Netanyahu and Rubio Announce Joint Strategy for Gaza’s Future

Watan-Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that Israel and U.S. President Donald Trump have a “joint strategy” regarding the future of the Gaza Strip, claiming that he will “finish the mission” against the Iranian threat with U.S. support.

In a joint press conference with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Netanyahu stated, “We discussed Trump’s bold vision for the future of Gaza, and we will work to ensure its implementation,” emphasizing that he is working with Trump in “full cooperation and coordination regarding Gaza.”

During the conference, Netanyahu asserted that “Israel is determined to achieve its objectives in the Gaza war,” adding, “We will eliminate Hamas’ military capabilities.” He echoed Trump’s threatening rhetoric, saying, “Israel will open the gates of hell on Gaza if the hostages are not returned.”

Netanyahu and Rubio Discuss Hezbollah, Iran, and Syria Threats

Regarding Lebanon, Netanyahu stated that “Hezbollah must be disarmed, preferably by the Lebanese army,” claiming that Israel has “the means to ensure the implementation of the ceasefire in Lebanon and to defend security.” As for Iran, Netanyahu said he would “finish the mission” against the Iranian threat with U.S. backing.

He added, “Over the past 16 months, Israel has dealt a heavy blow to Iran’s terrorist arms. Under the strong leadership of President (Donald) Trump and with your unwavering support, I have no doubt that we are capable and will finish the mission.” He further stated, “Israel and America stand side by side against the Iranian threat.”

On Syria, Netanyahu mentioned that he discussed the country’s future with Rubio after the fall of the Assad regime, stressing that Israel will not allow Syria to be used as a base for launching military operations. He added, “Israel will do whatever is necessary to prevent threats from Syria.”

For his part, Rubio emphasized that Hamas must be “eliminated,” stating, “Hamas cannot continue as a military force or a government. It must be eradicated.” He also asserted that Tehran will “never become a nuclear power,” explaining that the Islamic Republic is the “biggest” cause of instability in the region. The U.S. Secretary of State said, “Iran can never be a nuclear power. A nuclear-armed Iran could consider itself immune to pressure and sanctions. This can never be allowed to happen.”

Rubio’s First Visit to Israel Focuses on Gaza and Iran

This visit marks Rubio’s first trip to Israel and the region since taking office on January 21. According to reports, the second phase of the prisoner exchange deal between Hamas and Israel, as well as the Iran issue, are expected to be at the top of Rubio’s agenda during his visit to Israel.

It is anticipated that he will not meet with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen). The report also noted that Rubio will travel from Tel Aviv to Saudi Arabia and the UAE on Monday without stopping in Ramallah.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Israel on Saturday amid growing international pressure to resume negotiations on the second phase of the prisoner exchange deal and a ceasefire in Gaza. According to the Israeli Broadcasting Authority, Rubio landed in Tel Aviv on Saturday evening, where he was received by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar. This marks Rubio’s first visit to Israel and the region since assuming office on January 21.

The authority also noted that Rubio’s visit to Tel Aviv coincides with calls from international mediators, led by the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt, to begin talks on the second phase of the prisoner exchange agreement and a ceasefire. Citing unnamed Israeli sources, the authority reported that international mediators—chief among them the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt—are pushing for negotiations on the second phase of the Gaza agreement “as soon as possible.”