Secretary of State Marco Rubio will travel to Israel, Qatar, and the United Kingdom from September 13-18. In Israel, he will convey America’s priorities in the Israel-Hamas conflict and broader issues concerning Middle Eastern security, reaffirming the U.S. commitment to Israeli security. He will also emphasize our shared goals: ensuring Hamas never rules over Gaza again and bringing all the hostages home. Secretary Rubio and Israeli leaders will discuss Israeli operational goals and objectives related to Operation Gideon’s Chariots II, and our commitment to fight anti-Israel actions including unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state that rewards Hamas terrorism, and lawfare at the ICC and ICJ. The Secretary will also meet with the families of hostages and underscore that their relatives’ return remains a top priority.
The Secretary will then continue to Qatar to meet with His Highness Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. Secretary Rubio will reaffirm America’s full support for Qatar’s security and sovereignty following Israel’s strike in Doha. The Secretary will convey appreciation for Qatar’s invaluable role mediating between Israel and Hamas. The leaders will also discuss U.S. and Qatar’s shared commitment to regional stability, ending the war in Gaza, and securing the release of all hostages.
The Secretary will conclude his trip in the United Kingdom to join President Trump’s delegation for his unprecedented second State Visit. The Secretary will meet with UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper to discuss U.S.-UK cooperation on critical global challenges, including ending the Russia-Ukraine war, preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, ensuring release of all Hamas-held hostages and a ceasefire in Gaza, and competing with China.
