Secretary of State Rubio Visits Israel, UK for Middle East Diplomacy

Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to visit Israel and the United Kingdom from September 13-18 to reaffirm U.S. support for Israeli security amid ongoing conflict with Hamas. In Israel, Rubio will emphasize shared goals of preventing Hamas from ruling Gaza and securing the release of hostages, while discussing Israeli operational plans related to Operation Gideon's Chariots II. He will also address the U.S. commitment to combating anti-Israel actions, including opposition to unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state that rewards Hamas terrorism, and efforts against lawfare at international courts. Rubio's visit follows tensions between President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, especially after an Israeli strike on Hamas leaders in Qatar, which Trump criticized as counterproductive to U.S. and Israeli objectives. The trip aims to convey America's priorities before Netanyahu's attendance at the UN General Assembly and to engage with families of hostages to underscore their return as a top priority. Following Israel, Rubio will join President Trump's delegation in the UK to discuss global challenges including the Russia-Ukraine war, Iran's nuclear ambitions, and cooperation on Middle East peace efforts.