Overview

• Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Jerusalem for meetings with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other senior officials at the start of a five-day trip.
• Rubio said his priorities are securing the immediate release of 48 hostages, ensuring humanitarian aid reaches civilians in Gaza, and addressing the threat posed by Hamas.
• Rubio voiced U.S. displeasure over Israeli strikes targeting Hamas figures in Doha but said the episode would not change the strategic U.S.–Israel alliance.
• The State Department said he will reaffirm U.S. commitment to Israeli security while pushing back on unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state and engaging on ICC and ICJ cases involving Israel.
• Local reporting indicates talks are expected to cover Israel’s planned Operation Gideon’s Chariots II in Gaza City, and Rubio is set to meet additional Israeli ministers and families of hostages.