Netanyahu Says Rubio's Visit Signals US Support, Calls Trump Israel's 'Greatest Friend'

Last Updated:September 15, 2025, 17:38 IST

Rubio reaffirmed Trump’s backing for Israel, stating that Washington would provide “unwavering support” in the war in Gaza

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. (AFP photo)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday called US President Donald Trump the “greatest friend that Israel has ever had" in the White House, and described US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit as a “clear message" of America’s support.

Standing beside Netanyahu in Jerusalem, Rubio reaffirmed Washington’s firm support for Israel in the Gaza war, calling for the total elimination of Hamas.

“The people of Gaza deserve a better future, but that better future cannot begin until Hamas is eliminated," Rubio stated.

He went on to assure Netanyahu, “You can count on our unwavering support and commitment to see come to fruition."

Rubio also criticised recent moves by some Western countries to symbolically recognise a Palestinian state, saying such actions “embolden" Hamas and hinder meaningful progress.

“They’re largely symbolic — they have really no impact whatsoever about bringing us any closer to a Palestinian state. The only impact they actually have is it makes Hamas feel more emboldened," he said.

The US Secretary of State’s visit came amid heightened tensions over recent Israeli military actions in Gaza and an airstrike in Qatar last week that reportedly targeted Hamas leaders living in the Gulf state.

The strike in Doha took place as Hamas representatives were discussing a new US ceasefire proposal for Gaza.

Qatar, a key US ally in the region and a major mediator in the Israel-Hamas talks, also hosts the largest American air base in the Middle East. Despite the strain, Trump had voiced continued support for Qatar, calling it “a very great ally." He warned, however, that “when we attack people, we have to be careful."

Rubio’s visit to Israel also came as Qatar hosted an emergency summit of Arab and Islamic countries — including some close allies of the US — in response to the Israeli strike in Doha.

(With inputs from AFP)

News world Netanyahu Says Rubio's Visit Signals US Support, Calls Trump Israel's 'Greatest Friend'

Read More