Duval Times

U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) appeared on Hannity to discuss Israel’s ongoing conflict and the perceived shortcomings of the Biden-Harris Administration. Highlights from the interview are provided below, with the full conversation available on YouTube and Rumble.

Addressing Hezbollah’s attacks on Israel, Rubio stated: “There are over 70,000 Israelis that are displaced, meaning they’re living in hotels. Their kids are going to start school in September in conference rooms, virtually. They can’t go back home because they live in northern Israel, and the places where they live are constantly being attacked by Hezbollah."

Rubio continued: “At some point, Israel is going to have to create a buffer zone in Lebanon. You saw the prime minister last week said he would prefer it be done diplomatically, but if not, they’ll have to go in and do it [militarily]. Now with that attack the other day, this has been going on, back and forth. Those missiles... hit a soccer field. There were kids playing there. We had loss of life. It was terrible. Israel has to respond to that."

He further emphasized: "Sadly, the only language that Iran and Hezbollah understand is the language of strength, and it’s the only deterrence that exists."

On Hamas and ceasefire talks: “In the case of Hamas... it is not going to impede talks on ceasefire because Hamas... want[s]... a permanent one that allows them to regroup and rearm so they can go back and do again what they did on October 7th last year.”

Regarding recent events involving Hamas leaders: “And as far as [the leader of Hamas] that was killed…, this is a guy who personally celebrated what happened on October 7th… Whoever got rid of him did the world a great favor.”

Rubio also mentioned Iran's activities against U.S. leaders: “By the way, Iran has no right to complain because as we speak, they are actively looking to carry out assassinations of former U.S. leaders, including President Trump.”

Discussing terminology around terrorism: “When you say ‘radical Islamic terrorism,’ it’s actually to distinguish the radical Islamic terrorists from members of Islam who are not terrorists.” He added: "That’s an appropriate description... That’s the official term that’s used in the military and in intelligence agencies."

Rubio concluded by noting: "It’s a threat that we continue to face.”