U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu Discuss Gaza Conflict and Regional Stability
High-level discussions follow a significant hostage exchange between Israel and Hamas amidst ongoing military actions and geopolitical tensions.
On Sunday, October 15, 2023, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem to discuss the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
This meeting follows the sixth exchange of hostages and Palestinian detainees between Israel and Hamas, highlighting the urgency surrounding the situation.
During a joint press conference, Netanyahu stated that he and Rubio discussed a 'shared strategy' concerning Gaza, emphasizing that the details of this strategy could not always be disclosed.
Netanyahu asserted, 'Doors of hell will be opened' if all Israeli hostages were not released, and he affirmed Israel's intent to dismantle Hamas's military capabilities in the region.
Netanyahu praised the support from former President Donald Trump, labeling him 'the greatest friend of Israel in the White House ever.' He reiterated Israel's commitment to achieving its objectives in the Gaza War, emphasizing the need to eliminate Hamas's operational strength.
Secretary of State Rubio echoed Netanyahu's sentiments, stating that Hamas should no longer be a military or governing force and that 'it must be eliminated.' He further stated U.S. policy will ensure that Iran does not attain nuclear capability, characterizing Iran as a primary source of instability in the region.
Prior to the discussions, the Israeli military conducted airstrikes targeting armed individuals in southern Gaza.
Hamas's interior ministry reported that two police officers were killed and three were seriously injured due to an Israeli airstrike east of Rafah.
Additionally, the Israeli Ministry of Defense announced the arrival of a shipment of U.S.-made 'heavy bombs' in Israel on the same day.
In relation to Lebanon, Netanyahu mentioned Israel's commitment to enforcing a ceasefire with Hezbollah.
He stressed the necessity of disarming the group and indicated that Israel would act as needed to ensure compliance with any ceasefire agreements.
Rubio, affirming U.S. support, noted that both nations expect the Lebanese state to disarm Hezbollah, which is backed by Iran.
He stated, 'Our objectives align; we seek a strong Lebanese state capable of facing and disarming Hezbollah.'
The meeting follows a recent exchange in which Hamas and Islamic Jihad released three Israeli hostages who had been held since the October 7 attack, while Israel reciprocated by releasing 369 Palestinian detainees as part of a truce agreement.
Rubio's current discussions also aim to address the next phase of this deal, which is expected to include the release of all remaining hostages and reaching a broader conclusion to the conflict.
Sources suggest that negotiations may commence in Doha next week.
The third phase of the agreement is expected to focus on the reconstruction of Gaza, a project estimated by the United Nations to cost over $53 billion.
Proposals from former President Trump suggested U.S. control over Gaza to develop it as the 'Riviera of the Middle East'; however, neighbors Jordan and Egypt firmly rejected this idea.
Rubio has expressed that the U.S. is open to suggestions from Arab nations on Gaza's future, while noting that currently, Trump's proposal remains the only available plan.
A summit including leaders from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Jordan is scheduled for February 20, 2024, in Riyadh to discuss responses to the proposed plans regarding Gaza.
Following his meeting with Netanyahu, Rubio will also consult with Israeli Foreign Minister Gidon Sa'ar, President Isaac Herzog, and opposition leader Yair Lapid.
This meeting follows the sixth exchange of hostages and Palestinian detainees between Israel and Hamas, highlighting the urgency surrounding the situation.
During a joint press conference, Netanyahu stated that he and Rubio discussed a 'shared strategy' concerning Gaza, emphasizing that the details of this strategy could not always be disclosed.
Netanyahu asserted, 'Doors of hell will be opened' if all Israeli hostages were not released, and he affirmed Israel's intent to dismantle Hamas's military capabilities in the region.
Netanyahu praised the support from former President Donald Trump, labeling him 'the greatest friend of Israel in the White House ever.' He reiterated Israel's commitment to achieving its objectives in the Gaza War, emphasizing the need to eliminate Hamas's operational strength.
Secretary of State Rubio echoed Netanyahu's sentiments, stating that Hamas should no longer be a military or governing force and that 'it must be eliminated.' He further stated U.S. policy will ensure that Iran does not attain nuclear capability, characterizing Iran as a primary source of instability in the region.
Prior to the discussions, the Israeli military conducted airstrikes targeting armed individuals in southern Gaza.
Hamas's interior ministry reported that two police officers were killed and three were seriously injured due to an Israeli airstrike east of Rafah.
Additionally, the Israeli Ministry of Defense announced the arrival of a shipment of U.S.-made 'heavy bombs' in Israel on the same day.
In relation to Lebanon, Netanyahu mentioned Israel's commitment to enforcing a ceasefire with Hezbollah.
He stressed the necessity of disarming the group and indicated that Israel would act as needed to ensure compliance with any ceasefire agreements.
Rubio, affirming U.S. support, noted that both nations expect the Lebanese state to disarm Hezbollah, which is backed by Iran.
He stated, 'Our objectives align; we seek a strong Lebanese state capable of facing and disarming Hezbollah.'
The meeting follows a recent exchange in which Hamas and Islamic Jihad released three Israeli hostages who had been held since the October 7 attack, while Israel reciprocated by releasing 369 Palestinian detainees as part of a truce agreement.
Rubio's current discussions also aim to address the next phase of this deal, which is expected to include the release of all remaining hostages and reaching a broader conclusion to the conflict.
Sources suggest that negotiations may commence in Doha next week.
The third phase of the agreement is expected to focus on the reconstruction of Gaza, a project estimated by the United Nations to cost over $53 billion.
Proposals from former President Trump suggested U.S. control over Gaza to develop it as the 'Riviera of the Middle East'; however, neighbors Jordan and Egypt firmly rejected this idea.
Rubio has expressed that the U.S. is open to suggestions from Arab nations on Gaza's future, while noting that currently, Trump's proposal remains the only available plan.
A summit including leaders from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Jordan is scheduled for February 20, 2024, in Riyadh to discuss responses to the proposed plans regarding Gaza.
Following his meeting with Netanyahu, Rubio will also consult with Israeli Foreign Minister Gidon Sa'ar, President Isaac Herzog, and opposition leader Yair Lapid.
