Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met on February 16, 2025, to discuss strategies against Iran’s nuclear ambitions and regional aggression. They reaffirmed their commitment to work together in countering Iranian influence and eliminating Hamas’s military capabilities in Gaza. Netanyahu expressed confidence in finishing their efforts with U.S. support. Rubio emphasized the overarching threat of Iran in destabilizing the region.
During a meeting in Jerusalem on February 16, 2025, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaffirmed their commitment to countering Iran’s nuclear program and regional aggression. Netanyahu expressed confidence in their unified stance, declaring, “Israel and America stand shoulder to shoulder in countering the threat of Iran.”
Netanyahu emphasized the importance of preventing the Ayatollahs from acquiring nuclear weapons while also addressing Iran’s hostile activities throughout West Asia. Rubio stressed that Iran is the common threat behind much of the instability in the region, stating, “Behind every terrorist group, behind every act of violence… is Iran.”
The Israeli Prime Minister noted that significant progress has been made against Iranian influence over the past 16 months during the conflict in Gaza. He asserted, “With the support of Mr. Trump, I have no doubt we can and will finish the job,” highlighting successful operations against Iranian-backed forces in Lebanon and Syria.
Netanyahu also expressed gratitude for Rubio’s solid support of Israel’s strategies in Gaza, mentioning the fragile ceasefire in place following 15 months of war. He reiterated, “President Trump and I are working in full cooperation and coordination between us,” emphasizing their aligned objectives.
Rubio concluded the discussion by underscoring the need to dismantle Hamas as a military and governing force to achieve lasting peace, stating, “As long as it stands as a force that can govern or administer… peace becomes impossible.”
In summary, the recent meeting between Netanyahu and Rubio established a clear consensus on the threats posed by Iran and the strategic responses necessary to counter these challenges. Both leaders emphasized their collaborative efforts to weaken Iranian influence in the region while ensuring that Hamas cannot maintain a military or governing presence to foster instability. Their unified stance reflects an ongoing commitment to regional security and cooperation.
Original Source: www.thehindu.com
