Cecilia Lei

Both leaders have pushed back hard against reports that a planned attack by Israel forced America's hand.

In fact, Trump suggested the opposite was true, undercutting earlier comments from Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

For Netanyahu, the fall of Iran's leadership represents the culmination of a years-long ambition.

Tia Goldenberg is the government, policy, and impact editor for the Associated Press.

She was previously a reporter in Jerusalem.

Goldenberg told us that both leaders have utilized their respective leverage in a way that has been mutually beneficial to their agendas.

She said this alliance has helped redefine the region more broadly.

But even as Israel's position in the region strengthens, Netanyahu still faces challenges with his own electorate at home.

In longer term, the war's outcome could shape future U.S.-Israeli relations.

We could get some clarity on those questions soon.

Elections in Israel are scheduled in the fall, around the same time that Americans go to the polls for the midterms.

And finally, a few other stories we're following.

In an extraordinary move on Wednesday, the House Oversight Committee voted to subpoena Attorney General Pam Bondi to answer questions about the Epstein files.

Republican Representative Nancy Mace from South Carolina introduced the resolution to bring Bondi before the panel.

If she testifies, Bondi would be the highest-ranking sitting official to appear before the committee.

After the vote, Mace posted on X, quote, We want to know why the DOJ is more focused on shielding the powerful than delivering justice.

The Hill notes that Bondi has faced criticism over the handling of the files.

The DOJ faces scrutiny over redaction errors in the release documents and accusations that the department failed to release all of the files.

A judge has ordered the Trump administration to start paying back the tariffs it collected from businesses.

It leaves the White House with a big bill, around $130 billion.