Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, highlighting the enduring partnership between the United States and Israel. This visit follows a historic trip to Washington, where Netanyahu praised President Trump as Israel’s strongest ally in the White House.
During their discussions, PM Netanyahu expressed confidence in Rubio’s commitment to supporting Israel and championing the U.S.-Israel alliance. He commended Marco Rubio for his long-standing advocacy for Israel and anticipated that his tenure as Secretary of State would further strengthen this vital relationship. “You will be a voice of clarity and courage on the world stage for the values that we in Israel and you in America hold dear,” Netanyahu stated.
The conversation also addressed the situation in Gaza, where Netanyahu expressed gratitude for U.S. assistance in securing the release of hostages held by Hamas. He underscored the importance of U.S. backing for Israel’s military objectives in Gaza, which include dismantling Hamas’s military capabilities and ensuring the safety of Israeli citizens.
“We will eliminate Hamas’s military capability and its political rule in Gaza,” PM Benjamin Netanyahu declared, emphasizing the urgency of the situation following the October 7th attacks, which he described as the worst assault on Jews since the Holocaust.
A central focus of the meeting was the ongoing threat posed by Iran. PM Netanyahu reiterated the shared stance of Israel and the U.S. against Iran’s nuclear ambitions and regional aggression. “The ayatollahs must not have nuclear weapons,” PM Netanyahu asserted, emphasizing the need to counter Iran’s influence in the region.
Netanyahu noted that Israel has successfully targeted Iran’s terror networks over the past 16 months, crediting the strong leadership of President Donald Trump and Secretary Rubio’s unwavering support for these efforts.
PM Netanyahu and Secretary Rubio also discussed the broader implications of the Syrian conflict, particularly in light of the weakening of Iran’s influence in the region.
Netanyahu highlighted Israel’s proactive measures to prevent the establishment of new terror fronts in Syria, asserting that Israel would not tolerate any threats emerging near its borders.
“If any other force in Syria today believes that Israel will permit hostile forces to use Syria as a base of operations against us, they are gravely mistaken,” he warned.
The discussions extended to Lebanon, where Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to ceasefire agreements established in November.
He expressed concern over recent attacks by Hezbollah and called for the full implementation of UN resolutions aimed at disarming the militant group. “Israel will do what it has to do to enforce the understanding of the ceasefire and defend our security,” he stated.
Another critical topic was the perceived bias against Israel in international institutions, particularly the United Nations. Netanyahu criticized the UN General Assembly and the Human Rights Commission for their anti-Israel resolutions and highlighted the legal challenges posed by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
He commended the Trump administration for its stance against the ICC and discussed the need for a coordinated strategy to combat what he termed “lawfare” against Israel.
Netanyahu expressed optimism about the future of U.S.-Israel relations and the potential for addressing regional challenges. “The Middle East today has many opportunities, many challenges, and we think we can realize the opportunities and also meet the challenges,” he said.
He conveyed confidence that, under President Trump’s leadership and with Rubio’s support, the best days for both nations lie ahead.
The meeting between Netanyahu and Rubio underscores the ongoing commitment of both leaders to strengthen the U.S.-Israel alliance and address pressing security concerns in the region.
As they navigate complex geopolitical dynamics, their collaboration aims to foster stability and peace in the Middle East.
