Jerusalem — United States Senator Marco Rubio and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday issued a blistering joint warning against Hamas and its backers, declaring that the militant group must be wiped out completely and that Iran would face escalating pressure for fueling terror across the Middle East.

Speaking at a press conference after high-level talks, Rubio said Hamas had only one option left; “Hamas can surrender tonight if they want, lay down their weapons, but we are not counting on that.”

He reaffirmed Washington’s unwavering support for Israel, stressing that, “The president is committed to the elimination of Hamas, the release of all remaining hostages, and the rebuilding of Gaza into a peaceful and prosperous society.

“Peace is not possible as long as 48 hostages are being held.”

On Iran, Rubio pulled no punches; “We will continue maximum pressure on Iran. The U.S. fully supports reinstating sanctions. Iran is a threat to the world.”

Addressing international recognition of a Palestinian state, Rubio argued it “strengthens Hamas and does not advance peace or the release of hostages,” warning that, Israel would respond to any unilateral moves against it.

Prime Minister Netanyahu, in equally combative tones, defended Israel’s recent strike in Doha targeting Hamas leaders.

He said, “Israel’s decision to attack Doha was taken independently. We bear full responsibility. The operation did not fail, its purpose was to send a message. There is no safe haven for terrorists.”

He doubled down on Israel’s uncompromising stance emphasizing that, “We will hunt Hamas wherever they are. We tell civilians to leave because Hamas uses them as human shields. Terrorists can roar, but they cannot hide. There is no immunity for terrorists.”

Netanyahu reminded the world that this principle dated back to the Munich Massacre of 1972, when Israel began pursuing terrorists globally.

“Major democracies act this way. We will not apologize.”

On the sensitive issue of Judea and Samaria, Netanyahu issued a sharp rebuke to Western nations pushing for a Palestinian state.

“If countries take unilateral actions against us, they can expect we will respond with actions of our own.”

Both leaders underlined the strength of U.S.- Israel ties, with Netanyahu declaring that, “Israel has no better ally than the United States,” while Rubio echoed, “The relationship between the two nations has never been stronger.”