JERUSALEM: It has been affirmed that the United States’ relationship with Israel remains constant, despite the controversy following Israel’s recent strike on Hamas negotiators in Qatar.
“We will persist as steadfast allies and partners,” Rubio pledged during an extensive interview in Jerusalem. “As the president indicated, he was displeased with the unfolding events. However, this does not signify an end to our partnership and alliance.”
Rubio disclosed his imminent travel to Doha on Tuesday, where he intends to encourage Qatar to maintain its “constructive role” in facilitating an end to the Gaza conflict and ensuring the liberation of hostages held by Hamas.
“We will be meeting with them again very soon, within the next day,” Rubio stated. “We recognize their displeasure. We also understand the Israeli stance. Nevertheless, we still seek the release of hostages, and Hamas must be defeated, eradicated, or removed to achieve the peace everyone desires.”
Rubio’s visit to Qatar, a significant non-ally, follows closely on the heels of an Arab-Islamic summit hosted there, which addressed Israel’s strike. A resolution draft from this summit accused Israel of “jeopardizing regional peace and coexistence.”
Rubio conveyed, “Our objective is to keep everyone concentrated on future developments, rather than solely on last week’s events in Doha.” He continued, “We desire everyone to focus on what lies ahead, as there are still issues we must resolve.”
Rubio declined to confirm U.S. support for Israel’s proposed West Bank annexation plans, but he criticized nations for compelling Israel’s actions by stating their intent to recognize a Palestinian state.
He explained, “We cautioned that this would compel Israel to react, and I believe that discussions surrounding annexation are partly a response to the recent moves by Europe and other countries towards Palestinian statehood. While largely symbolic, these moves have tangible repercussions, hindering peace efforts.”
Rubio refuted claims that he felt “emboldened” by his recent summit with President Trump, notwithstanding recent Russian drone incursions into Polish and Romanian airspace.
Rubio elaborated, “This illustrates why the President believes this war must conclude. Conflicts typically intensify, becoming worse rather than improving.” He clarified, “These drone activities are distant from the front lines and have no impact there. Their primary purpose is mutual weakening, and strikes are also being conducted in Russia. This is among the reasons why the President has called for an end to this war.”
Rubio challenged allegations that the United States had “placed a bounty” on Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, following the announcement of a $50 million reward for intelligence leading to his apprehension last month.
Rubio stated, “Nicolas Maduro was indicted by the Southern District. A grand jury reviewed and acknowledged the evidence, issuing an indictment not only against him personally but also against a network of individuals in that nation who leverage what they purport to be government mechanisms to conduct drug trafficking operations targeting the United States.”
He further asserted, “He is not Venezuela’s president; that is a self-proclaimed title. Instead, he has seized control of certain governmental instruments, which are being utilized to run a drug cartel from Venezuelan soil.”
He concluded, “When drugs are trafficked into the United States, it constitutes interference in America’s internal affairs. When drugs are directed towards the United States, it poses a direct threat to the national security and interests of the United States. This is the issue we are confronting.”