Senator Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) expressed grave concerns on Sunday about Iran’s intentions towards Israel, stating that Iran’s ultimate goal is to render Israel an unlivable and undesirable place.
In an interview on CNN’s “State of the Union” with Jake Tapper, Rubio emphasized that while Iran may not have the military capacity to defeat Israel, it seeks to undermine the country’s stability and prosperity.
Rubio highlighted the recent aerial attacks launched by Iran against Israel, underscoring the threat they pose to Israel’s economy, particularly its tourism industry. He cautioned that even unsuccessful attacks could have serious repercussions, impacting tourism numbers and business activities in Israel in the coming weeks.
While acknowledging that the attempted attacks did not cause any harm, Rubio stressed the broader objective behind Iran’s actions, which is to undermine Israel’s viability as a nation-state.
He linked Iran’s aggression not only to its actions in Syria but also to its broader geopolitical ambitions, including its desire to expel foreign forces from Iraq and Syria.
The senator’s remarks underscored the ongoing security challenges facing Israel and the broader Middle East region due to Iran’s aggressive behavior.
As Israeli officials deliberate on potential responses to the Iranian attacks, Rubio’s comments serve as a reminder of the strategic importance of countering Iran’s destabilizing actions in the region.