Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced that Israel is working in “full cooperation” with the United States on a “common strategy” for Gaza, following talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Jerusalem.
Netanyahu praised US President Donald Trump’s “bold vision” for Gaza’s future, emphasizing efforts to eradicate Hamas as a governing force and ensure long-term security. However, Trump’s widely criticized plan for the US to take control of Gaza and resettle its population has been rejected by Palestinians and Arab nations.
“Hamas cannot continue as a military or government force,” Rubio stated. “As long as it stands as a force that can govern or threaten by violence, peace becomes impossible.”
Rubio, making his first Middle East tour as America’s top diplomat, also reaffirmed US-Israel cooperation on countering Iran’s nuclear ambitions and monitoring Syria post-Assad.
Netanyahu’s meeting with Rubio came hours after Israel received a shipment of American-made MK-84 bombs, previously blocked by former President Joe Biden over concerns about their devastating impact in Gaza.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz called the delivery a “significant asset” for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and proof of the strong alliance between the US and Israel.
Netanyahu also denounced the International Criminal Court (ICC) for its “lawfare” against Israel, following the ICC’s arrest warrant for Netanyahu over alleged war crimes in Gaza, which Israel vehemently denies. The US responded by issuing sanctions against the court.
Meanwhile, concerns remain over the fragile ceasefire in Gaza, after a last-minute dispute nearly halted a planned hostage release before it ultimately proceeded on Saturday.
Rubio’s next stop will be Saudi Arabia, where he plans to meet Russian officials to discuss efforts to end the war in Ukraine.
