Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not ruled out further strikes on Hamas leaders following last week's attack in Qatar, saying they would not have immunity 'wherever they are'.
Speaking at a Jerusalem press conference with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Netanyahu asserted that every country had the right 'to defend itself beyond its borders'.
Israel's decision to target Hamas leaders in Qatar - a close US ally - drew international outrage and criticism from US President Donald Trump. Hamas reported that six individuals were killed in the strike, while their leaders survived.
These comments come days after the White House stated that Trump assured Qatar 'that such a thing will not happen again on their soil'.
When pressed on whether the US had any involvement in the strike, Netanyahu declared: 'We did it on our own. Period.'
Rubio, addressing reporters, maintained the US has strong relationships with its Gulf allies, despite the apparent tensions from the strike.
The two leaders presented a united front, with Rubio commending the technological and cultural ties between the US and Israel. Netanyahu described Israel as having 'no better ally'.
Arab leaders are currently holding a summit in support of Qatar, where the Qatari prime minister called for an end to what he termed 'double standards' and urged the international community to hold Israel accountable.
As tensions rise, Netanyahu's statements on Israel's military strategy raise concerns about the ongoing hostilities and the humanitarian impact on Gaza. The UN has warned that the intensification of strikes could lead civilians into an 'even deeper catastrophe'.
With the backdrop of Netanyahu's remarks, Rubio's visit to Qatar is also on the horizon, as regional dynamics continue to evolve amidst the Israel-Palestine conflict.
