Tensions Rise After Rubio-Netanyahu Meeting on Qatar Airstrike

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu met on Sept. 15 following Israel’s airstrike in Doha, Qatar. Source: The Times of Israel.

Following an Israeli airstrike in Doha, Qatar, on September 9, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to discuss future collaboration. In a press conference, Rubio defended the Israeli airstrike and reaffirmed the U.S.’s interest in reaching a ceasefire and hostage release agreement. While the Trump administration has not condemned Israel for the attack, it does not support or back the decision.

Israel carried out its strike on a meeting between Hamas officials in a residential complex, killing five lower-level officials, while top-ranked negotiators escaped unscathed. Using 15 fighter jets and 10 munitions, Israel carried out an operation against Hamas’s lead negotiator and exiled Gaza leader, Khalil al-Hayya, as well as other senior Hamas officials. Hamas met to discuss the United States’ newest ceasefire proposal before the attack, which proposed that Hamas release the 48 remaining hostages within the first 48 hours of a 60-day truce. In exchange for Hamas’s compliance, Israel would release Palestinian prisoners and agree to negotiate a permanent ceasefire. Since the attack, negotiations have frozen, but Hamas is still open to an agreement that would protect Palestinian rights. 

During the press conference, Netanyahu commented, “Your presence here in Israel today is a clear message that America stands with Israel.” Although Rubio affirmed President Trump’s friendship and support for its ally, it’s unclear if the U.S. will continue to stand with Israel through more peace violations. Rubio responded, restating the U.S.’s sole priority is to return home all 48 hostages.

The Trump administration expressed its discontent with Israel’s decision to bomb Qatar, claiming Netanyahu’s actions are not aligned with the U.S.’s goals for the region. Qatar, a U.S. ally, acts as a mediator between Israel and Hamas, working to create an agreement that satisfies both sides and ends the war. Qatar took Israel’s attack personally, calling it “cowardly” and a clear violation of international laws and regulations.

Going forward, Qatar's role in the conflict is unclear. Netanyahu’s unapologetic attitude on the attack makes Qatar and other Gulf States question U.S. control over Israel. Many Gulf states depend on the U.S. for security and protection from attacks and advances like the one Israel carried out. In fact, Qatar is home to the U.S.’s largest military base in the Middle East. 

Already, ceasefire talks have paused, and hostage negotiations look bleak. Israel’s actions and the U.S.’s inability to stop the attack could set back the end of the war. Israeli families voice their concerns about the impact the attack will have on their captive loved ones. One Israeli mother, Einav Zanguaker, said Netanyahu’s attack could mean the death of her son. 

While the world awaits Qatar and Hamas’s reactions to the airstrike, President Trump holds firm on his stance on the conflict and his backing of Israel. He called Israel’s pursuit of eliminating Hamas a “worthy goal,” but he cautions Netanyahu to be “very careful” going forward. The U.S. has not made a statement on whether Israel’s attack will change future collaboration and relations with Israel. However, the U.S. may need to reevaluate its unwavering support given the UN’s strong opposition to the attack. Multiple council members condemned the attack and called for actions of de-escalation instead of blatant violence. If the U.S. hopes to maintain credibility in the region, it must balance its alliance with Israel while heeding UN warnings. Unconditional support for Israeli actions could strain relationships with America’s other Middle Eastern allies, undermining  military and economic ties built over time.