Netanyahu Reinforces US-Israel Alliance in Series of Washington Meetings

“It’s easy to have friends when it’s sunny and everyone’s happy, but when you’re under siege, that’s when your true friends come out,” Senator Sheehy said.

By United with Israel Staff

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continued a packed schedule of meetings in Washington on Wednesday, a day after holding talks with President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance at the White House.

At Blair House, Netanyahu met with U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, who said afterward that the two reaffirmed the strength of the U.S.-Israel defense partnership and their shared commitment to advancing mutual security interests.

Earlier today I had the pleasure to meet with Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu.

Members of my team, including @USWPColby and @SeanParnellASW, joined me to reaffirm the strength of our defense partnership and commitment to advancing our shared security interests. pic.twitter.com/YzsBKRou5Y

— Secretary of War Pete Hegseth (@SecWar) July 30, 2026

Netanyahu also held separate meetings with Sens. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), and Ted Cruz (R-Texas), thanking each for their steadfast support of Israel and the U.S.-Israel alliance.

Meeting with Cotton, Netanyahu praised the senator as “a great, great friend of Israel” and “a champion of the Israel-American alliance, which enhances the security of both our countries.”

Cotton responded by calling Israel “the best ally we’ve had since Great Britain in World War II,” adding that the Jewish state has fought “shoulder to shoulder with us” against Iran and radical terrorism. “I will always stand up for and support the United States-Israel alliance because it makes both of our nations safer,” he said.

During his meeting with Fetterman, Netanyahu thanked the Pennsylvania Democrat for speaking “with no fear” and for his “indefatigable and courageous commitment to the truth.”

Fetterman, one of Israel’s most outspoken Democratic supporters, called it “the supreme honor” of his Senate career to stand with Israel and sharply criticized New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, calling him a “worthless mayor” over his anti-Israel rhetoric. “I’m proud to stand with Israel through everything,” Fetterman said, adding that he intends to remain “the conscience of the Democratic Party.”

Netanyahu replied that history “will record your contribution to truth and justice,” adding, “These are not just words… they’re coming out from my heart.”

Meeting with Sheehy, Netanyahu thanked the Montana senator for his “unbelievable support” and his “courageous and clear championing of our alliance and our values.”

Sheehy replied, “It’s easy to have friends when it’s sunny and everyone’s happy, but when you’re under siege, that’s when your true friends come out.” Netanyahu answered, “That’s exactly what you’ve shown.”

Netanyahu and his wife, Sara, also met with leaders of the Evangelical community, thanking them for their steadfast support for Israel. He described the Jewish people as the first part of the “Judeo-Christian heritage” and warned that both Jews and Evangelicals are under growing attack.

“We have to stand up and defend it,” Netanyahu said. “Stand up. Stand up and don’t cower. When you’re faced with an attack, what do you do? Attack back… Now it’s time to fight, fight, fight.”

The prime minister and his wife also met with AIPAC leaders, continuing a series of meetings with key pro-Israel organizations during the visit.

Wednesday’s meetings followed Netanyahu’s White House talks with President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance on Tuesday, where the leaders discussed Iran, regional security, and the U.S.-Israel alliance. After the meeting, Netanyahu attended the Washington funeral service for Sen. Lindsey Graham, a longtime supporter of Israel and one of its closest allies in the U.S. Senate.