Secretary of State Rubio in the Middle East: Meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu. Focus on Security, Future of the Region and Gaza

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio kicked off his first official trip to the Middle East with a visit to Israel, where he met the Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. During the joint press conference in Jerusalem, Rubio reiterated U.S. support for President Donald Trump's plan for Gaza, stressing the need for change to ensure a different future for the region.

"What cannot continue is the same cycle of violence. We need a bold new vision,” Rubio said, praising Trump's courage in outlining a plan that would allow Palestinians to voluntarily leave Gaza.

Netanyahu: “Trump’s plan is the only one that can work”

The Israeli Prime Minister expressed his full support for the strategy outlined by Washington, calling it “the only viable solution for a different futureo”. Netanyahu said that he and Trump “are working in full cooperation and coordination".

Regarding the possibility of voluntary evacuation of the population of Gaza, Netanyahu stressed that it is not a forced evacuation or ethnic cleansing, but an opportunity for those who want a different life. He also accused Hamas of preventing civilians from evacuating the war zones and of making the Gaza Strip a prison for its inhabitants.

Rubio: “Hamas must be eliminated”

In his speech, Rubio said that Hamas cannot continue to rule Gaza and that its elimination is necessary to ensure lasting peace. "As long as Hamas remains a governing force or an entity that threatens with violence, peace will be impossible.”, he said during the meeting.

Rubio also issued a stern warning to the terrorist group, calling for the immediate release of the hostages still in the hands of Hamas. “The fact that these terrorists continue to hold hostages and even dead bodies reflects their sick depravity. I ask our partners to help us make Hamas leaders understand that they are playing with fire.“, the Secretary stated, “If the hostages don't return, all hell will break loose.,” Netanyahu declared at his side.

Regional Security Focus: Iran and Hezbollah in the Crosshairs

In addition to the Gaza issue, Rubio and Netanyahu discussed regional security, with particular attention to issues relating to the region ofIran and Hezbollah.

Rubio called Iran “the greatest force of instability in the region", claiming that the United States and Israel are aligned in the goal of preventing him from obtaining nuclear weapons. He also called on the Lebanese government to “confront Hezbollah and disarm it”, in order to ensure a more stable Lebanon.

Netanyahu reiterated that Israel stands ready to respond to any escalation of violence from Lebanon, Syria or any other threat in the region.

Next steps on Rubio's journey

After the visit to Israel, Rubio will continue his trip to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, where he will discuss regional security, the war in Ukraine and relations with Russia.

His decision not to visit Egypt and Jordan underscores the rift that Trump's plan has created among U.S. allies in the Middle East.

Israeli Army Chief Visits US

In parallel with Rubio's diplomatic meetings, Israeli Army Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi will fly to the United States for talks with American military leaders. The discussions will focus on military cooperation between the two countries and regional security strategies.