Tel Aviv (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Israel on Sunday, ahead of a high-level discussion with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as tensions among U.S. Middle East allies continue.
U.S. President Donald Trump’s top diplomat, Marco Rubio, landed in Israel amid uncertainties with fellow U.S. partners in the Middle East over Israel’s attack on Hamas chiefs in Qatar and the growth of settlements in the occupied West Bank. Reportedly, the secretary and his wife, Jeanette Dousdebes Rubio, were welcomed by Israeli officials, including US Ambassador to Israel Michael Oren.
What will Rubio and Netanyahu discuss in their meeting?
The secretary will communicate the United States’ priorities in the Israel-Hamas conflict and in matters of Middle East security more broadly, reaffirming U.S. commitment to Israeli security, said the U.S. State Department. The State Department further said the meeting between Netanyahu and Rubio will also look at the planned Israeli operation to seize control of Gaza City, the Gaza Strip’s largest city.
Israel’s strike on Qatar, a key non-NATO ally of the US, aimed at Hamas leaders who were meeting to discuss a new US-proposed ceasefire plan for the Gaza war. Although the leaders escaped unharmed, six people lost their lives, including a Qatari security officer.
What impact could the Doha attack have on US-Israel ties?
Before leaving the US, Rubio told reporters in Washington that the recent strike on Doha, Qatar, won’t alter the US-Israel relationship. However, he noted that both countries will need to discuss the issue, mainly, what impact this has.
Additionally, he mentioned that US President Donald Trump wants Hamas defeated, the war to end, and all 48 hostages, including those who have passed away, to be returned home all at once.
What was discussed during Rubio’s last visit to Israel?
The last visit by Marco Rubio to Israel before this visit took place in November 2024. During that earlier trip, he met with Israeli officials to discuss ongoing regional tensions, security cooperation, and the ongoing impact of the conflict involving Hamas.
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