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Rubio and Netanyahu discuss fighting in Gaza, hostage efforts — US

By Jacob Magid

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23 March 2025, 11:40 pm Edit

Jacob Magid is The Times of Israel's US bureau chief

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated the Trump administration’s support for Israel during a call with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier today, as Israel looked to widen its offensive in Gaza five days after resuming the intensive military campaign.

Rubio “discussed Israel’s ongoing military operations in Gaza, and efforts to help release the hostages and bring them home,” the State Department readout says.

Rubio “also conveyed the administration’s determination to restore freedom of navigation in the Red Sea through military operations against the Iranian-backed Houthis,” it adds.