Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu vowed to defeat Iran with U.S. support, during U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit to Israel. Netanyahu and Rubio emphasized the risks of a nuclear Iran, and the shipment of heavy bombs to Israel underscores the military alliance amid ongoing tensions with the Biden administration and humanitarian concerns in Gaza.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged on Sunday to “finish the job” regarding Iran, bolstered by the support of United States President Donald Trump. Netanyahu made these remarks alongside U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is on his inaugural official visit to Israel. He emphasized Israel’s recent successes against Iran’s influence in the region over the past 16 months, affirming his confidence in continuing this effort with U.S. backing.
Secretary Rubio echoed the sentiment, stating that “there could never be a nuclear Iran.” He highlighted the interconnectedness of various regional conflicts, pointing to Iran’s role as a common factor behind groups like Hamas and Hezbollah, and underscored the necessity of addressing Iran’s destabilizing influence throughout the Middle East.
U.S. intelligence assessments have cautioned that Israel is likely to target Iranian nuclear facilities within this year, a move that could escalate tensions against the backdrop of President Trump’s current diplomatic ambitions in the region. This readiness to utilize military action by Israel contrasts sharply with Trump’s inclination towards seeking a peaceful resolution with Tehran, amid concerns that such strikes might usher in broader conflict.
Netanyahu mentioned a shared strategy with President Trump concerning Gaza, emphasizing a formidable response if all hostages held by Hamas are not freed. Trump’s recent proposal to incorporate Gaza under U.S. ownership, which involves relocating Palestinians from the area, has sparked considerable backlash. Rubio remarked on the need to avoid repeating past cycles that lead to stagnation.
Rubio’s visit coincides with a significant U.S. shipment of advanced munitions to Israel, following the lifting of a previous hold by Trump. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz recognized this delivery of MK-84 bombs as vital for the Israeli Air Force and indicative of the strong U.S.-Israel alliance. Despite this, tensions with the Biden administration regarding military aid persist, particularly given the prior restrictions imposed by President Biden on arms transfers to Israel.
Salama Maroof, head of Gaza’s Government Media Office, denounced the U.S. decision to send heavy bombs, criticizing the choice to supply military aid over humanitarian assistance for Gaza’s victims. Rubio began his trip in Tel Aviv, where he met key Israeli officials, following the release of three hostages by Hamas as part of a ceasefire agreement mediated by the U.S.
In summary, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu reiterated his intention to confront Iran effectively with the support of President Trump, while emphasizing the interconnected nature of regional threats posed by Iranian influence. Secretary Rubio’s remarks underscored a united front against any nuclear ambitions from Iran. The recent shipment of munitions highlights the ongoing military partnership between the U.S. and Israel, amidst rising tensions with the Biden administration and concerns over humanitarian impacts in Gaza.
Original Source: www.cnn.com
