Rubio to visit Israel this weekend for Gaza Strip discussions in wake of Qatar strike

Secretary of State Marco Rubio will head to Israel on Saturday for discussions on the war in Gaza and to reaffirm the United States' commitment to Israeli security amid its war with Hamas.

The trip comes after Israel conducted a strike targeting Hamas leadership in Qatar earlier this week, despite Qatar being an American ally. President Donald Trump said Tuesday that he was "very unhappy" about the strike. 

The State Department said Friday that Rubio and Israeli leadership will discuss Israel's "goals and objectives" related to an operation to seize control of the Gaza Strip, and to dismantle Hamas leadership and infrastructure in Gaza City.

"He will convey America’s priorities in the Israel-Hamas conflict and broader issues concerning Middle Eastern security, reaffirming U.S. commitment to Israeli security," State Department spokesman Thomas Pigott said in a statement. "He will also emphasize our shared goals: ensuring Hamas never rules over Gaza again and bringing all the hostages home."

Rubio will also meet with the families of hostages to underscore the United States' commitment to bringing their loved ones home.

The secretary will additionally travel to the United Kingdom next week to join Trump's delegation for his second State Visit, where he is expected to meet British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper to discuss global challenges, including the Russia-Ukraine war.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.