U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Israeli President Isaac Herzog at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem, reaffirming the unwavering alliance between the United States and Israel and addressing key security concerns in the region.
Solidarity in Challenging Times
President Herzog extended a warm welcome to Secretary Rubio, expressing deep appreciation for the continued support of the U.S. and the leadership of President Donald Trump in standing with Israel during one of the most difficult periods in its history.
“Mr. Secretary, your visit means the world to us,” Herzog said. “Since October 7th, our nation has endured unimaginable horrors—civilians kidnapped, families shattered, and communities devastated. Yet, Israel has stood strong, determined to eliminate the threats against us while continuing our pursuit of peace.”
Herzog also praised U.S. efforts in facilitating the return of Israeli hostages held by Hamas, emphasizing that securing their release remains Israel’s top priority.
Commitment to Bringing Hostages Home
Secretary Rubio assured Israel of America’s full commitment to securing the safe return of every hostage.
“On behalf of President Trump, I can say this unequivocally: we will not rest, we will not be silent, and we will not stop until every hostage is home,” Rubio stated.
He emphasized that the U.S. and Israel are working closely together on diplomatic and intelligence fronts to resolve the crisis, adding that the Biden administration’s policies had left gaps in security, which the current U.S. administration is now addressing with urgency.
Regional Security: Iran’s Role in Destabilization
Beyond the immediate crisis in Gaza, the leaders discussed broader security threats, particularly Iran’s continued aggression and its funding of proxy groups across the Middle East.
“At the core of every major security challenge facing Israel—and frankly, many of America’s own challenges in the region—is one common denominator: Iran,” Rubio declared.
He criticized the Iranian regime for being the largest state sponsor of terrorism, stating that groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, and radical militias in Syria and Iraq all operate under Tehran’s influence.
“Without Iran’s support, these terrorist networks would not be able to function at the scale they do today,” Rubio emphasized. “That’s why confronting Iran’s aggression must remain a top priority for both our nations.”
Security Along Israel’s Northern Border
Another major issue discussed was the situation in northern Israel, where tens of thousands of Israelis remain displaced due to ongoing security threats from Hezbollah.
“The fact that over 60,000 Israelis cannot safely return to their homes near the Lebanese border is unacceptable,” Rubio said. “Ensuring their security is not just Israel’s priority—it is an American priority as well.”
Hezbollah’s recent escalations, he noted, have jeopardized regional stability, and the U.S. will continue working with Israel to ensure its northern border is secured against future threats.
Condemning Anti-Israel Bias in International Forums
President Herzog and Secretary Rubio also addressed ongoing efforts by international bodies to target Israel unfairly, particularly the United Nations and the International Criminal Court (ICC).
“The ICC’s politically motivated actions against Israel are not only unjust but also dangerous,” Herzog said. “Israel, like the United States, does not recognize the ICC’s jurisdiction, and we will not allow international law to be weaponized against our people.”
Rubio echoed these concerns, stating that the U.S. will stand firmly against legal and diplomatic attacks on Israel, ensuring that biased institutions do not undermine Israel’s right to self-defense.
Strengthening the U.S.-Israel Partnership
The meeting concluded with a strong reaffirmation of the U.S.-Israel alliance, with both leaders expressing optimism about future cooperation on security, technology, and diplomacy.
“There has never been a stronger friend of Israel in the White House than President Trump,” Rubio said. “We are here to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to Israel’s security and sovereignty.”
Herzog thanked Rubio for his continued dedication to the U.S.-Israel relationship, expressing confidence that their partnership will remain a cornerstone of Middle East stability for years to come.
As regional tensions continue, both nations remain steadfast in their shared mission to defend democracy, counter terrorism, and promote lasting peace.