In a move that brings the fate of the Gaza ceasefire even closer under his personal control, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is appointing a close political ally to lead talks over phase two of the current ceasefire in Gaza,

The Israeli prime minister, who met with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, also vowed to "finish the job" against Iran with United States support.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio endorsed Israel’s war aims in the Gaza Strip, saying Hamas “must be eradicated," throwing the ceasefire into doubt.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that Palestinians should be given the choice to leave Gaza.