Netanyahu Commends Trump’s Preemptive Strikes on Iran as ‘Historic Turning Point’
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised former President Donald Trump for his bold military response to Iran’s nuclear threat, calling the recent U.S. airstrikes a pivotal moment in Middle Eastern history.
Speaking to an audience of Jewish and Christian leaders at Blair House—among them American generals, senators, and other dignitaries—Netanyahu drew a stark picture of the danger posed by Iran’s nuclear ambitions. “They don’t just chant ‘Death to Israel.’ They aim for America, too. We’re simply the obstacle in their path,” he said.
Netanyahu credited Trump for acting decisively, comparing the coordinated attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities last month to America’s entry into World War II after Pearl Harbor. “He didn’t wait to be attacked,” the Israeli leader said of the strikes on the Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan sites. “He saw the threat and led.”
Calling the joint effort “a partnership like no other,” Netanyahu lauded Trump’s leadership and the bravery of U.S. pilots. “What he did was more than military intervention—it was a defense of democratic nations.”
The prime minister emphasized that Iran was dangerously close to acquiring nuclear capabilities. “We had less than a year. They were arming themselves with thousands of missiles—equivalent to two atomic bombs. We had no choice.”
He described the mission’s name, Operation Rising Lion, as a nod to the week’s Torah portion, Balak, which includes a prophecy from the seer Balaam: “The people shall rise like lions.” Netanyahu said, “Our soldiers are those lions.”
Looking ahead, Netanyahu highlighted the need to maintain pressure on Iran and seize opportunities for regional peace. While cautious about details, he hinted at diplomatic progress akin to the Abraham Accords, which normalized ties between Israel and several Arab nations during Trump’s first term.
“We’ve already reshaped the region once,” Netanyahu said. “Now we’re on the path to an even brighter future—one our people, our neighbors, and the world deserve.”
In closing, he paid tribute to his wife, Sara, calling her his “secret weapon.” Quoting scripture, he said, “It is written: ‘Listen to Sarah.’ I have, and I owe her much.”
Israeli Forces Intercept Houthi Missile Launched from Yemen
The Israel Defense Forces successfully shot down a ballistic missile fired from Yemen by Iranian-backed Houthi militants early Thursday, triggering air-raid sirens across central Israel, including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.
Residents were jolted awake before dawn, rushing to shelters as alarms also blared across Judea and Samaria. Fortunately, no injuries or damage were reported.
This marks the latest in a string of aerial threats from Yemen. Just days earlier, Israeli jets intercepted a drone and two ballistic missiles launched in close succession. Another missile was stopped over the weekend.
The Houthis, who have aligned themselves with Hamas, have ramped up attacks on Israel in recent weeks. A May 4 strike even landed near Ben-Gurion Airport. In response, Israel has targeted key Houthi infrastructure, including ports and power facilities along the Red Sea.
“These ports are hubs for Iranian weapons smuggled to support terror operations,” said the IDF in a statement following overnight strikes on Al Hudaydah, Ras Isa, and Salif.
Beyond Israel, the Houthis have also resumed targeting commercial vessels in the Red Sea. U.S. envoy to the U.N., Dorothy Shea, condemned the escalation in a Security Council address on Wednesday.
“These attacks have cost lives, injured sailors, and sunk civilian cargo ships,” she said, specifically referencing the sinking of the Magic Seas. Shea stressed that the U.S. remains steadfast in supporting Israel’s right to self-defense.
She also urged the Council to renew sanctions and ensure stricter enforcement of arms embargoes. “Iran is arming the Houthis and fueling regional instability,” Shea said. “This council must act.”
U.S. and Israeli Lawmakers Reignite Parliamentary Friendship Group
As Prime Minister Netanyahu continues his high-profile visit to Washington, congressional leaders have announced the renewal of the House-Knesset Parliamentary Friendship Group, a bipartisan initiative aimed at deepening legislative ties between the United States and Israel.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) called the group’s relaunch a timely move. “This is a critical moment for lawmakers from both nations to come together, share concerns, and reinforce our shared commitment to peace and security in the region,” he said.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) echoed that sentiment, citing shared democratic values and strategic alignment. “Our bond with Israel transcends politics,” he said. “We are united in our commitment to its safety and right to exist.”
Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana hailed the revival of the group as “a historic milestone,” particularly in light of Israel’s ongoing struggle against Iran and regional terror proxies. “Congress has stood firmly by Israel since the October 7 attacks. This alliance is as vital as ever,” Ohana said.
Ohana helped establish the original version of the group in 2023 alongside then-House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.
The newly reactivated group will again be chaired by Rep. David Kustoff (R-Tenn.), with Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Calif.) serving as ranking member. Other members include Reps. Randy Fine, Craig Goldman, Mike Lawler, Nicole Malliotakis, Max Miller, Jared Moskowitz, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Richie Torres, Ann Wagner, and Nikema Williams.
As tensions in the region continue, the Friendship Group aims to provide a platform for unified legislative efforts and ongoing diplomatic collaboration.
