US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, during a press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem, pledged continued US support for Israel’s war objectives in Gaza. He stated that the people of Gaza deserve a better future, but insisted this will only be possible after the elimination of Hamas. Rubio assured Israel of Washington’s firm and ongoing backing in its military operations.
Netanyahu welcomed Rubio’s remarks and praised US President Donald Trump as Israel’s “greatest friend” in the White House. The Israeli Prime Minister did not rule out further strikes on Hamas leaders, including those based in Qatar. He emphasized Israel’s right to defend itself beyond its borders, signaling more military actions could follow if needed. Netanyahu also clarified that Israel acted alone in last week’s attack on Qatar-based Hamas leaders.
Rubio acknowledged international criticism over Israel’s recent strike in Qatar, which killed six people, though Hamas leaders survived. However, he emphasized that US relations with Gulf allies, including Qatar, remain strong. Despite hosting a major US airbase, Qatar continues to play a key mediating role in ongoing ceasefire negotiations between Hamas and Israel. The US maintains its strategic interests in the region while backing Israel’s military efforts.
The Secretary of State also confirmed Washington’s support for Israeli sovereignty over Jerusalem, calling it Israel’s “eternal capital.” He visited the Western Wall with Netanyahu and left a personal note, reinforcing the symbolic strength of the US-Israel relationship. Rubio’s message echoed his belief in shared values and unshakable ties between the two allies. His visit signals a deeper alignment between the two governments amid a volatile regional climate.
Looking ahead, Rubio said discussions will include Israel’s military plans for Gaza City and its proposed annexation of parts of the West Bank. He stressed that ending Hamas’s threat and securing the return of hostages kidnapped on October 7, 2023, remain core US priorities. Rubio’s visit, occurring just days after Israel’s controversial strike in Qatar, reflects Washington’s complex balancing act between supporting Israel and managing broader Middle East diplomacy.