Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met overnight (Wednesday) with U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth in Washington. The two held a meeting with their respective teams before continuing in a one-on-one discussion. The meeting was part of Netanyahu’s diplomatic visit to the U.S. capital.
We Have a Long Memory – and So Do You
During their conversation, Hegseth told Netanyahu, “I’ve been to Israel eight or nine times. I’ve been to the Western Wall, I’ve seen the IDF in action. I understand the complexities, and I have always been struck by Israel’s strong sense of purpose—the fact that you live under an existential threat.”
Hegseth added, “You have already demonstrated your capabilities in eliminating Hamas and Hezbollah leadership. This is significant for the United States.”
You Eliminated Those Who Killed U.S. Marines
Referring to the elimination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, Hegseth stated, “You eliminated those responsible for the deaths of U.S. Marines.” He then reassured Netanyahu, “We have a long memory, and so do you—we will supply the ammunition that was not delivered.”
Netanyahu to Fox News: ‘Trump Is Israel’s Best Friend in the White House’
During an interview with Sean Hannity on Fox News, Netanyahu enthusiastically endorsed Donald Trump’s plan for Gaza, which proposes U.S.-led economic development in the region. “This is a brilliant idea,” Netanyahu stated. He went on to praise the former president, emphasizing their strong relationship and calling Trump “the best friend Israel has ever had in the White House.”
Israel Is Strong Thanks to the Spirit of Its People
At the start of the interview, Hannity expressed condolences for the October 7 attacks and condemned Hamas’s atrocities. He asked Netanyahu how Israel is coping with the difficult situation. Netanyahu responded: “Israel is strong because of the spirit of our people, the bravery of our soldiers, and the government’s resolve against Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis, who seek to destroy us. They thought they could succeed, but they have been destroyed instead. Our enemies are not just Israel’s enemies—they are also your enemies. We are simply standing in their way before they reach you.”
Hannity then reminded Netanyahu of Israel’s support for the U.S. following 9/11, stating, “I will never forget that.” Netanyahu took the opportunity to highlight Trump’s unwavering support for Israel: “It’s simple—he’s the best friend Israel has ever had in the White House. In his first term, he recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and moved the U.S. embassy there, acknowledged Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal, and spearheaded the Abraham Accords. Look at what he’s done just in recent days—he released the ammunition we needed and took action against UNRWA.”
Trump’s Gaza Plan Is the First Good Idea I’ve Heard
Hannity then asked Netanyahu about Trump’s proposal for economic development in Gaza, which suggests that the U.S. and wealthy regional nations invest in rebuilding the Strip. “Is this something you support?” Hannity asked. Netanyahu responded: “I don’t think he plans to send American troops into Gaza to defeat Hamas—that’s our job. But he also said wealthy neighboring countries would finance it. What’s wrong with allowing Gazans to leave if they want to rebuild Gaza? They can leave, return, or move elsewhere. This is the first good idea I’ve heard. It’s a brilliant idea. I think we should seriously examine it and make it happen because it would create a better future for everyone.”
Netanyahu and Trump at a press conference | Photo: Liri Agami, Flash90
Iran Must Never Have Nuclear Weapons
Later in the interview, the topic turned to Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Hannity pointed out reports suggesting that Iran is close to obtaining a nuclear weapon.
Netanyahu responded: “There’s no question that Iran wants nuclear weapons. They could have had them ten years ago if we hadn’t acted to slow them down. They haven’t been completely stopped, and we are actively discussing this issue.” With a knowing smile, he added: “Trump and I have said one simple thing—Iran must never have nuclear weapons. That’s all I can say about it.”
Iran Is the Real Enemy
When discussing relations with Arab nations, Netanyahu remarked that they now recognize Iran as the true regional threat: “They don’t say it openly, but they have shifted from seeing Israel as their greatest enemy to understanding that Iran is the real threat. Israel is the only country that has actively fought against Iran. Iranian leaders have publicly stated that they want to wipe us out and take over the Middle East. We are not just fighting Iran for ourselves—we are also doing it for our neighboring countries, for America, and for global peace. Iran must be stopped.”
Bringing the Hostages Home Remains Our Priority
As the interview neared its conclusion, Hannity asked whether Netanyahu believed all the Israeli hostages in Gaza would be returned home. Netanyahu reaffirmed: “This is one of our primary goals, alongside the elimination of Hamas and the removal of the threat from Gaza. We are committed to achieving all of these objectives. We have dismantled most of Hamas’s military capabilities, although some remain, and we have rescued more than 70% of the living hostages. Hamas is so monstrous and ruthless that they even hold onto bodies for bargaining purposes. We are committed to bringing back all the hostages, both the living and the fallen.”
Trump’s Return Would Transform the Middle East
Netanyahu concluded on an optimistic note, stating: “I believe our cooperation will reshape the Middle East, just as Israel has done over the past year. Until recently, Iran was able to do whatever it wanted in the region. We stopped them—largely on our own, but with crucial American support. Trump’s return to the White House will significantly impact the Middle East—it will uplift Israeli morale and change the global equation.”
