Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu signaled openness to targeting Hamas leaders outside Israel during a press conference with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Monday, September 15, 2025, defending the nation's right to self-defense amid fallout from a recent strike in Qatar that killed six but spared its intended targets.

Netanyahu addressed the September 8 attack on Hamas figures in Doha, which drew global condemnation and prompted an emergency Arab-Islamic summit in Qatar. He stated that Hamas leaders "will not have immunity wherever they are," emphasizing Israel's prerogative to operate beyond its borders. The strike, which Qatar described as a violation of its sovereignty, targeted political bureau members during mediation talks, but Netanyahu confirmed no U.S. involvement: "We did it on our own. Period."

Rubio, on his first Middle East trip as secretary, affirmed strong U.S.-Israel ties, praising technological and cultural bonds while noting Washington's "strong relationships with our Gulf allies." He sidestepped questions on regional fallout, focusing on shared security interests. The meeting occurred days after President Donald Trump assured Qatar such incidents "will not happen again on their soil," highlighting tensions even among allies.

Qatar, host to a major U.S. airbase and key mediator in Gaza cease-fire efforts since 2012, condemned the strike as an "act of aggression." The Qatari prime minister, at the Doha summit, called for ending "double standards" and punishing Israel, with a draft resolution decrying threats to Middle East peace. Netanyahu dismissed concerns, reiterating Israel's commitment to eliminating Hamas threats.

Rubio's itinerary includes a visit to the City of David archaeological park in East Jerusalem's Silwan, a site critics say politicizes history at Palestinian residents' expense. He will also attend the "Pilgrimage Road" tunnel inauguration beneath Palestinian homes, symbolizing Roman-era pilgrim paths to the Temple Mount/al-Haram al-Sharif. Later, Rubio heads to Qatar to address the strike's repercussions.