Marco Rubio, US Secretary of State, visited Israel to discuss preventing Iran’s nuclear ambitions and ongoing hostage negotiations. He emphasized the need to eliminate Hamas and supported Trump’s initiatives for Gaza. This visit is part of a broader Middle East tour during a period of heightened tensions regarding hostages and regional security issues.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Tel Aviv on February 15, marking his inaugural trip to the Middle East since assuming office. During his meetings, he focused on ongoing negotiations for the release of six remaining hostages and addressing Iran’s regional influence.
On February 16, Rubio and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed their commitment to preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons. Netanyahu emphasized the united front by stating, “Israel and America stand shoulder to shoulder in countering the threat of Iran.”
Rubio addressed the instability that Iran poses, declaring it “the single greatest source of instability in the region,” and emphasized that a nuclear Iran must be avoided. He warned that a nuclear-armed Iran could escape international consequences and pose a greater threat to regional security.
During their discussions, Netanyahu lauded former President Donald Trump, calling him, “the greatest friend Israel has ever had in the White House.” They also touched upon Trump’s proposals regarding Gaza’s future and reaffirmed a shared commitment to those initiatives.
Rubio also stressed the necessity of eliminating Hamas, stating, “Hamas cannot continue as a military or a government force… they must be eliminated.” Upcoming ceasefire negotiations are set to take place in Doha to address hostages and war cessation terms.
Rubio’s Middle East tour, which runs from February 13 to 18, includes visits to the Munich Security Conference and nations such as the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. He has consistently aligned his policies with Trump’s previous “America First” approach.
In a recent SiriusXM Patriot interview, Rubio supported Trump’s Gaza rehabilitation plan, highlighting the essential need for rebuilding efforts. He noted the urgency by stating, “Someone’s got to go in – for anybody to be able to live there, someone’s got to – you’ve got to clean it up.”
Marco Rubio’s Middle East visit underscores the US and Israel’s unified resolve against Iran’s nuclear aspirations, while discussing the geopolitical complexities of hostages and regional security. The collaboration reflects ongoing endeavors to tackle threats such as Hamas and stabilize the region through diplomatic channels and initiatives. With continuing negotiations on hostages and Gaza’s reconstruction, this visit sets the tone for future US-Israel relations under the current administration.
Original Source: www.intellinews.com
