Netanyahu backs Trump’s ‘Bold vision’ for Gaza in Rubio meeting
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is working to bring US President Donald Trump’s controversial Gaza plan to life. After meeting US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Jerusalem, Netanyahu confirmed their collaboration on a “common strategy” for Gaza. This follows Trump’s proposal to take control of Gaza, remove its two million residents, and resettle them in neighboring countries.
The UN has strongly condemned the plan, calling any forced displacement of civilians “ethnic cleansing,” in violation of international law. However, Rubio defended the proposal, emphasizing that it offered a new alternative to outdated approaches. Both he and Netanyahu are focused on implementing Trump’s vision, which they claim aligns with their mutual stance on Gaza.
The ongoing conflict with Hamas has been a significant issue. Netanyahu warned that the “gates of hell” would open if Hamas does not release all Israeli hostages. Rubio echoed that sentiment, stating Hamas cannot continue as a governing or military force. Since Hamas launched a deadly attack on Israel in October 2023, the Israeli military has focused on dismantling the group’s operations.
The war has caused widespread devastation in Gaza, with over 48,000 casualties and severe infrastructure damage. The humanitarian crisis continues, as many have been displaced and essential services have collapsed. Despite these dire conditions, Palestinian leaders, including the Palestinian Authority and Hamas, have rejected Trump’s plan, asserting that Palestinian land is not for sale.
In their meeting, Netanyahu and Rubio also discussed shared concerns about Iran’s nuclear ambitions and the instability in Syria post-Assad. Rubio accused Iran of being behind much of the region’s violence and destabilizing activities.
The discussions occurred amid heightened US-Israel military cooperation. The US recently delivered MK-84 bombs to Israel, a significant asset for the Israeli Defense Forces. This followed Trump’s reversal of a block on arms sales, initiated under President Biden, due to concerns about the impact of such bombs in Gaza.
Meanwhile, Netanyahu condemned what he called “lawfare” from the International Criminal Court (ICC), which issued arrest warrants against Israeli officials, including Netanyahu, for alleged war crimes in Gaza. He thanked the US for sanctioning the ICC over these charges.
Rubio’s visit to Israel is part of his first Middle East tour as US Secretary of State. He is also scheduled to meet Russian officials in Saudi Arabia to discuss the war in Ukraine.
As Israel and the US solidify their stance, the fragile ceasefire in Gaza remains under threat, particularly following recent violations and disputes over hostage releases. Netanyahu’s office confirmed that Israeli negotiators
