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During this period of peak Iranian threat, the U.S. and Israel's interests were very closely aligned.

We both wanted to stop Iran. Then Israel did everybody the favor of knocking Iran down several pegs,

and that has had the paradoxical effect of making everyone else less aligned with Israel.

And the U.S. may feel just less worried about the Middle East, and it reverts to just don't cause trouble.

It's 5 p.m. on Sunday, December 21st in New York City, as we prepare for the eighth and final night of Hanukkah.

It's 12 a.m. on Monday, December 22nd in Israel, where Israelis are turning to a new day.

U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, Republican from South Carolina and a close ally of President Trump's,

is currently visiting Israel, where he met with senior Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister

Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gidun Sarr. During his visit, Graham expressed his staunch support

for Israel in the region and in the world and told reporters that Hamas

must be forced to disarm. Otherwise, the U.S. should back Israel, Graham said, in resuming its military

offensive in Gaza. Graham also warned that Iran is re-arming after its 12-day war against Israel and the U.S.

Today, speaking at an official ceremony, IDF Chief of Staff Ayal Zemir hinted that Israel

will strike Iran in the future, stating, and I quote, at the center of the longest and

most complex war in Israel's history stands the campaign against Iran, close quote.

This is believed to be one of the main topics that will be discussed by Prime Minister Netanyahu

and President Trump when they meet next week in the U.S.

Meanwhile, today, members of Australia's Jewish community, as well as many Jewish allies,

gathered at Bondi Beach for a

commemoration ceremony of the terror attack that took place just one week ago, killing 15 people

and injuring dozens more. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese attended the event,

...