United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Israeli leaders in Jerusalem over the weekend to talk about crucial local problems, consisting of the future of Gaza, the battle versus Hamas, and efforts to counter Iran. Throughout his check out, Rubio held different conferences with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Isaac Herzog, and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar.
Following their conversations, Netanyahu declared that the United States and Israel are “operating in complete cooperation and coordination” on Gaza. He thanked Rubio for the “unquestionable support” of Israel’s technique, especially in handling Hamas. The conferences occurred as the 2 nations looked for to make sure the release of 6 staying Israeli captives under the very first stage of the ceasefire arrangement.
Rubio echoed Netanyahu’s position, specifying that Iran stays the “single biggest source of instability” in the Middle East. “There can not be a nuclear Iran,” he highlighted throughout an interview.
Another focus of Rubio’s check out was broadening the Abraham Accords, which stabilized relations in between Israel and numerous Arab countries. Conversations likewise consisted of bringing extra embassies to Jerusalem, battling antisemitism, and enhancing financial ties throughout the area. Sa’ar and Rubio accepted set up a check out to Washington to even more these efforts.
Rubio likewise applauded President Donald Trump’s company position on Gaza, especially his proposition for a postwar future in the Strip. “Not the usual worn out concepts of the past,” Rubio stated, referencing President Trump’s questionable strategy to transfer Palestinians and location Gaza under United States administration. He worried that Hamas “needs to be gotten rid of” for peace to be possible.
Rubio’s Middle East journey, which was prepared for over a month, consists of drops in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.