Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, visiting Israel, held a joint press conference at the Prime Minister’s Office in Jerusalem after their meeting on Monday.

During his remarks, Netanyahu slammed the immense hypocrisy of those condemning Israel for targeting Hamas leaders in Doha, noting the UN resolution banning any country from harboring terrorists that was passed after the 9/11 attacks.

“You don’t have such sovereignty when you have given a base for terrorists,” he said.

Rubio also addressed the situation in Gaza and the crisis with Qatar, stressing that the Trump administration is focused on the future rather than the past. “We are focused on the role Qatar can play now to bring about the release of the hostages and a better future for the residents of Gaza.””

Rubio added that every hostage must be returned home, and Hamas cannot continue to exist as an armed element that threatens the peace and security not just of Israel but of the world.

(YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)