US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu underscored the US-Israel alliance, discussing innovative strategies for Gaza and condemning Hamas’s influence. Netanyahu praised President Trump’s support against Hamas, warning of consequences for hostage delays. Meanwhile, Hamas reported casualties from an Israeli airstrike, which the Israeli military justified. Additionally, heavy munitions from the US arrived in Israel, and hostages described harsh treatment during captivity. Lebanon denied Iranian flights to prevent potential Israeli strikes.
In a recent meeting, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu highlighted the strong alliance between the United States and Israel. Meanwhile, reports from Hamas indicate that an Israeli airstrike led to the deaths of three individuals. Stay updated with all the latest developments in our live blog.
Rubio Advocates for Innovative Solutions in Gaza
During discussions, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the need for ‘bold initiatives’ concerning the Gaza Strip, asserting that it’s time to move beyond ‘tired old ideas.’ He firmly stated that Hamas should not continue to hold power in Gaza; as long as Hamas poses a threat to Israel, achieving peace will remain elusive. Both Netanyahu and Rubio concurred on the importance of preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, with Rubio asserting that Tehran is the root cause of regional instability.
Netanyahu Recognizes Trump’s Support
In the opening remarks of the press conference with Rubio, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu expressed gratitude for the US’s backing in combating Hamas. He described US President Donald Trump as Israel’s greatest ally in the White House’s history. The two leaders reached a consensus on how to approach the Gaza Strip, with Netanyahu issuing a stark warning reminiscent of Trump’s threats, stating that any further delays by Hamas in releasing hostages could lead to severe consequences. He reiterated Israel’s commitment to its objectives, which include dismantling Hamas’s rule and crippling its military capabilities. Regarding Hezbollah in Lebanon, he stressed the necessity of disarming the group, ideally through the Lebanese army, although Israel will ensure that disarmament occurs.
Encouraging News for Women in Syrian Political Transition
Foreign ministers from several European nations have announced the inclusion of two women in the committee responsible for overseeing Syria’s political transition following the potential fall of the Assad regime. This decision has been met with approval, as the leaders from countries such as Germany, the Netherlands, Australia, Norway, Spain, and Sweden expressed their support for the appointment. They view this as a meaningful step towards a more inclusive political dialogue, with the feminist foreign policy network comprising twelve European countries along with Australia and Mongolia.
Ultra-Orthodox Israelis Arrested in Lebanon
A group of approximately 20 ultra-Orthodox Israelis has reportedly crossed into Lebanese territory without authorization. The Israeli police confirmed that these individuals were arrested following an army complaint and were taken to a police station in Kiryat Shmona. Reports suggest that the group aimed to visit the grave of a Jewish scholar from the 4th century, located near the Israeli border in Manara. The police reiterated the strict prohibition against civilians entering the border area with Lebanon, emphasizing that offenders could face imprisonment for up to four years.
Hamas Claims Loss of Police Officers in Airstrike
Hamas reported that three police officers were killed in an Israeli airstrike in southern Gaza. The Gaza Interior Ministry, governed by Hamas, condemned the strike as a breach of the ceasefire established on January 19, urging mediators and the international community to compel Israel to cease targeted assaults on police personnel. The police officers were stationed east of Rafah, ensuring the safe entry of humanitarian aid trucks into Gaza. Additionally, the Palestinian news agency Wafa reported that another civilian sustained injuries from an Israeli drone attack on a nearby group.
The Israeli military, however, justified the strike, claiming it targeted armed individuals approaching their troops. They urged Gaza residents to heed military instructions and avoid proximity to Israeli forces.
US Transfers Heavy Munitions to Israel
A recent shipment of heavy munitions, specifically MK-84 bombs, has been delivered to Israel by the new US administration. The Israeli Ministry of Defense reported that these unguided bombs, weighing around 900 kilograms, arrived at the port of Ashdod and were swiftly distributed to various military bases of the Israeli Air Force. Since the onset of the war in Gaza, more than 76,000 tons of military supplies have been transported from the US to Israel through numerous air and sea shipments.
This particular shipment of 2,000-pound bombs had been previously withheld by former President Joe Biden due to concerns about their potential use in populated areas within Gaza. The extensive airstrikes have caused significant devastation across the coastal region.
Hostages Describe Harsh Conditions
Following the release of three Israeli hostages from Hamas and Islamic Jihad, initial reports have emerged detailing their treatment during captivity. They recounted their ordeal over 16 months as being ‘extremely harsh,’ with instances of physical abuse, as reported by Israeli media. The hostages indicated that they were confined in tunnels with minimal medical attention.
Israel Issues Warnings Regarding Iranian Flights to Lebanon
Lebanon has denied permission for two Iranian flights to land in Beirut this week. According to Lebanese security sources, the US had warned that Israel would target the airport if these Iranian planes were permitted to land. The Lebanese authorities acted promptly by denying landing permissions, a decision coordinated with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and President Joseph Aoun.
Israel has consistently accused Hezbollah, which has ties to Iran, of smuggling weapons into Lebanon through the Beirut airport, a claim that both Hezbollah and Lebanese officials have consistently denied. The information from both parties remains unverified independently.
Rubio Engages with Israeli Leadership
In light of President Trump’s controversial proposition for the US to take control of the Gaza Strip, Secretary of State Marco Rubio is making his inaugural visit to the Middle East. Following his morning meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu, he is scheduled to engage with his Israeli counterpart Gideon Saar and President Isaac Herzog later in the day. Before departing, Rubio called on Arab nations to present their own visions for the future of Gaza.
Recap of Saturday’s Live Blog
US Secretary of State Rubio has commenced his Middle East tour in Tel Aviv, amidst ongoing protests in Beirut that the Lebanese army has dispersed.