Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. Senator Marco Rubio delivered a joint statement in Jerusalem, vowing unity against Iran, a commitment to freeing all 48 hostages, and determination to destroy Hamas while rejecting international pressure.
At the Prime Minister’s Office in Jerusalem on Monday, Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. Senator Marco Rubio stood side by side in a show of U.S.–Israel solidarity. The leaders addressed the Gaza war, the Doha strike, the Iranian threat, and rising global antisemitism.
Netanyahu: “We Remember October 7th”
Netanyahu opened by praising Rubio’s visit as a “strong demonstration” of the U.S.–Israel bond:
“Iran continues to shout ‘Death to America’ and ‘Death to Israel,’ but these threats are neutralized thanks to our joint determination and Trump’s decision to strike its nuclear facilities.”
He stressed Israel’s resolve:
- Hostages: “We remember October 7th, and we are committed to bringing every hostage back.”
- Hamas: “They don’t belong there. We must defeat them. Terrorists cannot have safe haven. The Doha strike was our decision, carried out independently, and it sent the message: you can flee, but you cannot hide.”
- Civilian protection: “We don’t demolish buildings to frighten people; we target Hamas strongholds. We warn civilians, but Hamas forces them to stay as shields. We will continue to act to protect civilians while destroying Hamas.”
On diplomacy, Netanyahu warned:
“If unilateral steps are taken [to recognize a Palestinian state], we will respond with unilateral steps of our own.”
Rubio: “Every Hostage Needs to Be Home”
Rubio echoed U.S. support:
“We are focused on what Qatar can do to help release the hostages and create a better future for Gaza once Hamas is gone. At the end of the day, Hamas exists, there are 48 hostages, and we remain focused on what comes next.”
On Iran, he warned:
“A nuclear Iran with missiles is an unacceptable risk to the entire world. We encourage Europe to continue the snap-back process — that is what’s needed.”
Tribute to Charlie Kirk
Netanyahu also mourned the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, calling him “an extraordinary friend of Israel” who stood for “freedoms and shared values.” He linked Kirk’s assassination to a wave of political violence targeting leaders in both Israel and the U.S.:
“There were attempts against Trump, attempts against me — this is a shared problem for America and Israel.”
