Tel Aviv (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday to discuss the fallout from an Israeli airstrike in Qatar that the U.S. opposes, as well as its impact on the ongoing efforts to secure a truce in Gaza.
The US top diplomat had planned the solidarity visit a week ahead of a French-led summit at the United Nations to recognise a Palestinian state.
Why is Marco Rubio meeting Netanyahu in Israel?
Israel launched an attack in Qatar last week, where the region’s largest US air base is located, targeting Hamas leaders who were meeting to discuss a new US ceasefire proposal for Gaza. Rubio’s visit aimed to address the consequences of the attack in Qatar, which disrupted ceasefire negotiations and drew widespread international condemnation
“Obviously, we’re not happy about it. The president was not happy about it. Now we need to move forward and figure out what comes next,”
Rubio told reporters on departure when asked about the strike. Despite U.S. President Donald Trump‘s displeasure over the strike, Rubio emphasised that it would not change the strong U.S.-Israel relationship.
What are Rubio’s goals regarding the Gaza City offensive?
According to Rubio, he plans to discuss Israeli military plans to take control of Gaza City, the largest city in the war-torn region, as well as the government’s plans to annexe parts of the West Bank, which could prevent a Palestinian state from being established.
Rubio said Trump wants the Gaza war to come to a close, which means releasing the hostages taken in the October 7, 2023, attack and making sure Hamas is no longer a threat.
“Part of what we’re going to have to discuss as part of this visit is how the events of last week with Qatar impact that,”
Rubio said.
What message did Rubio deliver in his February 2025 trip?
Before the current visit, Rubio last visited Israel in February 2025. This was his first official trip to the Middle East as Secretary of State. During this visit, Rubio met with Israeli officials, including PM Benjamin Netanyahu, and highlighted the US’s firm stance against Hamas.
