Netanyahu joins forces with US to ‘finish the job’ with Iran

In a strong display of solidarity, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio pledged their countries’ unity in stopping Iran’s nuclear program and regional ambitions in a joint press conference at Jerusalem on Sunday. Netanyahu stressed that Israel, with unshakeable U.S. backing, is committed to “completing the mission” of thwarting Iran’s menace, citing the Trump administration’s “maximum pressure” policy as a pillar of their policy.

President Donald Trump’s leadership has been singled out for admiration by Netanyahu, who said that the U.S.-Israel strategic relationship has handed a “mighty blow” to Iran in 16 months.

“We stand shoulder to shoulder in preventing Iran from ever developing nuclear weapons and pushing back at its aggression from coast to coast throughout the Middle East,” Netanyahu declared.

He further added:

“Over the last 16 months, Israel has dealt a mighty blow to Iran. Under the strong leadership of President (Donald) Trump and with your unflinching support, I have no doubt that we can and will finish the job,” 

Rubio reiterated the view, calling Iran the “greatest source of instability” and making it crystal clear that it would never accept Iran as nuclear-capable.

The press briefing follows heightened tensions between Israel and Iran, which have fought each other directly for the first time in recent months. In October, Israel struck back against an Iranian missile salvo by bombing Iranian military targets in Iran, killing four soldiers. This was preceded by an Iranian drone and missile strike against Israel in April, in retaliation for the reported Israeli attack on its consulate in Damascus. These interactions have increased concerns about a wider regional war.

Israel to finish the job against Iran – What does it mean?

US intelligence agencies have warned the Biden and Trump administrations that Israel is likely to strike Iran’s nuclear sites this year, an action that would further destabilize the region, according to reports. Although Trump has said he wants a peace agreement with Tehran, Israel’s assertive approach and quest for regime change in Iran are incompatible with this strategy.

At the same time, Rubio’s trip preceded the U.S. shipment of heavy bombs to Israel, a move which has been criticized by human rights activists. The sending of MK-84 bombs, which were previously suspended by the Biden administration due to fears of civilian casualties in Gaza, highlights the increasing military cooperation between the two countries. Salama Maroof, the head of Gaza’s Government Media Office, denounced the move as the U.S. opting for military assistance over humanitarian aid for Gaza’s war-torn citizens.

As the Middle East stands at the edge of yet another conflict, the United States-Israel alliance seems more determined than ever in its quest to contain Iran’s power, despite the growing human and geopolitical toll.

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