Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Rubio’s presence in Israel serves as a clear sign that the US stands alongside it against antisemitism and the “weak governments” that demonize it, Netanyahu commented. He added that Trump has demonstrated consistent and bold leadership and clear actions to make the bilateral relationship stronger than ever. “We will continue to act together” to confront common enemies and protect our shared civilization, Netanyahu emphasized. Regarding the Israeli attack in Qatar, Benjamin Netanyahu argued it was a “completely independent decision” and launched an attack on those criticizing his country for this action.
The Netanyahu-Rubio discussion included Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, National Security Advisor Tzachi Hanegbi, and Ambassador to Washington Yechiel Leiter, according to the Prime Minister’s office. US Ambassador Mike Huckabee also attended the meeting.
In a press conference they held after the meeting concluded, Netanyahu initially praised the “joint determination” of both countries and US President Donald Trump’s decision to strike Iran’s nuclear program while acknowledging that Israel acted alone during the Israeli attack in Doha. He also warned of new strikes targeting Hamas leaders.
Netanyahu: Israel is committed to defeating Hamas
Regarding Gaza, Netanyahu stated that Israel is committed to defeating Hamas in the enclave and emphasized: “we are dedicated” to returning all hostages to their homes” and thanked Trump for his assistance.
“We take full responsibility,” he stressed and characterized criticism against Israel for the attack as “massive hypocrisy.”
Netanyahu referenced the UN resolution passed after September 11th, according to which no country can harbor terrorists. “You don’t have such sovereignty when you’ve given base to terrorists,” he said. He also appeared to acknowledge that Israel failed to kill the Hamas leaders, but as he said, his country sent a message to terrorists with the strike that “you can hide, you can run, but we will catch you.”
When Netanyahu was asked by journalists about the assassination of American activist Charlie Kirk, he commented that Israel faces “unusual violence” from political opponents. He called his opponents a “threat to democracy” and emphasized that he faces threats against himself.
Rubio: Hamas must be eliminated
For his part, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that “every hostage” must return home immediately and that Hamas must be “eliminated” as an armed group. He clarified that the US President remains committed to these goals. Rubio emphasized that Iran threatens not only Israel and the US, but also Gulf allies and Europe, noting that a nuclear Iran poses an “unacceptable risk” to the world.
He also condemned Hamas’s “unparalleled brutality” and emphasized that the people of Gaza cannot have peace or a better future without Hamas being disarmed and all hostages returning to their homes.
Regarding Netanyahu’s comment about the Israeli attack in Doha, Rubio said “we are focused on what happens next.”
When asked by journalists about the Israeli attack in Qatar and the anger of Gulf allies, Rubio said “there are still certain fundamental issues that need to be addressed, regardless of what has happened.” As he said, hostages are still being held and Hamas still exists and must be eliminated.”
“All of this still needs to be addressed,” he stated, adding that the US will focus on resolving these issues.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, commenting on Kirk’s assassination, said it was like “a death in the family,” noting he was a personal friend of many in the Trump administration.
After completing his visit to Israel, Marco Rubio is expected to visit Qatar tomorrow, Tuesday, according to the Washington Post, citing two American sources.
