Rubio Meets Netanyahu in Israel Amid Fallout from Qatar Strikes and Intensified Gaza Offensive

Jerusalem, September 16, 2025 — U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio held high-stakes talks in Jerusalem on Monday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, just days after Israeli forces launched unprecedented airstrikes against targets in Qatar, a nation long considered a critical U.S. ally. The meeting comes as Israel escalates its military offensive in Gaza City, raising concerns about regional stability and Washington’s role in brokering peace.

A Diplomatic Visit Under Fire

Rubio’s visit marks his second official trip to Israel since assuming the post of Secretary of State earlier this year. The timing could not be more delicate. According to senior U.S. officials, the Biden administration has been caught off guard by Israel’s decision to target Qatar, which hosts one of the largest American military bases in the Middle East.

“We continue to support Israel’s right to defend itself,” Rubio told reporters after his closed-door meeting with Netanyahu. “But we must also ensure that actions taken do not endanger U.S. partnerships in the region or undermine long-term security goals.”

Netanyahu Defiant on Strategy

Prime Minister Netanyahu, appearing alongside Rubio at a brief joint press conference, defended Israel’s decision to carry out strikes in Qatar. He claimed intelligence linked Qatari-based financial networks to Hamas operations inside Gaza.

“We will not allow any nation, no matter how close to Washington, to serve as a safe haven for terrorism financing,” Netanyahu declared. He emphasized that the Gaza offensive will continue until, in his words, “Hamas’ infrastructure is dismantled beyond repair.”

Fallout with Qatar: A U.S. Balancing Act

The strikes have placed Washington in a precarious position. Qatar is not only home to the Al Udeid Air Base, a strategic hub for U.S. military operations in the region, but also a frequent mediator in Middle East conflicts.

Analysts warn that any prolonged rift between Israel and Qatar could destabilize U.S. efforts to maintain a coalition against Iran and could jeopardize back-channel negotiations for hostage exchanges in Gaza.

A report by the Council on Foreign Relations notes that Qatar has long walked a fine line between hosting U.S. assets and engaging with groups like Hamas and the Taliban, making it both indispensable and controversial in Washington’s Middle East policy.

Escalation in Gaza

Meanwhile, the situation in Gaza City has worsened. Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) expanded operations into northern neighborhoods on Monday, deploying ground troops in tandem with sustained air raids. Palestinian health authorities reported rising civilian casualties, though these figures remain contested.

U.N. humanitarian agencies are urging immediate cease-fire negotiations, warning of a potential “humanitarian catastrophe” if escalation continues. Rubio acknowledged these concerns but stopped short of calling for a halt to Israel’s offensive.

Domestic Politics in the U.S.

Rubio’s diplomacy is also being closely watched back home. Critics in Congress, particularly among progressive Democrats, argue that the administration’s unwavering support for Israel risks alienating Arab allies and could fuel anti-American sentiment in the region.

Republicans, however, largely applauded Rubio’s decision to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Netanyahu. Senate Minority Leader John Thune said in a statement: “This is the type of clear message our allies and adversaries need to hear — that America stands firm with Israel.”

The Road Ahead: Fragile Alliances and Uncertain Outcomes

Both Israeli and American officials admitted that no breakthrough agreements were reached in Monday’s meetings. Instead, the dialogue appears to have centered on preventing the situation from spiraling into a broader conflict involving Qatar and potentially Iran.

Experts believe Rubio’s trip signals Washington’s attempt to “reassert control over a volatile situation”, though much depends on whether Netanyahu is willing to scale back operations in Gaza and avoid further strikes on Qatari soil.

The Brookings Institution points out that U.S. credibility in the Middle East hinges not only on supporting Israel but also on maintaining fragile relationships with Gulf states. Balancing these competing priorities may prove to be Rubio’s greatest diplomatic test yet.