US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Israel on Sunday to engage with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu amidst rising tensions regarding Israel’s airstrike in Qatar and its increasing settlement activities in the West Bank.
This visit follows Israel’s recent airstrike on a building in Doha, which resulted in the deaths of aides to a Hamas leader and a Qatari officer. This attack, marking the first on the US ally Qatar, has drawn significant criticism and has complicated efforts to establish a truce in Gaza. Several Western nations, including the UK, France, Canada, Australia, and Belgium, are also anticipated to formally recognize Palestine in the near future.
Prior to his departure from Washington, Rubio acknowledged the US’s dissatisfaction. “Clearly, we are not pleased with this situation. The president is not pleased with this situation. Now, we must move forward and determine the next steps,” he informed reporters. However, he emphasized that this incident would not alter the fundamental nature of the US-Israel relationship.
Israel has attempted to minimize any perceived rifts with Washington. “We maintain a very close dialogue with the administration. We are in coordination with them, and, relatively speaking, the American response was reasonable,” stated Israeli ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, during an interview with army radio. He further noted that while the UN had expressed “minor reservations,” Israel had accepted that “this would come at a cost.”
Danon also accused Qatar of taking advantage of the situation. “From their viewpoint, they are capitalizing on this incident. From our standpoint, we have conveyed a clear message that we will pursue terrorists wherever they may be.”
When questioned about the possibility of additional strikes in Qatar, Rubio remarked, “We will meet with them. We will discuss what the future entails. I aim to gain a clearer understanding of their plans moving forward.”
In Jerusalem, Rubio visited the Western Wall alongside Netanyahu before proceeding with his discussions. He stated that his priorities included “securing the return of hostages, ensuring humanitarian aid reaches civilians, and addressing the threats posed by Hamas.”
Trump has publicly condemned Netanyahu regarding the strike in Qatar, which aimed at Hamas leaders who were in talks about a ceasefire proposal. Netanyahu justified the action, asserting that eliminating Hamas commanders would eliminate the “primary barrier” to achieving peace.
This assault has escalated diplomatic tensions as Israel amplifies its military operations in Gaza, calling for evacuations and destroying tall buildings that it claims were utilized by Hamas.
Following Israel, Rubio is expected to accompany Trump on his visit to the UK this week, where it has been reported that Britain will welcome its first group of children from Gaza for medical treatment.
