Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to countering Iran’s nuclear ambitions and regional influence, following talks with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Jerusalem on Sunday.
Speaking after their meeting, Netanyahu called Iran the “greatest threat” to regional stability, emphasizing that Israel and the U.S. stand united in preventing Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
“We agreed that the ayatollahs must not have nuclear weapons and that Iran’s aggression in the region must be rolled back,” Netanyahu said.
Rubio echoed this stance, stating, “Behind every terrorist group, behind every act of violence, behind every destabilizing activity in the Middle East is Iran.”
Ongoing Conflict and U.S. Backing
Netanyahu credited Israel’s military operations over the past 16 months—including strikes in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria—with weakening Iran-backed forces.
“With the support of President Trump, I have no doubt we can and will finish the job,” he said, referencing ongoing efforts against Iran’s regional allies, including Hezbollah in Lebanon and various factions in Syria.
He also addressed the situation in Gaza, where a fragile ceasefire remains in place after 15 months of war between Israel and Hamas. Netanyahu expressed gratitude for U.S. support, saying, “President Trump and I are working in full cooperation and coordination.”
Rubio reinforced U.S. backing, stating, “Hamas cannot continue as a military or governing force. As long as it remains, peace will be impossible.”