US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, recently launched his inaugural Middle East tour, commencing with a crucial meeting with Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem. The visit to Israel is Rubio’s first since assuming office as the US’s chief diplomat.
On Sunday, the two leaders engaged in profound discussions on President Donald Trump’s audacious proposal to relocate the Palestinian population from the Gaza strip to other countries. The proposal, though contentious, has been pushed by Trump as a necessary measure to secure a new future for the region.
During a shared press conference with Netanyahu, Rubio acknowledged the radical nature of Trump’s plan, recognizing its capacity to shock or surprise many. However, he maintained that an innovative approach is necessary to break the repetitive cycle and usher in a new era for the region.
The US Secretary of State commended President Trump for his courage in presenting such a bold plan. Rubio lauded the President’s clear and unequivocal communication style, and emphasized the need to completely dismantle and eradicate Hamas in order to establish lasting peace in the region.
Rubio’s remarks on Sunday reinforced the idea that the Trump administration is moving forward with the audacious proposal. The plan had been unveiled the previous week at the White House, following Netanyahu’s meeting with the US President. The Israeli premier has lauded the proposal as the “sole feasible plan to foster a new future”.
The Israeli leader expressed his confidence in his collaborative efforts with Trump, lauding him as “Israel’s greatest ally ever in the White House”. Netanyahu also cautioned that non-compliance with the ceasefire agreement by Hamas could potentially “open the gates of hell”, and revealed ongoing discussions with Trump regarding Israel’s potential response.
Rubio and Netanyahu’s dialogue also encompassed a range of other regional matters. Israel’s commitment to the ceasefire agreement with Lebanon was reiterated by Netanyahu, who expressed hope for reciprocity from the new Lebanese government.
The agenda also included discussions on potential Israeli responses to any conflicts or acts of aggression in Syria. Israel asserted its readiness to defend its territory and cautioned against escalating tensions or provocations.
As part of his tour, Rubio is set to visit Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates next. In Riyadh, he is slated to meet with Ukrainian and Russian officials to explore avenues for ending the prolonged Ukrainian conflict.
Interestingly, the Secretary of State has decided to bypass Egypt and Jordan, two key regional US allies, following their refusal to accept Palestinian refugees. This decision has elicited warnings from Trump of potential cuts in US aid, a move that could have severe repercussions on both nations’ economies.
