JERUSALEM: Secretary of State Marco Rubio has reaffirmed the U.S.-Israel alliance, stating that the relationship remains unchanged despite backlash over Israel’s strike targeting Hamas negotiators in Qatar. During an exclusive interview with Fox News in Jerusalem, Rubio emphasized the U.S. commitment to being a strong ally and partner to Israel, despite the controversy. He is set to visit Doha on Tuesday to urge Qatar to continue playing a constructive role in ending the Gaza war and securing the release of hostages held by Hamas.
Rubio also addressed the recent Arab-Islamic summit in Doha, where a draft resolution blamed Israel for threatening regional peace. He reminded participants that the focus should remain on future steps rather than past events. Additionally, he discussed the issue of Russian drone incursions and the potential for escalation in the ongoing conflict, while also commenting on the U.S. bounty on Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.
Rubio denied that Russian President Vladimir Putin was emboldened by his summit with President Trump last month, despite recent Russian drone incursions in both Poland and Romania. He emphasized that these incursions are far from the front lines and have little impact on the actual conflict. He noted that both Ukraine and Russia are conducting strikes against each other, and this mutual escalation is one of the reasons why President Trump wants the war to end.
Rubio also took issue with the claim that the U.S. has put a bounty on Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro’s head after announcing a $50 million reward for information leading to his arrest. He explained that the indictment against Maduro was issued by the Southern District of New York, not a bounty. He highlighted that the indictment targets a network of individuals involved in drug trafficking operations against the United States, which he described as a direct threat to U.S. national security and interest.
In addition to his comments on regional tensions, Rubio addressed the ongoing negotiations and the need for a resolution to the Israel-Gaza conflict. He underscored the U.S. commitment to supporting Israel while advocating for a peaceful resolution that addresses the concerns of all parties involved. The trip to Qatar is part of a broader effort to maintain diplomatic engagement and encourage cooperation among regional allies in the face of ongoing conflicts.