🇮🇱 Rubio in Jerusalem: Balancing support and pressure

➡️ US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has arrived in Israel on behalf of President Donald Trump. The visit follows two highly sensitive issues: Israeli airstrikes on Hamas leaders in Doha and the expansion of settlements in the West Bank.

♦️ Washington’s stance: Before departure, Rubio noted that the US was “not satisfied” with Israel’s actions, but stressed that he wanted to discuss hostages, the war in Gaza and post-war reconstruction. The Trump government is trying to balance its image as Israel’s reliable ally with distancing itself from responsibility for the strikes in Qatar.

♦️ Domestic sensitivities: Questions are growing in the US Congress and society about whether Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s decisions align with US interests. The White House must show solidarity with Israel publicly while privately setting limits.

♦️ Strategic role of the visit: For Netanyahu’s cabinet, Rubio’s arrival is an opportunity to demonstrate that US support remains intact. For Washington, it is a tool to reframe the narrative: the strikes were Israel’s initiative, while the US continues working on political settlement and regional stability.

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