Netanyahu Affirms Strong U.S.-Israel Alliance to Counter Iran’s Threats
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, during a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, reiterated strong U.S.-Israel ties against Iran’s nuclear threats. Both leaders highlighted the necessity to thwart Iranian aggression in West Asia. Netanyahu expressed confidence in finishing their efforts against Iran, with recent military successes against Hezbollah and operations in Syria. Both officials condemned Hamas’s role in regional instability, stressing a critical path towards peace and security.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized the united front between Israel and the United States against Iran’s nuclear ambitions and regional aggression during a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on February 16, 2025. Netanyahu stated that their discussions were highly productive, with a focus on Iran being paramount. He affirmed, “Israel and America stand shoulder to shoulder in countering the threat of Iran,” highlighting the need to prevent the Ayatollahs from acquiring nuclear weapons and to curb Iran’s aggressive actions in West Asia.
Mr. Rubio reinforced this stance, asserting that Iran is the root cause of many destabilizing activities in the region. He articulated, “Behind every terrorist group, behind every act of violence, behind every destabilising activity, behind everything that threatens peace and stability for the millions of people that call this region home is Iran.” This underscores the shared perspective that Iran poses a significant threat to regional stability.
Netanyahu claimed that Israel has made significant progress against Iran, having dealt a “mighty blow” over the last 16 months during the ongoing conflict with Hamas. He expressed confidence that, with support from the Trump administration, Israel is poised to “finish the job.” He noted that military actions have effectively diminished the capabilities of Iranian-backed Hezbollah and targeted threats within Syria to secure Israel’s borders.
He further asserted, “Now, if any other force believes that Israel will permit other hostile forces to use Syria as a base of operations against us, they are gravely mistaken.” Netanyahu appreciated Mr. Rubio’s strong support for Israel’s policies regarding Gaza amidst a delicate ceasefire after prolonged conflict. He reaffirmed that coordinated efforts would continue under President Trump’s leadership.
Rubio underscored the necessity of dismantling Hamas, stating, “Hamas cannot continue as a military or government force and as long as it stands as a force that can govern or administer or a force that can threaten by use of violence, peace becomes impossible.” This shared commitment may shape future strategies in the region.
In conclusion, the discussions between Prime Minister Netanyahu and Secretary of State Rubio highlight a strong alliance between the United States and Israel in addressing the threats posed by Iran. Both leaders emphasize the importance of maintaining regional stability and countering Iranian aggression. Their commitment to jointly navigating the complexities of the region’s conflicts reflects a unified strategy focused on deterrence and peace.
Original Source: www.thehindu.com
