Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not ruled out further strikes on Hamas leaders following last week's attack in Qatar, stating they would not have immunity wherever they are.
Speaking at a Jerusalem press conference with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Netanyahu emphasized that every nation has the right to defend itself beyond its borders.
The decision to target Hamas leaders in Qatar, a close U.S. ally, has drawn international outcry, including criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump. While Hamas reported six fatalities from the attack, they claimed that their leaders survived.
Netanyahu's remarks came just days after the White House indicated that Trump assured Qatar that such actions would not recur on its territory.
When queried about U.S. involvement in the strike, Netanyahu firmly stated, We did it on our own. Period. Rubio, addressing concerns about U.S.-Israeli relations, reiterated that Washington maintains strong relationships with our Gulf allies.
The press conference occurred as Arab leaders convened to express support for Qatar, with the Qatari prime minister calling for the international community to avoid double standards and hold Israel accountable.
Qatar, which hosts a significant U.S. airbase, has historically played a crucial role in diplomatic negotiations regarding Gaza, maintaining ties with Hamas since 2012.
As Netanyahu and Rubio showcased a united front amidst existing tensions, Rubio commended the cultural and technological collaborations between the two countries, while Netanyahu referred to the U.S. as Israel's no better ally.
Amidst rising military actions, plans for a potential ground offensive in Gaza City are unfolding, leading to the displacement of approximately 250,000 Palestinians as Israel advances continued operations.
Rubio's visit to Israel follows plans to travel to Qatar, illustrating ongoing diplomatic engagements in a volatile region plagued by conflict.
