Marco Rubio, the United States’ top diplomat, is currently on his inaugural tour of the Middle East, with Israel being a key stop on his itinerary. During his visit, Rubio met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss critical regional issues, including the ongoing conflict with Hamas and Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Following their discussions in Jerusalem, both leaders expressed a unified stance on eradicating Hamas’s military and governance capabilities, which they believe is essential for achieving lasting peace in the region.
Rubio’s visit comes at a time of heightened tension, particularly following Hamas’s attacks on Israel earlier this month. Netanyahu emphasized the urgent need for the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas, warning that failure to do so could lead to disastrous consequences. "The gates of hell will be opened if all Israeli hostages are not released," he stated, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
In addition to addressing the conflict with Hamas, Rubio and Netanyahu also discussed the broader implications of Iran’s potential nuclear capabilities and the situation in Syria following the Assad regime. They agreed on the necessity of closely monitoring developments in Syria, particularly in a post-Assad landscape.
Netanyahu took the opportunity to criticize the International Criminal Court (ICC), which he accused of engaging in "lawfare" against Israel. He expressed gratitude towards the U.S. administration for imposing sanctions against the ICC after it issued an arrest warrant for him over alleged war crimes in Gaza, a claim that Israel vehemently denies. This reflects the ongoing tensions between Israel and international legal bodies regarding accountability for actions taken during military conflicts.
The backdrop of Rubio’s visit includes a recent shipment of American-made MK-84 bombs to Israel, which arrived just before his arrival. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz highlighted the significance of this delivery, describing it as a "significant asset" for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and a demonstration of the strong alliance between the U.S. and Israel. The MK-84 bombs, which are powerful munitions capable of causing extensive destruction, were initially blocked from export by President Joe Biden due to concerns about their impact on the ongoing conflict in Gaza. However, the recent shipment signifies a shift in the U.S. approach, particularly following the attacks by Hamas.
As tensions remain high in Gaza, concerns persist over the fragile ceasefire agreement. A recent dispute regarding a planned hostage release nearly derailed the agreement, but it ultimately proceeded, reflecting the complexities of the ongoing conflict and the delicate balance of diplomacy in the region. Rubio’s upcoming meetings with Russian officials in Saudi Arabia to discuss the war in Ukraine further highlight the interconnected nature of international relations and the challenges faced by U.S. diplomacy in the Middle East.