Rubio Leads Largest US Delegation to Israel, Plans Qatar Visit Amid Gaza Conflict

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem to reaffirm the strong alliance between the United States and Israel amid heightened tensions following an Israeli airstrike targeting Hamas leaders in Qatar. Despite widespread condemnation from Arab and Muslim nations at a summit in Doha, both Rubio and Netanyahu dismissed calls for a ceasefire, emphasizing the need to dismantle Hamas and secure the release of 48 hostages held by the militant group. Rubio urged Qatar to continue its constructive mediation role in resolving the Gaza conflict, despite Qatar's anger over the strike on its capital. President Donald Trump strongly supports Israel's campaign, praising Netanyahu's government and warning for caution in handling Hamas. Netanyahu defended the airstrike as a message to terrorists and praised the Trump administration for its bold leadership and unparalleled support of Israel. The visit underscored U.S. opposition to unilateral Palestinian statehood moves at the United Nations, which Netanyahu warned could provoke retaliatory actions.