Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday to discuss a bold new plan for Gaza put forward by President Donald Trump. This meeting highlighted ongoing tensions in the Middle East, particularly regarding the Israeli-Hamas ceasefire deal and the broader implications of Iran’s influence in the region.
During the meeting, Rubio underscored the need for a fresh approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, emphasizing that the U.S. and Israel must abandon outdated strategies that have failed to yield lasting peace. He stated, "The president has also been very bold about his view of what the future for Gaza should be. Not the same tired ideas of the past, but something that’s bold and something that, frankly, took courage and vision in order to outline."
While Netanyahu did not specifically address Trump’s proposals for Gaza, he affirmed a shared vision with the U.S. administration, focusing on the complete destruction of Hamas as both a political and military entity. Netanyahu warned that if Hamas did not comply with demands to release all remaining hostages, the Israeli response would be severe.
The discussions also touched on other regional threats, including the instability in Syria and the activities of Hezbollah in Lebanon. Rubio pointed out that Iran remains a central concern, describing it as the greatest source of instability in the region. He stated, "Behind every terrorist group, behind every act of violence, behind every destabilizing activity… is Iran."
Trump’s plan, which has drawn criticism and concern, includes the controversial idea of U.S. ownership of Gaza, a proposal that he claims would allow for significant redevelopment efforts. "I’m committed to buying and owning Gaza," Trump said. He further explained that while the U.S. would take responsibility for the area, it might also involve other Middle Eastern states in the rebuilding process.
This meeting and the discussions that transpired reflect the ongoing complexities of Middle Eastern geopolitics, where longstanding conflicts and new strategies intersect. As the U.S. administration continues to push for a new direction in Gaza, the reactions from both Israeli and Palestinian leaders will be crucial in determining the future of peace efforts in the region.