US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani on Friday, before heading to Israel for a weekend trip aimed at navigating the Trump administration’s delicate ties with both nations.
The meeting came just days after Israeli strikes in Doha targeted Hamas figures, straining relations across the region.
Despite the often-tense relationship between US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Rubio is scheduled to land in Israel on Sunday for a two-day visit, intended as a show of support for Israel ahead of an upcoming United Nations debate on Palestinian statehood, which Netanyahu firmly opposes, reports AP/UNB.
Rubio and Vice President JD Vance received the Qatari leader at the White House earlier on Friday. Later, Trump and special envoy Steve Witkoff joined him for dinner in New York, where Trump was attending commemorations of the September 11, 2001, attacks.
The US is seeking to balance its partnerships after Israel’s assault in Doha disrupted discussions over a potential ceasefire in Gaza, where the conflict has lasted nearly two years. Qatar has been a central mediator, vowing to continue its efforts, though the path to an agreement remains unclear.
The strike has also united Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar, all of whom condemned Israel’s move.
Trump has tried to distance himself from the attack, saying it “does not advance Israel or America’s goals” and assuring Qatar it would not be repeated. Washington, DC, also backed a United Nations Security Council statement censuring the strike without naming Israel directly.
Sheikh Mohammed accused Israel at the Security Council on Thursday, saying the strike showed it did not care about hostages still held in Gaza. However, he reaffirmed that Qatar would continue “our diplomatic role without any hesitation in order to stop the bloodshed.”
Rubio’s visit will also touch on sensitive domestic politics in Israel. In what may signal Trump’s displeasure with Netanyahu, Rubio plans to meet with families of hostages still in Gaza, some of whom oppose Israel’s plan to occupy Gaza City. According to the State Department, Rubio will “underscore that their relatives’ return remains a top priority.”
The department added that Rubio would use the trip to “convey America’s priorities in the Israel-Hamas conflict and broader issues concerning Middle Eastern security, reaffirming the US commitment to Israeli security” while stressing Trump administration’s stance “to fight anti-Israel actions including unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state.”
Talks in Israel are expected to include discussion of the country’s “operational goals and objectives” in Gaza, alongside joint efforts to dissuade European governments from recognising a Palestinian state.
The visit comes as ceasefire negotiations have faltered and Israel advances its plan to seize control of Gaza City.
