Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and first lady Sara Netanyahu hosted a high-profile diplomatic reception Wednesday evening at the historic Blair House in Washington, D.C. The event, titled "A Reception in Appreciation of the Enduring Bond Between the United States and Israel," was convened to honor the strategic, moral and longstanding partnership between the United States and Israel.
Before the prime minister spoke, I asked him whether he was concerned that the United States was heading in the same direction as Europe, where antisemitism has risen as a result of demographic shifts. Like Israel, he said, President Donald Trump is doing the right thing by controlling the borders, and if the United States keeps at its current pace, it will not go the way of Europe.
The reception, which took place just steps away from the White House, saw dignitaries, high-profile elected and appointed government officials, and allies gather to reaffirm the United States' commitment to its relationship with Israel.
Among the many senators, congressmen, political appointees, dignitaries, ambassadors and others were Yechiel Leiter, the Israeli ambassador to the United States, Eliav Benjamin, deputy Israeli ambassador to the United States, Mike Huckabee, former governor of Arkansas and current U.S. ambassador to Israel, Pastor Paula White, Trump's longtime spiritual adviser, who introduced Benjamin Netanyahu at the event, U.S. Rep. Darrell Issa and Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia Pamela A. Smith.
The timing of the event could not be more critical. Israel and the Middle East, generally, face turmoil and uncertainty, the likes of which we haven't seen in decades.
Israel remains engaged in an ongoing military confrontation with Hamas as it continues efforts to rescue hostages taken on Oct. 7, 2023. Simultaneously, it faces threats from the Iranian regime, which has launched thousands of missiles toward Israel. Additionally, Houthi militants in Yemen have periodically targeted Israel with drone and missile strikes.
This event underscores not only the bond between the United States and Israel but also the reality that Israel may not be able to withstand the mounting regional threats without the steadfast support of the United States.
Notably, the United States played a direct role in curbing Iran's nuclear ambitions by deploying B-2 bombers to deliver bunker-busting strikes on both known and covert Iranian nuclear sites. In recognition of this, Benjamin Netanyahu recently gifted Trump a B-2 bomber-shaped mezuzah crafted from Iranian missile shrapnel.
The humanitarian cost of these conflicts continues to grow, with countless innocent lives caught in the crossfire. Iran has deliberately targeted civilian sites in an effort to destabilize and terrorize Israeli society.
Though a ceasefire between Israel and Iran was brokered by the United States and Qatar in late June, the region remains tense and fragile.
As Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the gathering, he highlighted that the alliance between himself and Trump -- and between Israel and the United States -- has never been stronger. He praised Trump's leadership, stating that no other president would have had the courage to authorize the B-2 strikes on Iran's nuclear infrastructure. He declared that Trump is not just standing with Israel but is actively fighting to preserve democracy around the world.
If this event reveals anything, it is that America's support for Israel remains resolute and as strong as ever.