Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to embark on a high-stakes diplomatic mission this Saturday, September 13, 2025, traveling to Israel and the United Kingdom amid mounting tensions in the Middle East and a rare public rift between the United States and its closest ally, Israel. The trip comes on the heels of an unprecedented Israeli airstrike in Doha, Qatar, which targeted Hamas leadership but instead killed several militants and a Qatari security official, triggering a wave of international condemnation and complicating U.S. efforts to broker peace in the region.
According to a State Department press note, Rubio—former U.S. Senator from Miami and now Secretary of State—will use his visit to "convey America’s priorities in the Israel-Hamas conflict and broader issues concerning Middle Eastern security, reaffirming the U.S. commitment to Israeli security." As deputy spokesperson Tommy Pigott explained, Rubio’s agenda includes underscoring Washington’s shared goals with Israel: preventing Hamas from regaining control of Gaza and ensuring the safe return of Israeli hostages still held by the militant group.
This marks Rubio’s second trip to Israel since assuming the role of Secretary of State in January. His first came in mid-February, shortly after President Donald Trump floated the controversial idea that Egypt and Jordan should accept displaced Palestinians as Israel’s military campaign in Gaza intensified. Now, with the situation even more volatile, Rubio’s diplomatic skills will be put to the test.
The immediate catalyst for this latest round of shuttle diplomacy was Israel’s airstrike in Doha on Tuesday, September 9, 2025. The attack, intended to eliminate Hamas leadership, instead killed five Hamas members who were reportedly discussing a new peace deal proposed by President Trump, as well as a Qatari security official. The operation took place during ongoing ceasefire negotiations, drawing sharp rebukes from Arab states and, unusually, from President Trump himself.
“I was very unhappy about it, very unhappy about every aspect, and we got to get the hostages back, but I was very unhappy about the way that went down,” Trump told reporters, according to The Independent. He added that he had directed U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff to warn Qatar about the imminent strike, but the warning came too late to prevent the attack. Trump further clarified on social media, “This was a decision made by (Israeli) Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, it was not a decision made by me. Unilaterally bombing inside Qatar, a Sovereign Nation and close Ally of the United States, that is working very hard and bravely taking risks with us to broker Peace, does not advance Israel or America’s goals. … However, eliminating Hamas, who have profited off the misery of those living in Gaza, is a worthy goal.”
The Qatari response was equally forceful. Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani described the strike as "state terrorism" aimed at destabilizing the region. “Israel is trying to rearrange the region by force,” he told the United Nations Security Council, as reported by Al Jazeera, vowing that Qatar would "continue our humanitarian and diplomatic role without any hesitation in order to stop the bloodshed."
Qatar, which hosts the U.S. Al Udeid airbase and has long served as a key mediator in Israeli-Palestinian negotiations, found itself at the center of a diplomatic storm. The U.S.—which traditionally shields Israel at the UN—joined other Security Council members in condemning the attack on Qatar and emphasized the need for de-escalation. Acting U.S. permanent representative to the UN Dorothy Shea stated, “The unilateral bombing inside Qatar, a sovereign nation working very hard and bravely taking risks alongside the United States to broker peace, does not advance Israel’s or America’s goals.”
The fallout from the strike was immediate. Trump held what The Washington Post described as a "heated phone call" with Netanyahu, during which he reportedly called the strike "not wise." Netanyahu, for his part, insisted that he had a brief window to act and took the opportunity, while his office characterized the operation as "a wholly independent Israeli operation." Israeli ambassador to the UN Danny Danon issued a stark warning to Qatar: “Either Qatar condemns Hamas, expels Hamas, and brings Hamas to justice. Or Israel will.”
Meanwhile, the humanitarian cost of the conflict continues to climb. Israel’s nearly two-year military campaign in Gaza has killed more than 64,000 Palestinians, according to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry, a figure that does not distinguish between civilians and combatants. The campaign began after the Hamas massacre on October 7, 2023, when some 1,200 Israelis were killed and 251 taken hostage, sparking a massive Israeli response.
Rubio’s itinerary in Israel is packed with sensitive meetings. He is slated to meet with Israeli leaders to discuss operational objectives in Gaza and to reiterate Washington’s opposition to international recognition of a Palestinian state—an issue that has gained new urgency with France, Britain, and other U.S. allies preparing to recognize Palestinian statehood at upcoming United Nations meetings on September 22. The U.S. administration argues that such recognition would reward Hamas and undermine prospects for peace. Rubio will also meet with families of Israeli hostages, highlighting that securing their release remains a top U.S. priority.
Before heading to New York for a high-profile dinner meeting with President Trump, Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed met with U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Rubio at the White House. According to Al Jazeera, the discussions centered on Israel’s strike, the U.S.-Qatar security arrangement, and ways to strengthen defense cooperation to prevent future incidents. A source familiar with the meeting described it as “very positive,” noting that both sides explored how Qatar could continue to play a key mediating role while deepening its security ties to the U.S.
The diplomatic balancing act is delicate. As Florida Politics and NBC News reported, the Trump administration is striving to maintain strong relationships with both Israel and its Gulf allies. The U.S. counts Qatar as a vital partner, not only for its mediation efforts but also for hosting the largest American military base in the region. Yet, Washington’s patience with Israeli unilateral actions appears to be wearing thin, especially when such moves threaten broader American interests and regional stability.
After his stop in Israel, Rubio will travel to London to join President Trump for his second state visit to the U.K., where he will meet with Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper. The agenda there will broaden to include discussions on the war in Ukraine, Iran’s nuclear ambitions, hostage negotiations in Gaza, and competition with China—underscoring the interconnected nature of today’s global crises.
As the dust settles from Israel’s strike on Doha and world leaders prepare for consequential meetings at the United Nations, the stakes for Rubio’s diplomatic mission could hardly be higher. With international momentum building for a two-state solution and the region’s political landscape shifting beneath their feet, U.S. officials face a daunting challenge: keeping allies onside, deterring further escalation, and somehow nudging the parties closer to a durable peace.
In the coming days, all eyes will be on New York, London, and the Middle East as Rubio and Trump attempt to steer a turbulent moment toward stability. Whether their efforts will be enough to restore trust and calm the waters remains to be seen.