Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu thanked US Republican Sen. Tom Cotton for his unwavering support for Israel during a meeting in Washington on Wednesday.
"You’ve been a great, great friend of Israel, none better," Netanyahu told Cotton. "And I know you’re a champion of the Israel-American alliance, which enhances the security of both our countries."
In response, the Arkansas senator called Israel "the best ally we've had since Great Britain in World War II."
"That was the last time we had a nation that fought shoulder to shoulder with us, side by side against our common enemy in Iran and against the radical terrorism we face," Cotton stated.
"I will always stand up for and support the United States-Israel alliance because it makes both of our nations safer," he added.
Netanyahu praises Fetterman for commitment to truth about Israel
Netanyahu also met with Democratic Sen. John Fetterman on Wednesday, praising him for his fearless commitment to speaking truth.
"I want to thank you on behalf of free people everywhere, because I've been receiving, from around the world, kudos for your courage and your clarity," Netanyahu told the Pennsylvania senator.
Fetterman responded by describing his disappointment in the Democratic Party over its increasing criticism of Israel.
"As far as I know, I was the only Democrat that was proud to push that trash back, and now here we are," he told Netanyahu. "It's been disappointing, as a Democratic politician, how our party continues to behave – and we had the culmination of that, where that worthless mayor in New York, you know, saying these kinds of ridiculous claims."
Fetterman also described himself as the "conscience of the Democratic Party in Congress."
"It's always been a just war for me," he explained. "People forgot why this was even necessary, and look at the ways these organizations and the way Iran... I don't understand how we've arrived where we are politically, you know, at least in my party, but I have no regrets."
Netanyahu thanks Sheehy for supporting Israel
Netanyahu also met Republican Senator Tim Sheehy, thanking him for his support for Israel.
"Well, it's easy to have friends when it's sunny and everyone's happy," Sheehy said, "but when you're under siege, that's when your true friends come out."
Netanyahu meets Hegseth, Cruz, AIPAC delegation during DC visit
Netanyahu also met with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Senator Ted Cruz, and a delegation from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) during his visit to Washington, the Prime Minister's Office confirmed.
The meetings with Cruz and AIPAC were also held at Blair House, the PMO noted.
The PM's wife Sara, Israel's Ambassador to Washington Yechiel Leiter, and the PM's Military Secretary Maj.-Gen. Guy Markizeno were also present for the meeting with the AIPAC delegation, the PMO said.
No further details of the meetings with Hegseth, Cruz, or AIPAC were mentioned by the PMO.
James Genn contributed to this report.