U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu jointly announced a robust strategy against Hamas and Iran, stating that Hamas must be eliminated and threatening severe consequences if hostages are not released. This meeting marked Rubio’s first official trip to the Middle East, emphasizing U.S. support in the ongoing Gaza conflict and negotiations.
On Sunday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed their united stance against Hamas and Iran, threatening severe repercussions for both entities. This press conference took place in Jerusalem, marking Rubio’s inaugural Middle East visit since assuming his role under President Donald Trump. Rubio declared the necessity of dismantling Hamas, stating, “Hamas cannot continue as a military or a government force … they must be eliminated.”
Accompanied by Netanyahu, Rubio reaffirmed the allies’ shared strategic goals, asserting that, should militants fail to release all hostages, “the gates of hell will be opened.” This joint assertion followed Hamas’s recent release of three Israeli hostages in exchange for 369 Palestinian prisoners, a part of an ongoing ceasefire agreement facilitated by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt.
Netanyahu’s comments echoed sentiments expressed by Trump prior to the hostage release, who warned that there would be significant consequences if the hostages were not freed by the specified time, stating that “all hell” would ensue, and that he would advocate for terminating the truce if necessary.
This meeting illustrates the deepening collaboration between the U.S. and Israel in addressing threats posed by militant groups and regional adversities, particularly highlighting their agreed approach to dealing with tensions arising from the Gaza conflict and Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
The dialogue signifies a strong pledge between the United States and Israel, underlining their commitment to combatting extremism in the region and a clear warning to Hamas and Iran regarding the seriousness of their intentions.
In conclusion, the meeting between Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu exemplifies a unified approach to combating perceived threats from Hamas and Iran. Their declarations highlight a commitment to eliminating Hamas as a military and governmental entity, emphasizing the importance of hostage negotiations and the severe repercussions for non-compliance. This alliance signals a strategic pivot in U.S. foreign policy regarding Middle Eastern conflicts.
Original Source: www.scmp.com
