This week has been among the most consequential in the history of the U.S.-Israel relationship, with our seeing a diametric shift in Washington’s attitude towards Jerusalem and the world’s attitude towards the West’s leading powers. Let’s dive in.

This week will be a busy one for Israel and her allies, with the Prime Minister scheduled to visit Washington beginning this coming weekend and an initial vote tomorrow in the Senate on legislation that would sanction the International Criminal Court (ICC) for their absurd pursuit of Israeli leaders.

In the past three days, the world has again shifted on its axis. Praise G-d, three more hostages are home in the arms of their loving mothers and fathers. Here at home, President Donald Trump was sworn into office on Monday, making him just the second person to serve nonconsecutive terms (President Grover Cleveland being the other).

On Wednesday it was announced that a hostage agreement had finally been reached. The war doesn’t end until the last hostage comes home, but we are hopeful. 

Welcome to 2025 and the 119th Congress. In this week’s edition of the Action Update, we’ll discuss what we plan to focus upon and with whom we will be working in the coming year. But first, we’d like to reiterate our congratulations to Speaker Mike Johnson on his reelection to lead the House. Speaker Johnson’s leadership in the face of the anti-Israel and antisemitic voices on both sides of the aisle has been vital to safeguarding the U.S.-Israel relationship. He’s the right man for the job. 

In this week’s edition of the Action Update we discuss the demise of the Assad family’s half-century rule of Syria, and the current state of affairs in our nation’s capital. But first, the situation in Gaza demands our attention.

On Monday, we learned of the tragic death of IDF Capt. Omer Neutra (of blessed memory). Capt. Neutra was an American born Israeli tank commander and was thought to be among the hostages held by Hamas, but the IDF announced that he was killed, defending Israel on October 7th.

In this week’s edition of the Action Update, we’ll discuss the latest events out of the region, as well looking at the next few weeks in Washington. But first, let’s talk about weapons.

Before we get into it, we would like to take a moment to welcome the nominations of Sen. Marco Rubio to serve as Secretary of State, Gov. Mike Huckabee to serve as U.S. Ambassador to Israel, and Rep. Elise Stefanik to serve as U.S Ambassador to the UN, in the incoming Trump administration. All of these individuals share a deep passion for the U.S – Israel relationship and they will serve our country well.

Over the weekend, Israel responded to Iran’s early October ballistic missile attack on the Jewish state, delivering several decisive blows to the regime in Tehran. Simultaneously, Hamas continues to hold 101 hostages and war rages in southern Lebanon. Let’s dive in.