Netanyahu Welcomes Rubio's Visit, Affirms Strength of US-Israel Alliance Despite Differences

On Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio's visit as proof of the "strength" of the ties between the two countries. Netanyahu, who was accompanying Rubio and U.S. envoy to Israel Mike Huckabee on a visit to the Western Wall in occupied East Jerusalem, asserted that "the alliance between Israel and the United States is now stronger than ever." He told reporters, "It [the alliance] is as strong and solid as the stones of the Wailing Wall that we just touched."

Rubio's visit to Israel comes at a highly sensitive time, as Tel Aviv faces increasing international pressure over the escalation of its military operations in the northern Gaza Strip. The visit, which was reported to be a show of U.S. solidarity with Israel, also precedes the United Nations General Assembly meetings, where several Western countries intend to recognize a Palestinian state—a move rejected by both Israel and Washington.

Before his arrival in the Jewish state, Rubio reaffirmed his country's full support for Israel, despite criticism of recent Israeli strikes from U.S. President Donald Trump and other regional and international parties. These strikes, which targeted Hamas leaders in Doha, angered Qatar, a key U.S. ally, and cast a shadow over mediation efforts led by Doha, the U.S., and Egypt to reach a truce and release hostages. Hamas confirmed that the head of its negotiating delegation, Khalil al-Hayya, survived the bombing.