Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not ruled out further strikes on Hamas leaders following last week's attack in Qatar, saying they would not have immunity wherever they are.
Speaking at a Jerusalem press conference with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Netanyahu stated that every country has the right to defend itself beyond its borders.
The decision to target Hamas leaders in Qatar, a close ally of the US, has drawn international outrage, including criticism from US President Donald Trump. Hamas reported that six individuals were killed in the attack, but claimed that its leaders had survived.
Netanyahu's remarks come shortly after the White House stated that Trump assured Qatar that such actions would not be repeated on their territory.
When asked whether the US had any involvement in the strike, Netanyahu responded: We did it on our own. Period. In response to concerns about US relations with Gulf allies, Rubio emphasized that Washington maintains strong relationships with our Gulf allies.
The two leaders presented a unified stance despite existing tensions, with Rubio praising the strong ties between their countries while Netanyahu affirmed that Israel has no better ally.
This meeting coincides with a summit involving Arab leaders, who are expressing support for Qatar. The Qatari prime minister has called for the international community to stop applying double standards and to hold Israel accountable.
Additionally, Qatar hosts a significant US airbase and plays a vital role in facilitating diplomatic efforts to end the ongoing war in Gaza, serving as a mediator between Hamas and Israel since 2012.
After concluding his visit in Israel, Rubio is set to travel to Qatar, amidst rising regional tensions.
On Sunday, Netanyahu commented that the US-Israel relationship is as durable as the stones in the Western Wall during a visit to this holy site in Jerusalem's Old City, where Rubio participated in a traditional ritual.
Negotiations between Netanyahu and Rubio also likely touched upon military operations concerning Gaza City and Israel's expansion of settlements in the occupied West Bank.
Israeli forces have been actively demolishing residential buildings in Gaza City, anticipating military operations in the city’s western neighborhoods while urging residents to move southward in the Gaza Strip for safety.
As of now, approximately 250,000 Palestinians have fled their homes, yet many remain, citing concerns for their safety elsewhere.
The UN has raised alarms that intensifying operations in the area, already dealing with declared famine, may drive civilians into deeper catastrophe.
The upcoming UN General Assembly session is expected to witness recognition of the State of Palestine by several nations, escalating the ongoing debate within Israel regarding the future of the West Bank and settlement annexations.
