Rubio will discuss goals of ‘Operation Gideon’s Chariots II’ during Israel trip

The US State Department confirms Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s travel to Israel over a week after Hebrew media reported that he’d be in town next week to attend a ceremony in East Jerusalem’s City of David.

The State Department says Rubio will depart on Saturday for Israel, where “he will convey America’s priorities in the Israel-Hamas conflict and broader issues concerning Middle Eastern security, reaffirming US commitment to Israeli security.”

“He will also emphasize our shared goals: ensuring Hamas never rules over Gaza again and bringing all the hostages home.”

“The secretary and Israeli leaders will discuss Israeli operational goals and objectives related to Operation Gideon’s Chariots II, and our commitment to fight anti-Israel actions, including unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state that rewards Hamas terrorism, and lawfare at the ICC and ICJ,” the State Department says.

Gideon’s Chariots II is the Israeli military’s operational name for the takeover of Gaza City. It follows Gideon’s Chariots I, which was launched in May with the goal of occupying 75 percent of the Strip to coax Hamas into releasing hostages — an objective that was not met.

“The secretary will also meet with the families of hostages and underscore that their relatives’ return remains a top priority,” the US readout says, adding that Rubio will then travel to the UK for US President Donald Trump’s visit to the country.