From: Agence France-Presse January 23, 2025 Chief US diplomat vows 'unwavering support' for Israel
The United States' new top diplomat Marco Rubio reaffirmed the country's "unwavering support" for Israel, 1. days into a fragile ceasefire in the Gaza Strip 2. and a large-scale raid in the occupied West Bank.
As Israel pursued its deadly operation in Jenin, Rubio assured Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Washington's continued backing.
Rubio spoke to Netanyahu from Washington on Wednesday night to "underscore that maintaining the United States' steadfast support for Israel is a top priority for President Trump," State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce said.
He also 1. "congratulated the Prime Minister on Israel's successes against Hamas and Hezbollah 2. and pledged to work tirelessly to help free all remaining hostages held in Gaza,"
In one of his first acts in office, Trump ended sanctions on extremist Israeli settlers in the West Bank imposed by Biden over their attacks on Palestinians.
During his first term in the White House, Trump put forward a peace plan he and his proponents called "the deal of the century", which would have included major Israeli annexations in the West Bank.
Operation Iron Wall: Prime Minister Netanyahu said the raid aimed to "eradicate terrorism" in Jenin.
From: Haaretz January 21, 2025 Bibi vowed to eradicate Hamas. He failed
