Rubio meets Netanyahu in Jerusalem

Secretary of State Marco Rubio met for some three hours with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem on Monday morning.

Attending the meeting were Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee and Jerusalem’s envoy to the United States, Yechiel Leiter, according to Netanyahu’s office.

Rubio is expected to meet separately on Monday with Sa’ar, Israeli President Issac Herzog and other senior officials.

The top American diplomat visited the Western Wall in the Old City of the capital on Sunday, accompanied by Netanyahu and Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee.

The premier and the Secretary of State offered a prayer for the hostages’ safety, as well as a special prayer in honor of U.S. President Donald Trump, "a true friend of the Jewish people and the State of Israel," according to Netanyahu’s office.

Prior to his departure, Rubio said his trip would focus "on securing the return of hostages, finding ways to make sure humanitarian aid reaches civilians, and addressing the threat posed by Hamas."

"Hamas cannot continue to exist if peace in the region is the goal," he added.

Tommy Pigott, principal deputy spokesperson for the State Department, stated on Friday that Rubio "will convey America’s priorities in the Israel-Hamas conflict and broader issues concerning Middle Eastern security, reaffirming U.S. commitment to Israeli security."

Discussions will also center on "our commitment to fight anti-Israel actions, including unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state that rewards Hamas terrorism, and lawfare," he said.

This marks Rubio’s second trip to the Jewish state this year, after his visit in February as part of a multi-country tour of the Middle East.

© JNS.