With Rubio Visiting, Netanyahu Touts Trump’s Gaza Plan as ‘Only Path’; Iran Nuclear Moves Raise Mysterious Red Alert

Today marks five hundred days since October 7, 2023. So everyone is taking stock. Compared to where Israel has been since the traumatic start of this war, there is no doubt that the Jewish States’s strategic position is better than before, perhaps better than ever. Dangers and risks lurk around every corner. The fact that we can envision better days may have more to do with the election of Donald Trump than all of the remarkable accomplishments of the IDF and other Israeli security organizations. Whether these compensation for the collosal failure on that day remains less clear.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared on Sunday that former U.S. President Donald Trump’s vision for Gaza is the only plan that can work, dismissing alternative proposals pushed by European and Arab states. Addressing the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations in Jerusalem, Netanyahu said, “Trump presented the only plan for the Gaza issue that can work.”

Netanyahu lauded Trump as “the greatest friend Israel has ever had in the White House,” adding, “With Trump, we will decide when to open the gates of hell.” He stressed that failure to secure the release of all hostages held by Hamas would constitute reason enough to “open those gates.”

Trump, speaking separately later, affirmed his support for Israeli autonomy, stating, “I told Netanyahu: You can do whatever you want… in consultation with me.”

Gaza Exodus: ‘Not Ethnic Cleansing’

Netanyahu sought to counter accusations of ethnic cleansing tied to reports that over 150,000 Gazans had fled the Strip by bribing Hamas officials to escape. “The wealthy could leave; others were trapped. Give them an option,” he said. “This is not ethnic cleansing; it’s about giving people agency over their own lives.”

The Trump plan, discussed privately with Israeli officials, reportedly envisions facilitating the voluntary departure of large numbers of Gazans, alongside measures ensuring that Hamas’s military infrastructure is permanently dismantled.

Hezbollah and Lebanon: Breaking the Axis

Turning to Israel’s northern front, Netanyahu commended newly elected Lebanese President Joseph Aoun for efforts to curb Hezbollah’s power, describing him as “diligently working” to dismantle the Iranian-backed terror organization. He credited Israeli pressure campaigns over the past year with forcing Hezbollah into a defensive posture.

Netanyahu framed Hezbollah’s weakening as a strategic blow to Syrian President Bashar Assad, whose regime he said relied heavily on Hezbollah fighters to survive. “We didn’t get any flowers from Damascus for this, but that’s okay. We can live with it,” Netanyahu remarked wryly. “With Syria, we’ve ensured it can no longer be used as a launchpad for attacks on Israel.”

He compared Israel’s actions to Winston Churchill’s controversial 1940 decision to sink the French fleet at Mers-el-Kébir to prevent Nazi Germany from seizing it. “We similarly dismantled Assad’s military capabilities,” Netanyahu said.

Iran: ‘Troubling Developments’ on Nukes

Netanyahu issued his most urgent warning on Iran’s nuclear program in months, citing “troubling developments” indicating Tehran’s acceleration toward nuclear breakout capacity. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar added that Iran had increased its smuggling operations to Hezbollah, funneling funds and weapons via Turkey.

Netanyahu stressed that Israel would not allow Iran to become a nuclear power. He and Senator Marco Rubio, who visited the region last week, signaled bipartisan American support for military action if necessary. Rubio emphasized that Iran’s funding of Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis had fueled the current regional instability.

“Iran is not just Israel’s problem,” Rubio said. “It’s a global threat.”

Hostages and Ceasefire: ‘Gates of Hell’ Remain an Option

The question of Israeli hostages held in Gaza remains unresolved despite several temporary ceasefires and prisoner swaps. Netanyahu said that while Israel remains committed to recovering its citizens, it reserves the right to unleash overwhelming force if Hamas fails to comply. “Not getting all hostages would be ample reason to open the gates of hell,” he reiterated.

A temporary ceasefire is set to expire on March 1, with negotiators scrambling to prevent renewed fighting. Hamas has accused Israel of stalling talks, while Israeli officials claim Hamas is using negotiations to regroup.

U.S. Arms Resupply: Bombs Arrive

Reflecting renewed U.S.-Israel cooperation under Trump’s influence, Washington has recently cleared the shipment of 2,000-pound bombs, previously delayed under the Biden administration. These precision-guided munitions are expected to bolster Israel’s operational capabilities should hostilities resume.

Outlook: 500 Days and Counting

As the war grinds past its 500th day, Netanyahu insists that Israel’s objectives—eradicating Hamas, securing Lebanon’s border, and thwarting Iran’s nuclear ambitions—are within reach but not yet secured. With Trump’s backing and a regional power vacuum shifting in Israel’s favor, Netanyahu believes victory is closer than ever—but he remains prepared–in consultation with Trump, of course–to “open the gates of hell” if necessary.