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Rubio to Visit Israel and Arab States in Mid-February
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to make his first visit to the Middle East this month, a senior State Department official confirmed on Thursday. The visit comes amid heightened international attention following President Donald Trump's controversial remarks about relocating Gaza’s population.
Rubio’s trip will include stops in Israel, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, and Saudi Arabia from February 13 to 18. The official emphasized that the visit is part of ongoing diplomatic efforts to strengthen U.S. relations with key allies in the region and address critical issues facing the Middle East.
During his visit, Rubio is expected to engage in discussions on a range of topics, including regional security, economic cooperation, and efforts to stabilize the Middle East. The U.S. is also likely to address the implications of Trump’s proposed plan for Gaza, which has sparked widespread condemnation and concern among international actors, particularly in the Arab world.
One of the key events during Rubio’s trip will be his attendance at the Munich Security Conference, a major global forum that brings together world leaders, diplomats, and experts to discuss international security challenges. While in Munich, Rubio is expected to meet with European leaders to discuss U.S.-EU relations, NATO, and various geopolitical issues.
The trip also reflects the continued importance of U.S. diplomatic engagement in the Middle East under the Trump administration, which has sought to recalibrate its relationships with both Arab states and Israel. Rubio's visit is seen as an opportunity to reinforce U.S. support for its allies in the region, while navigating the complex dynamics surrounding the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict and broader Middle Eastern security challenges.
The visit comes at a time of significant political shifts in the region, with several Arab states having normalized relations with Israel in recent years. These diplomatic changes are expected to be a focal point of discussions during Rubio’s meetings, as the U.S. seeks to build on the progress made under the Abraham Accords.
Overall, Rubio’s trip is viewed as a critical step in continuing the U.S.'s efforts to influence regional stability and strengthen alliances in the Middle East, while addressing the evolving challenges posed by the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict and other security concerns.