Rubio Meets Israeli Leaders Amid Qatar Strike Backlash

United States diplomat Marco Rubio began his visit to Israel on Sunday, just days after an Israeli strike in Qatar drew widespread international criticism. The trip highlights the strong but complex relationship between the United States and Israel, particularly in the ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza.

The visit comes at a tense time, as Washington seeks to balance its support for Israel with mounting international pressure for a ceasefire. Rubio’s presence in Jerusalem underscores America’s continued commitment to Israel, even as President Donald Trump openly expressed his displeasure over the Qatar strike.

Background: The Qatar Strike

Last week, Israel carried out a highly unusual strike in Doha, Qatar, targeting senior Hamas leaders who had gathered to discuss a new ceasefire proposal backed by the United States. This marked the first time Israel had launched such an operation in a nation considered an American ally.

The strike immediately raised concerns across the Middle East and beyond. Arab and Muslim countries condemned the attack, while European governments expressed alarm over its impact on regional diplomacy. Critics argued that the strike not only threatened fragile peace talks but also risked alienating Qatar, a key partner for the U.S. in the region.

President Trump, while maintaining firm support for Israel, acknowledged that the move was troubling. Before Rubio’s departure, Trump told reporters that the strike “was not helpful” but made clear that it would not weaken America’s strategic alliance with Israel.

Rubio’s Message Before Leaving Washington

Speaking to journalists before flying to Israel, Marco Rubio emphasized that the U.S.-Israel relationship remains strong despite the controversy.

“President Trump is not happy about what happened in Qatar, but our relationship with Israel is not going to change,” Rubio said. “At the same time, we need to have conversations with Israeli leaders about how this affects efforts to achieve a ceasefire.”

Rubio highlighted the importance of diplomacy while stressing that Hamas leaders continue to be a major obstacle to peace. He noted that eliminating Hamas command structures may align with Israel’s military goals, but also complicates Washington’s attempts to secure a truce.

Meetings in Jerusalem

Rubio’s schedule in Israel includes high-profile meetings with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other top officials. On Sunday, he visited the Western Wall alongside Netanyahu in a symbolic show of solidarity. His main diplomatic discussions are planned for Monday before he departs on Tuesday.

According to Israeli officials, the meetings will focus on three main issues:

1. The aftermath of the Qatar strike and its impact on ceasefire negotiations.

2. Israel’s ongoing military operations in Gaza.

3. The growing international calls for recognition of Palestinian statehood.

Rubio is expected to deliver a message from Washington reaffirming U.S. backing for Israel’s right to defend itself, while also pushing for restraint in Gaza.

Escalation in Gaza

While diplomatic talks unfold, the conflict on the ground in Gaza has intensified. In recent days, Israel has expanded its military campaign to seize control of Gaza City, the largest urban center in the territory.

Israeli forces have ordered residents to evacuate and destroyed several high-rise buildings, which they claimed were being used by Hamas fighters. The United Nations estimates that nearly one million people were living in Gaza City and nearby areas as of late August, many of them now displaced.

Scenes from the ground show families fleeing with whatever belongings they can carry. Among them are children, elderly people, and individuals with disabilities struggling through the rubble. One witness described the city as a “desolate wasteland” of collapsed buildings and shattered streets.

Gaza’s civil defense agency reported at least seven deaths from Israeli strikes since Sunday morning. However, due to media restrictions and the difficulty of accessing many parts of Gaza, independent verification remains challenging.

Human Toll and Civilian Voices

Residents of Gaza describe the situation as unbearable. Twenty-year-old Sara Abu Ramadan, a student from Gaza City, expressed her despair in a phone interview.

“We are living in constant terror amid relentless shelling and powerful explosions,” she said. “There is nowhere to run. We are dying here, and the world is just watching. Why is there so much injustice?”

Her words reflect the broader humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where shortages of food, medicine, and electricity have worsened in recent months. Aid agencies warn that famine-like conditions are emerging in some areas, blaming Israeli restrictions on humanitarian supplies.

International Response

The strike in Qatar has fueled diplomatic tensions not only between Israel and Arab states but also within the broader international community.

On Friday, the United Nations General Assembly voted in favor of reviving the two-state solution, despite strong Israeli opposition. Several European nations, including Britain and France, signaled that they may formally recognize Palestinian statehood at an upcoming UN meeting.

This shift reflects growing frustration with Israel’s handling of the war, especially the high civilian death toll in Gaza and the continued expansion of settlements in the occupied West Bank.

Nevertheless, Israel continues to enjoy the support of its closest ally, the United States. Washington remains Israel’s biggest arms supplier and has repeatedly used its diplomatic influence to shield the country from international sanctions or resolutions.

U.S. Position and Rubio’s Role

Ahead of Rubio’s trip, U.S. State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott explained the purpose of the visit.

“Marco Rubio will demonstrate our commitment to fighting anti-Israel actions, including unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state that rewards Hamas terrorism,” Pigott said.

Rubio, a long-time supporter of Israel, is expected to assure Netanyahu that despite disagreements over tactics, U.S. backing remains solid. At the same time, he will stress the importance of considering the diplomatic consequences of actions like the Qatar strike.

Domestic Pressure in Israel

While Israel faces international criticism, it also confronts domestic unrest. Families of Israeli hostages held by Hamas have accused Prime Minister Netanyahu of blocking potential deals that could secure their release.

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, a key advocacy group, argued that Netanyahu himself is now “the main obstacle” to ending the hostage crisis. Of the 251 hostages taken during Hamas’s October 2023 assault, 47 remain in Gaza. Israeli authorities believe that 25 of them are dead.

Protests in Tel Aviv and other cities continue to call for the government to prioritize the safe return of captives over military escalation. Critics accuse Netanyahu of using the war to strengthen his political position, even at the expense of human lives.

Expert Opinions

Analysts say Rubio’s visit is unlikely to produce immediate breakthroughs but could help stabilize U.S.-Israel coordination at a delicate moment.

Brian Katulis, a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute, noted that Washington has so far shown “an alarming passivity” in pushing for a ceasefire. He argued that Rubio’s trip may reassure Israeli leaders of U.S. support, but will not necessarily advance peace efforts.

“The Biden administration—or in this case, the Trump administration—faces a dilemma,” Katulis said. “They want to back Israel, but they also need to prevent a wider regional conflict. Balancing those two goals has never been more difficult.”

Marco Rubio’s visit to Israel illustrates the enduring strength of U.S.-Israel relations, even in moments of controversy. The Qatar strike has complicated diplomatic efforts and sparked international backlash, but Washington continues to stand firmly with its ally.

Whether Rubio’s meetings will help ease tensions or merely reaffirm existing positions remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that the human cost of the conflict continues to rise, and the path to peace appears as elusive as ever.