not send American-made rifles after the Israeli national security minister was seen handing out such guns to civilians amidst the war with the Hamas terrorist group.

The row erupted after images shared by minister Itamar Ben-Gvir showed him distributing rifles to civilian security squads on Oct 28 (Saturday), Israel’s Haaretz outlet reported.

The images purportedly showed Ben-Gvir handing out arms at political events in Bnei Brak and El’ad—both towns near Tel Aviv in which the religious right wing dominates two towns.

“I’m telling you, dear citizens:&nbsp;a handgun can save a family, a rifle can save an entire building,” Ben-Gvir was quoted as saying by Haaretz during at an event in southern Ashkelon city.

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. 🇮🇱💥 Ministro da Segurança Nacional de Israel Itamar Ben-Gvir distribuindo armas aos civis. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 Aqui a ordem é desarmar o cidadão e armar o bandido. 🤨 <a href="https://t.co/WUS21E7yER">pic.twitter.com/WUS21E7yER</a>
— Derlin.’.Rodrigues🇧🇷 (@DerlinRod) <a href="https://twitter.com/DerlinRod/status/1718386450671059250?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 28, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2>Biden admin angry with Israeli minister&nbsp;</h2>

According to reports, the Biden administration said that it would halt supplying arms to the country if they are used by civilians, or seen being distributed at political events.

The US government also threatened to halt an order of some 20,000 rifles purchased by the National Security Ministry from American suppliers.

“President [Joe] Biden directed his team to ensure Israel has what it needs to defend itself, consistent with international law, and we are actively providing additional security assistance to the&nbsp;Israeli Defence Forces,” a state department spokesperson was quoted as saying by the Telegraph on Sunday (Oct 29).

“Our assistance will flow quickly to meet Israel’s urgent needs,” he added

Israel has been reportedly arming volunteer security squads in view of possible unrest in Palestinian communities ever since the war with Hamas began.

<h2>US halts arms sales to other countries, except Ukraine and Israel</h2>

Notably, it comes just days after US Commerce Department suspended sales of most US-made firearms for 90 days to ensure it doesn’t “undermine the country’s interests”.

However, it made exceptions to Israel and Ukraine—who are both currently engaged in a bloody war with Hamas and Russia, respectively—and about 40 other countries that are part of an export-control agreement.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/german-israeli-woman-paraded-by-hamas-after-oct-7-terror-attacks-found-dead-653122">Shani Louk, who was paraded by Hamas after Oct 7 terror attacks, found dead</a>

The announcement was made on late Friday (Oct 27).

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-stops-issuance-of-export-licenses-to-civilian-firearms-and-ammunition-for-90-days-653096">US stops issuance of export licenses to civilian firearms and ammunition for 90 days</a>

However, it is not clear if the threat of not sending rifles took place before or after the commerce department’s decision.

“The review will be conducted with urgency and will enable the Department to more effectively assess and mitigate risk of firearms being diverted to entities or activities that promote regional instability, violate human rights, or fuel criminal activities,” the Department said in announcing the pause.

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. 
 
 
&nbsp;

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The United States has reportedly warned Tel Aviv that it would not send American-made rifles after the Israeli national security minister was seen handing out such guns to civilians amidst the war with the Hamas terrorist group.

The United States has reportedly warned Tel Aviv that it would not send American-made rifles after the Israeli national security minister was seen handing out such guns to civilians amidst the war with the Hamas terrorist group. The row erupted after images shared by minister Itamar Ben-Gvir showed him distributing rifles to civilian security squads on Oct 28 (Saturday), Israel’s Haaretz outlet reported. The images purportedly showed Ben-Gvir handing out arms at political events in Bnei Brak and El’ad—both towns near Tel Aviv in which the religious right wing dominates two towns. “I’m telling you, dear citizens: a handgun can save a family, a rifle can save an entire building,” Ben-Gvir was quoted as saying by Haaretz during at an event in southern Ashkelon city. . 🇮🇱💥 Ministro da Segurança Nacional de Israel Itamar Ben-Gvir distribuindo armas aos civis. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 Aqui a ordem é desarmar o cidadão e armar o bandido. 🤨 pic.twitter.com/WUS21E7yER — Derlin.’.Rodrigues🇧🇷 (@DerlinRod) October 28, 2023 × Biden admin angry with Israeli minister According to reports, the Biden administration said that it would halt supplying arms to the country if they are used by civilians, or seen being distributed at political events. The US government also threatened to halt an order of some 20,000 rifles purchased by the National Security Ministry from American suppliers. “President [Joe] Biden directed his team to ensure Israel has what it needs to defend itself, consistent with international law, and we are actively providing additional security assistance to the Israeli Defence Forces,” a state department spokesperson was quoted as saying by the Telegraph on Sunday (Oct 29). “Our assistance will flow quickly to meet Israel’s urgent needs,” he added Israel has been reportedly arming volunteer security squads in view of possible unrest in Palestinian communities ever since the war with Hamas began. US halts arms sales to other countries, except Ukraine and Israel Notably, it comes just days after US Commerce Department suspended sales of most US-made firearms for 90 days to ensure it doesn’t “undermine the country’s interests”. However, it made exceptions to Israel and Ukraine—who are both currently engaged in a bloody war with Hamas and Russia, respectively—and about 40 other countries that are part of an export-control agreement. Also read | Shani Louk, who was paraded by Hamas after Oct 7 terror attacks, found dead The announcement was made on late Friday (Oct 27). Also read | US stops issuance of export licenses to civilian firearms and ammunition for 90 days However, it is not clear if the threat of not sending rifles took place before or after the commerce department’s decision. “The review will be conducted with urgency and will enable the Department to more effectively assess and mitigate risk of firearms being diverted to entities or activities that promote regional instability, violate human rights, or fuel criminal activities,” the Department said in announcing the pause. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

US threatens to halt rifle exports after Israeli minister is seen handing them to civilians: Report

Former US president Donal Trump went on a tirade against his ‘close ally and friend’ Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s former prime minister, accusing him of ‘disloyalty’ after he had congratulated&nbsp;Joe Biden for winning the 2020 presidential elections.

Talking to a US-based news website Axios, Trump blasted Netanyahu, saying, “It was early. Ok? Let’s put it this way —he greeted him very early. Earlier than most world leaders. I've not spoken to him since.”

Trump said he values ‘loyalty’, adding that he never expected Netanyahu to change sides so quickly.

“Nobody did more for Bibi. I liked Bibi. I still like Bibi,” Trump said, referring to Netanyahu by his nickname.

“There was no one who did for Israel more than I did. And the first person to run to greet Joe Biden was Netanyahu. And not only did he congratulate him —he did it in a video,” he said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-banned-on-twitter-and-fb-to-launch-his-own-social-network-422513">Donald Trump, banned on Twitter and FB, to launch his own social network</a>

“If you look at the leaders of other countries — like Brazil —he waited months. Putin. Many other leaders. Mexico. All of them also felt that the election was over. But they, too, were waiting. No one did more than me for Bibi. Money too. We gave them a lot of money and gave them soldiers. We did everything.”

Netanyahu had in fact congratulated Biden the day after the results were called in his favour on November 8, 2020.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-would-have-won-if-us-election-were-held-today-poll-434920">Donald Trump would have won if US election were held today: Poll</a>

At that time, Netanyahu in the post said that he and Biden have had a “long &amp; warm” personal relationship for almost 40 years and sees him as “a great friend of Israel” and looks forward to working together.

But in a separate Twitter post, Netanyahu did, however, thank Trump “for the friendship you have shown the state of Israel and me personally, for recognizing Jerusalem and the Golan, for standing up to Iran, for the historic peace accords and for bringing the American-Israeli alliance to unprecedented heights.”

(With inputs from agencies)

Former US president Donal Trump went on a tirade against his ‘close ally and friend’ Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s former prime minister, accusing him of ‘disloyalty’ after he had congratulated Joe Biden for winning the 2020 presidential elections.

Former US president Donal Trump went on a tirade against his ‘close ally and friend’ Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s former prime minister, accusing him of ‘disloyalty’ after he had congratulated Joe Biden for winning the 2020 presidential elections. Talking to a US-based news website Axios, Trump blasted Netanyahu, saying, “It was early. Ok? Let’s put it this way —he greeted him very early. Earlier than most world leaders. I've not spoken to him since.” Trump said he values ‘loyalty’, adding that he never expected Netanyahu to change sides so quickly. “Nobody did more for Bibi. I liked Bibi. I still like Bibi,” Trump said, referring to Netanyahu by his nickname. “There was no one who did for Israel more than I did. And the first person to run to greet Joe Biden was Netanyahu. And not only did he congratulate him —he did it in a video,” he said. Also read | Donald Trump, banned on Twitter and FB, to launch his own social network “If you look at the leaders of other countries — like Brazil —he waited months. Putin. Many other leaders. Mexico. All of them also felt that the election was over. But they, too, were waiting. No one did more than me for Bibi. Money too. We gave them a lot of money and gave them soldiers. We did everything.” Netanyahu had in fact congratulated Biden the day after the results were called in his favour on November 8, 2020. Also read | Donald Trump would have won if US election were held today: Poll At that time, Netanyahu in the post said that he and Biden have had a “long & warm” personal relationship for almost 40 years and sees him as “a great friend of Israel” and looks forward to working together. But in a separate Twitter post, Netanyahu did, however, thank Trump “for the friendship you have shown the state of Israel and me personally, for recognizing Jerusalem and the Golan, for standing up to Iran, for the historic peace accords and for bringing the American-Israeli alliance to unprecedented heights.” (With inputs from agencies)

Trumps blasts ‘disloyal and ungrateful’ Netanyahu for congratulating Biden after presidential polls

The UN General Assembly will hold an in-person debate on the Israeli-Palestinian clashes at 1400 GMT on Thursday, assembly spokesman Brenden Varma said.

US blocks third draft UN statement on Israel-Gaza violence

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Monday the US had requested "details" and a "justification" from Israel for an air strike on a Gaza building housing international media outlets.

US asks Israel for 'justification' for strike on media building

Jonathan Pollard, a former US Navy analyst who served 30 years in prison for spying for Israel, arrived in the country early on Wednesday after parole restrictions on his travel expired.

Pollard had long voiced a desire to emigrate to Israel, which granted him citizenship. The espionage affair strained US-Israel relations for decades.

Pollard was jailed for giving away classified US documents, and had been confined by parole terms to the US since his release in 2015, despite Israeli pressure to allow him to leave.

The US Justice Department removed the terms and conditions last month.&nbsp;

Several leading Israeli dailies, including Haaretz and The Jerusalem Post, reported that Pollard had landed in Israel with his wife Esther earlier on Wednesday.&nbsp;

The Israel Hayom newspaper's report included a photo of Pollard and Esther on a plane, wearing masks.&nbsp;

In a statement last month, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the lifting of the US parole restrictions and voiced hope that Pollard would "arrive in Israel soon."

Israel has imposed its third nationwide lockdown to contain the novel coronavirus and current restrictions compel anyone entering the country to spend at least 10 days in quarantine in a government-selected hotel.&nbsp;

There was no immediate indication as to whether Pollard and his wife had been exempted from those restrictions.

Pollard was a US Navy intelligence analyst in the mid-1980s when he made contact with an Israeli colonel in New York and began sending US secrets to Israel in exchange for tens of thousands of dollars.

Pollard passed thousands of crucial US documents to Israel, straining relations between the two close allies.

Israel's October 1985 raid on the Palestinian Liberation Organization's Tunis headquarters that killed around 60 people was planned with information from Pollard. He was arrested in 1985 and was sentenced to life in prison two years later, despite pleading guilty in a deal his attorneys expected would result in a more lenient sentence.

After his release in 2015, he was kept in the United States by parole rules and not allowed to travel to Israel where his wife, whom he married after he was jailed, lived.

Israel, where Pollard is regarded as a hero and which awarded him citizenship in 1995, reportedly pressured Washington for his release.

(with inputs from agencies)

Jonathan Pollard, a former US Navy analyst who served 30 years in prison for spying for Israel, arrived in the country early on Wednesday after parole restrictions on his travel expired.

Jonathan Pollard, a former US Navy analyst who served 30 years in prison for spying for Israel, arrived in the country early on Wednesday after parole restrictions on his travel expired. Pollard had long voiced a desire to emigrate to Israel, which granted him citizenship. The espionage affair strained US-Israel relations for decades. Pollard was jailed for giving away classified US documents, and had been confined by parole terms to the US since his release in 2015, despite Israeli pressure to allow him to leave. The US Justice Department removed the terms and conditions last month. Several leading Israeli dailies, including Haaretz and The Jerusalem Post, reported that Pollard had landed in Israel with his wife Esther earlier on Wednesday. The Israel Hayom newspaper's report included a photo of Pollard and Esther on a plane, wearing masks. In a statement last month, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the lifting of the US parole restrictions and voiced hope that Pollard would "arrive in Israel soon." Israel has imposed its third nationwide lockdown to contain the novel coronavirus and current restrictions compel anyone entering the country to spend at least 10 days in quarantine in a government-selected hotel. There was no immediate indication as to whether Pollard and his wife had been exempted from those restrictions. Pollard was a US Navy intelligence analyst in the mid-1980s when he made contact with an Israeli colonel in New York and began sending US secrets to Israel in exchange for tens of thousands of dollars. Pollard passed thousands of crucial US documents to Israel, straining relations between the two close allies. Israel's October 1985 raid on the Palestinian Liberation Organization's Tunis headquarters that killed around 60 people was planned with information from Pollard. He was arrested in 1985 and was sentenced to life in prison two years later, despite pleading guilty in a deal his attorneys expected would result in a more lenient sentence. After his release in 2015, he was kept in the United States by parole rules and not allowed to travel to Israel where his wife, whom he married after he was jailed, lived. Israel, where Pollard is regarded as a hero and which awarded him citizenship in 1995, reportedly pressured Washington for his release. (with inputs from agencies)

Convicted US spy Pollard arrives in Israel

Iran's foreign ministry on Saturday described a US-brokered Sudan-Israel deal to normalise ties as "phoney" and accused Khartoum of paying a ransom in return for Washington removing it from a list of state sponsors of terrorism.

The deal agreed on Friday marked the third Arab government after the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain to set aside hostilities with Israel in the last two months.

Also, US President Donald Trump announced on Monday he would take Sudan off the list once it had deposited $335 million it had pledged to pay in compensation. Khartoum has since placed the funds in a special escrow account for victims of al Qaeda attacks on US embassies in Kenya and Tanzania in 1998.

"Pay enough ransom, close your eyes to the crimes against Palestinians, then you'll be taken off the so-called ‘terrorism' blacklist," the ministry tweeted in English. "Obviously, the list is as phoney as the US fight against terrorism. Shameful."

Trump had also said the Palestinians were wanting to do something but offered no proof.&nbsp;

Palestinian leaders have condemned recent Arab overtures to Israel as a betrayal of their nationalist cause for statehood in Israeli-occupied territories. They have refused to engage with the Trump administration, seeing it as biased in favour of Israel.

In recent weeks the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain became the first Arab states in a quarter of a century to agree to formal relations with Israel, forged largely through shared fears of Iran.

The military and civilian leaders of Sudan's transitional government have been divided over how fast and how far to go in establishing ties with Israel.

A sticking point in the negotiations was Sudan's insistence that any announcement of Khartoum's delisting from terrorism designation not be explicitly linked to relations with Israel.

Sudan’s 1993 designation as a state sponsor of terrorism dates to its toppled ruler Omar al-Bashir and has made it difficult for the transitional government in Khartoum to access urgently needed debt relief and foreign financing.

Iran's foreign ministry on Saturday described a US-brokered Sudan-Israel deal to normalise ties as "phoney" and accused Khartoum of paying a ransom in return for Washington removing it from a list of state sponsors of terrorism.

Iran's foreign ministry on Saturday described a US-brokered Sudan-Israel deal to normalise ties as "phoney" and accused Khartoum of paying a ransom in return for Washington removing it from a list of state sponsors of terrorism. The deal agreed on Friday marked the third Arab government after the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain to set aside hostilities with Israel in the last two months. Also, US President Donald Trump announced on Monday he would take Sudan off the list once it had deposited $335 million it had pledged to pay in compensation. Khartoum has since placed the funds in a special escrow account for victims of al Qaeda attacks on US embassies in Kenya and Tanzania in 1998. "Pay enough ransom, close your eyes to the crimes against Palestinians, then you'll be taken off the so-called ‘terrorism' blacklist," the ministry tweeted in English. "Obviously, the list is as phoney as the US fight against terrorism. Shameful." Trump had also said the Palestinians were wanting to do something but offered no proof. Palestinian leaders have condemned recent Arab overtures to Israel as a betrayal of their nationalist cause for statehood in Israeli-occupied territories. They have refused to engage with the Trump administration, seeing it as biased in favour of Israel. In recent weeks the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain became the first Arab states in a quarter of a century to agree to formal relations with Israel, forged largely through shared fears of Iran. The military and civilian leaders of Sudan's transitional government have been divided over how fast and how far to go in establishing ties with Israel. A sticking point in the negotiations was Sudan's insistence that any announcement of Khartoum's delisting from terrorism designation not be explicitly linked to relations with Israel. Sudan’s 1993 designation as a state sponsor of terrorism dates to its toppled ruler Omar al-Bashir and has made it difficult for the transitional government in Khartoum to access urgently needed debt relief and foreign financing.

US-brokered Sudan-Israel deal secured by 'ransom', Iran says

Palestinian militants fired rockets from Gaza into Israel on Tuesday, the Israeli military said, at same time as Israel and two Gulf Arab states signed normalisation agreements at the White House in Washington.

Palestinians fire rockets into Israel during signing of normalisation agreements

US President Donald Trump, UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani, the foreign minister of Bahrain, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu signed the Abraham Accord

A strategic realignment of West Asian countries | Historic Abraham accord signed

The President pointed out that these were the only two peace deals between Israel and the Arab States in more than a quarter of a century.

US President Donald Trump promises to protect Palestine

After almost 25 years, the 45th president of the united states has recreated history at the south lawn of the white house. UAE & Bahrain sign a historic peace deal with Israel.

Israel, UAE and Bahrain sign Abraham accord

The first direct commercial flight from Israel to the United Arab Emirates landed in Abu Dhabi on Monday, with a US-Israeli delegation on board, after the two countries struck an accord to normalise ties.

Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump's son-in-law and White House advisor, was on board Flight 971 of Israel's national carrier El Al as part of the delegation who were to meet with UAE officials.&nbsp;

The aircraft flew through Saudi Arabia's airspace, according to specialist website FlightRadar24 -- the first time El Al has publicly flown over the kingdom.

The word "peace" was written in Arabic, English and Hebrew on the cockpit of the plane of Israel's national carrier El Al that took off around 11:20 am (0820 GMT) and was expected to land in the Emirates in the afternoon.

"While this is a historic&nbsp;flight, we hope that it will start an even more historic journey in the Middle East and beyond," Kushner, who is President Donald Trump's son-in-law and a key architect of his Middle East policy, said before boarding.

"The future does not have to be predetermined by the past. This is a very hopeful time."

The&nbsp;flight&nbsp;number El Al 971 is a reference to the UAE's international dialling code, and the return&nbsp;flight, set to leave Abu Dhabi on Tuesday morning, is El Al 972, matching Israel's dialling code.

The Israel-UAE agreement to normalise ties was announced by Trump on August 13, making the UAE the first Gulf country and only the third Arab nation to establish relations with Israel.

Unlike Egypt, which made peace with its former battlefield enemy in 1979, and Jordan, which followed in 1994, the UAE has never fought a war with Israel.

The first direct commercial flight from Israel to the United Arab Emirates landed in Abu Dhabi on Monday, with a US-Israeli delegation on board, after the two countries struck an accord to normalise ties.

The first direct commercial flight from Israel to the United Arab Emirates landed in Abu Dhabi on Monday, with a US-Israeli delegation on board, after the two countries struck an accord to normalise ties. Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump's son-in-law and White House advisor, was on board Flight 971 of Israel's national carrier El Al as part of the delegation who were to meet with UAE officials. The aircraft flew through Saudi Arabia's airspace, according to specialist website FlightRadar24 -- the first time El Al has publicly flown over the kingdom. The word "peace" was written in Arabic, English and Hebrew on the cockpit of the plane of Israel's national carrier El Al that took off around 11:20 am (0820 GMT) and was expected to land in the Emirates in the afternoon. "While this is a historic flight, we hope that it will start an even more historic journey in the Middle East and beyond," Kushner, who is President Donald Trump's son-in-law and a key architect of his Middle East policy, said before boarding. "The future does not have to be predetermined by the past. This is a very hopeful time." The flight number El Al 971 is a reference to the UAE's international dialling code, and the return flight, set to leave Abu Dhabi on Tuesday morning, is El Al 972, matching Israel's dialling code. The Israel-UAE agreement to normalise ties was announced by Trump on August 13, making the UAE the first Gulf country and only the third Arab nation to establish relations with Israel. Unlike Egypt, which made peace with its former battlefield enemy in 1979, and Jordan, which followed in 1994, the UAE has never fought a war with Israel.

US-Israeli delegation lands in Abu Dhabi on historic flight

Top aides to US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fly to the United Arab Emirates on Monday to put the final touches on a pact establishing open relations between the Gulf power and Israel.

Even before discussions start in Abu Dhabi, the delegates will have made aviation history by taking an Israeli commercial airliner - the word "peace" printed in Arabic, English and Hebrew above a cockpit window of the El Al Boeing 737 - directly from Tel Aviv to the UAE capital over Saudi territory.

"That's what peace for peace looks like," Netanyahu tweeted, hailing what he termed a historic flight and describing a deal for formal ties with an Arab state that does not entail handover of land that Israel captured in a 1967 war.

Announced on August&nbsp;13, the 'normalisation' deal is the first such accommodation between an Arab country and Israel in more than 20 years and was catalysed largely by shared fears of Iran.

Palestinians were dismayed by the UAE's move, worried that it would weaken a long-standing pan-Arab position that called for Israeli withdrawal from occupied territory - and acceptance of Palestinian statehood - in return for normal relations with Arab countries.

Trump's senior adviser and son-in-law, Jared Kushner, and national security adviser Robert O'Brien head the US delegation. The Israeli team is led by O'Brien's counterpart, Meir Ben-Shabbat. Officials will explore bilateral cooperation in areas such as commerce and tourism, and Israeli defence envoys are due to visit the UAE separately.

Israeli officials hope the two-day trip will produce a date for a Washington signing ceremony, perhaps as early as September, between Netanyahu and Abu Dhabi's Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan.

That could give Trump a foreign policy boost ahead of his re-election bid in November. In Jerusalem on Sunday, Kushner said the deal was a “giant step forward.”

The Trump administration has tried to coax other Sunni Arab countries concerned about Iran to engage with Israel. The most powerful of those, Saudi Arabia, has signalled it is not ready.

But in what could presage a more relaxed posture by Riyadh, the El Al plane on Monday will be allowed to overfly Saudi territory to cut flight time.

In the Israeli-occupied West Bank, Hanan Ashrawi, a member of the Palestine Liberation Organisation's executive committee, said Kushner and his team were "scrambling to convince as many Arab and Muslim leaders as possible" to give Trump an election boost.

"They will be a prop at the backdrop of a meaningless spectacle for a ridiculous agreement that will not bring peace to the region," she said. 
&nbsp;

Top aides to US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fly to the United Arab Emirates on Monday to put the final touches on a pact establishing open relations between the Gulf power and Israel.

Top aides to US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fly to the United Arab Emirates on Monday to put the final touches on a pact establishing open relations between the Gulf power and Israel. Even before discussions start in Abu Dhabi, the delegates will have made aviation history by taking an Israeli commercial airliner - the word "peace" printed in Arabic, English and Hebrew above a cockpit window of the El Al Boeing 737 - directly from Tel Aviv to the UAE capital over Saudi territory. "That's what peace for peace looks like," Netanyahu tweeted, hailing what he termed a historic flight and describing a deal for formal ties with an Arab state that does not entail handover of land that Israel captured in a 1967 war. Announced on August 13, the 'normalisation' deal is the first such accommodation between an Arab country and Israel in more than 20 years and was catalysed largely by shared fears of Iran. Palestinians were dismayed by the UAE's move, worried that it would weaken a long-standing pan-Arab position that called for Israeli withdrawal from occupied territory - and acceptance of Palestinian statehood - in return for normal relations with Arab countries. Trump's senior adviser and son-in-law, Jared Kushner, and national security adviser Robert O'Brien head the US delegation. The Israeli team is led by O'Brien's counterpart, Meir Ben-Shabbat. Officials will explore bilateral cooperation in areas such as commerce and tourism, and Israeli defence envoys are due to visit the UAE separately. Israeli officials hope the two-day trip will produce a date for a Washington signing ceremony, perhaps as early as September, between Netanyahu and Abu Dhabi's Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan. That could give Trump a foreign policy boost ahead of his re-election bid in November. In Jerusalem on Sunday, Kushner said the deal was a “giant step forward.” The Trump administration has tried to coax other Sunni Arab countries concerned about Iran to engage with Israel. The most powerful of those, Saudi Arabia, has signalled it is not ready. But in what could presage a more relaxed posture by Riyadh, the El Al plane on Monday will be allowed to overfly Saudi territory to cut flight time. In the Israeli-occupied West Bank, Hanan Ashrawi, a member of the Palestine Liberation Organisation's executive committee, said Kushner and his team were "scrambling to convince as many Arab and Muslim leaders as possible" to give Trump an election boost. "They will be a prop at the backdrop of a meaningless spectacle for a ridiculous agreement that will not bring peace to the region," she said.

Israeli and US officials to fly to UAE to cement 'normalisation' deal

US President Donald Trump said Monday during a visit to Jerusalem that Iran must never be allowed to have nuclear weapons while also denouncing Tehran&#39;s support for &quot;terrorists&quot;.

&quot;Most importantly the United States and Israel can declare with one voice that Iran must never be allowed to possess a nuclear weapon -- never ever -- and must cease its deadly funding, training and equipping of terrorists and militias,&quot; Trump said in remarks at Israeli President Reuven Rivlin&#39;s residence.

&quot;And it must cease immediately.&quot;

Trump&#39;s remarks were his latest salvo against Iran since starting his first foreign trip after taking office.

On the first leg of his trip in Saudi Arabia, Trump lashed out at Iran, accusing it of fuelling &quot;the fires of sectarian conflict and terror&quot; and calling for its international isolation.

Trump&#39;s Saudi visit &#39;just a show&#39;: Iran&#39;s President Rouhani

Iran&#39;s newly re-elected President Hassan Rouhani dismissed President Trump&#39;s summit with Arab leaders in Saudi Arabia this weekend as &quot;just a show&quot;.&nbsp;

&quot;The gathering in Saudi Arabia was just a show with no practical or political value of any kind. You can&#39;t solve terrorism just by giving people&#39;s money to a superpower,&quot; Rouhani said at a press conference on Tehran, referring to the billion-dollar deals signed between the US and Saudi Arabia.&nbsp;

 
The yawning gap between Tehran and Washington has grown even wider with US President Donald Trump&#39;s latest efforts to isolate Iran, which accused the United States of &quot;milking&quot; Saudi Arabia for petro-dollars.

Trump&#39;s choice of Saudi Arabia, Iran&#39;s bitter regional rival, for his first official foreign visit reflects the deep antagonism of his administration towards the Islamic republic.

The US president signed a giant list of deals, worth a total of $380 billion, including $110 billion for weapons that will invariably find their way into the numerous conflicts of the region -- including Syria, Yemen and Iraq -- where Riyadh and Tehran often find themselves on opposing sides.&nbsp;

Trump also vilified Iran as the greatest source of instability in the Middle East, though many observers noted the irony that his claims came on the same day that 41 million Iranians enthusiastically took part in elections, with a sizeable majority backing President Hassan Rouhani and his policy of engagement with the world.

Relations with the US and Iran have been under deep freeze since the Islamic revolution of 1979, which deposed the Washington-backed shah.&nbsp;

Trump&#39;s team is dedicated to reversing his predecessor&#39;s efforts at rapprochement with Iran, which saw a nuclear deal signed in 2015, lifting many sanctions.&nbsp;

&quot;From Lebanon to Iraq to Yemen, Iran funds, arms and trains terrorists, militias and other extremist groups that spread destruction and chaos across the region,&quot; Trump said in Riyadh on Sunday.&nbsp;

He called on all countries to work together to isolate Iran &quot;until the Iranian regime is willing to be a partner for peace&quot;.

Analysts fear tensions are growing out of control.

&quot;Battlelines are being drawn and it&#39;s worrying, especially when it comes just a day after the election victory of Rouhani which showed a real dynamic in favour of democratisation and opening in Iranian society,&quot; said Azadeh Kian of Sciences Po University in Paris.&nbsp;

&nbsp;&#39;Bastion of democracy&#39; 
 
Iran&#39;s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, who spearheaded the nuclear negotiations, reacted sarcastically, &nbsp;comparing this weekend&#39;s elections in Iran to the lack of democracy in Saudi Arabia.&nbsp;

&quot;Iran -- fresh from real elections -- attacked by @POTUS in that bastion of democracy and moderation,&quot; Zarif tweeted, referring to the US president.

Is that a serious foreign policy, he asked, or is the US &quot;simply milking&quot; Saudi Arabia for billions of dollars?&nbsp;

Tehran sees itself as the vital force holding back the advance of the Islamic State jihadist group both in Syria and Iraq, and finds it hard to comprehend US bellicosity.&nbsp;

Shiite Iran regularly points to the Saudis&#39; fundamentalist Wahhabi creed and their efforts to spread it around the Muslim world as the root cause of violent Sunni jihadism.&nbsp;

&quot;Unfortunately, with the hostile and offensive policies of American officials, we see once again the reinforcement of terrorist groups in the region... and the dictators that support them,&quot; said Iran&#39;s foreign ministry spokesman Bahram Ghasemi on Monday.

The US and its Arab allies in the Gulf respond that Iran and Russia&#39;s support for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has helped perpetuate the chaos.&nbsp;

And they say Iran&#39;s support for Lebanese militia Hezbollah and Shiite Huthi rebel forces in Yemen are deeply destabilising.&nbsp;

But Iran&#39;s Press TV wrote on Sunday that the aggression coming from Riyadh this weekend ultimately reflected the Saudis&#39; realisation that they are losing in conflicts across the Middle East.&nbsp;

&quot;The Riyadh regime has... failed to achieve its objectives despite going to great expense,&quot; it wrote in an editorial. 
 
(AFP)

Trump arrived in Tel Aviv earlier Monday and is due to hold talks with Israeli PM Netanyahu later in the day

US President Donald Trump said Monday during a visit to Jerusalem that Iran must never be allowed to have nuclear weapons while also denouncing Tehran's support for "terrorists". "Most importantly the United States and Israel can declare with one voice that Iran must never be allowed to possess a nuclear weapon -- never ever -- and must cease its deadly funding, training and equipping of terrorists and militias," Trump said in remarks at Israeli President Reuven Rivlin's residence. "And it must cease immediately." Trump's remarks were his latest salvo against Iran since starting his first foreign trip after taking office. On the first leg of his trip in Saudi Arabia, Trump lashed out at Iran, accusing it of fuelling "the fires of sectarian conflict and terror" and calling for its international isolation. Trump's Saudi visit 'just a show': Iran's President Rouhani Iran's newly re-elected President Hassan Rouhani dismissed President Trump's summit with Arab leaders in Saudi Arabia this weekend as "just a show". "The gathering in Saudi Arabia was just a show with no practical or political value of any kind. You can't solve terrorism just by giving people's money to a superpower," Rouhani said at a press conference on Tehran, referring to the billion-dollar deals signed between the US and Saudi Arabia. The yawning gap between Tehran and Washington has grown even wider with US President Donald Trump's latest efforts to isolate Iran, which accused the United States of "milking" Saudi Arabia for petro-dollars. Trump's choice of Saudi Arabia, Iran's bitter regional rival, for his first official foreign visit reflects the deep antagonism of his administration towards the Islamic republic. The US president signed a giant list of deals, worth a total of $380 billion, including $110 billion for weapons that will invariably find their way into the numerous conflicts of the region -- including Syria, Yemen and Iraq -- where Riyadh and Tehran often find themselves on opposing sides. Trump also vilified Iran as the greatest source of instability in the Middle East, though many observers noted the irony that his claims came on the same day that 41 million Iranians enthusiastically took part in elections, with a sizeable majority backing President Hassan Rouhani and his policy of engagement with the world. Relations with the US and Iran have been under deep freeze since the Islamic revolution of 1979, which deposed the Washington-backed shah. Trump's team is dedicated to reversing his predecessor's efforts at rapprochement with Iran, which saw a nuclear deal signed in 2015, lifting many sanctions. "From Lebanon to Iraq to Yemen, Iran funds, arms and trains terrorists, militias and other extremist groups that spread destruction and chaos across the region," Trump said in Riyadh on Sunday. He called on all countries to work together to isolate Iran "until the Iranian regime is willing to be a partner for peace". Analysts fear tensions are growing out of control. "Battlelines are being drawn and it's worrying, especially when it comes just a day after the election victory of Rouhani which showed a real dynamic in favour of democratisation and opening in Iranian society," said Azadeh Kian of Sciences Po University in Paris. 'Bastion of democracy' Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, who spearheaded the nuclear negotiations, reacted sarcastically, comparing this weekend's elections in Iran to the lack of democracy in Saudi Arabia. "Iran -- fresh from real elections -- attacked by @POTUS in that bastion of democracy and moderation," Zarif tweeted, referring to the US president. Is that a serious foreign policy, he asked, or is the US "simply milking" Saudi Arabia for billions of dollars? Tehran sees itself as the vital force holding back the advance of the Islamic State jihadist group both in Syria and Iraq, and finds it hard to comprehend US bellicosity. Shiite Iran regularly points to the Saudis' fundamentalist Wahhabi creed and their efforts to spread it around the Muslim world as the root cause of violent Sunni jihadism. "Unfortunately, with the hostile and offensive policies of American officials, we see once again the reinforcement of terrorist groups in the region... and the dictators that support them," said Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Bahram Ghasemi on Monday. The US and its Arab allies in the Gulf respond that Iran and Russia's support for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has helped perpetuate the chaos. And they say Iran's support for Lebanese militia Hezbollah and Shiite Huthi rebel forces in Yemen are deeply destabilising. But Iran's Press TV wrote on Sunday that the aggression coming from Riyadh this weekend ultimately reflected the Saudis' realisation that they are losing in conflicts across the Middle East. "The Riyadh regime has... failed to achieve its objectives despite going to great expense," it wrote in an editorial. (AFP)

Trumps continues Iran nuclear tirade as tensions mount in West Asia

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