LONDON and JERUSALEM — U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived on Sunday morning in Israel, where he plans to meet with officials to discuss the war in Gaza.
“My focus will be on securing the return of hostages, finding ways to make sure humanitarian aid reaches civilians, and addressing the threat posed by Hamas,” Rubio said on social media ahead of his flight.
He added, “Hamas cannot continue to exist if peace in the region is the goal.”
The secretary and his wife, Jeanette Dousdebes Rubio, were greeted upon arrival at Ben Gurion airport by U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee and his wife, Janet Huckabee.
Rubio is scheduled to meet one-on-one with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu before the two visit the Western Wall at 2 p.m. local time.
The secretary is expected to “convey America’s priorities in the Israel-Hamas conflict and broader issues concerning Middle Eastern security, reaffirming U.S. commitment to Israeli security,” according to the U.S. State Department.
Netanyahu and Rubio are also expected to discuss the planned Israeli operation to seize control of Gaza City, the largest city in the Gaza Strip, the State Department said.
Israel last week issued an order calling for residents of the city to evacuate, saying the Israeli military would operate “with great force” within the city.
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