Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not ruled out further strikes on Hamas leaders overseas, following last week’s attack in Qatar. Speaking at a press conference in Jerusalem with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, he declared that Hamas officials would have no immunity “wherever they are.”
The strike in Qatar, a close US ally, triggered international criticism, including from President Donald Trump, after Hamas reported six casualties though its leadership survived. Despite outrage, Netanyahu insisted Israel acted independently, stating: “We did it on our own. Period.”
Rubio, while downplaying tensions, affirmed that the US still maintains strong ties with Gulf allies. He praised the US-Israel partnership, calling it one of deep technological and cultural cooperation.
The meeting came as Arab leaders convened in support of Qatar, whose Prime Minister urged the global community to reject “double standards” and hold Israel accountable. Meanwhile, Trump reassured Qatar that no further strikes would occur on its soil.
Netanyahu also faced questions over military plans for Gaza City. Israel has intensified strikes, targeting high-rise buildings and ordering residents to evacuate south. Yet thousands remain trapped due to poverty, unsafe routes, and lack of shelter. Local residents said moving south was impossible due to transport costs and insecurity.
The UN has warned that the offensive risks worsening famine conditions, describing the situation as an “even deeper catastrophe.”
Beyond Gaza, Israel’s settlement expansion in the West Bank has further fueled controversy. Netanyahu recently approved the E1 settlement project, which would divide Palestinian territories in two. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has proposed annexing nearly four-fifths of the West Bank.
These moves come ahead of the UN General Assembly, where key US allies are expected to formally recognize the State of Palestine. The debate within Israel has sharpened, with hardliners insisting annexation is the only way to block Palestinian statehood.
Rubio is set to continue his trip with a visit to Qatar and will also tour contested archaeological sites in East Jerusalem, sparking further debate over the political use of history in the region.
