U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Israel on September 14, 2025, following an Israeli airstrike in Doha, Qatar, that targeted Hamas leadership. The strike, which resulted in the deaths of several Hamas members and a Qatari security officer, has sparked international controversy and strained relations between the U.S. and Israel.
During his visit, Rubio met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at Jerusalem’s Western Wall, reaffirming the strength of U.S.-Israel relations. However, Rubio acknowledged President Donald Trump’s dissatisfaction with the strike, stating that Trump was “not happy” about the operation. He emphasized that while the incident was concerning, it would not alter the longstanding alliance between the two nations.
The Israeli airstrike targeted a meeting of Hamas leaders in Doha, aiming to disrupt coordination among figures allegedly involved in orchestrating the October 7, 2023, attacks. While Hamas denied that senior leaders were killed, reports confirmed the deaths of several individuals, including Khalil al-Hayya’s son, Himam, and a Qatari security officer. The operation has been criticized for undermining ongoing peace efforts and raising questions about the efficacy of Israeli intelligence.
In response to the strike, Qatar condemned the operation as a violation of its sovereignty and a setback to mediation efforts. The nation is organizing an emergency Arab-Islamic summit to address the situation and discuss potential collective responses.
Rubio’s visit underscores the delicate balancing act the U.S. faces in supporting Israel while managing diplomatic relations with other Middle Eastern allies. As the conflict continues, the international community watches closely for developments that may influence the region’s stability.
