Netanyahu Praises Strongest US-Israel Ties During Rubio Western Wall Visit

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the U.S.-Israel alliance as the strongest in history during a visit by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to the Western Wall, one of Judaism's holiest sites. Rubio, a devout Catholic, and U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, an evangelical Protestant pastor, joined Netanyahu in prayer, symbolizing the deep ties between the two nations. Despite recent tensions caused by Israel's airstrike targeting Hamas leaders in Qatar, a key U.S. partner, both President Donald Trump and Rubio emphasized that the attack would not weaken the bilateral relationship. Netanyahu described Rubio's visit as a testament to the durability and strength of the alliance, stating it is "as strong and as durable as the stones of the Western Wall." Rubio acknowledged the need to discuss the strike's impact but maintained the partnership remains "unbreakable." The visit underscores ongoing U.S. support for Israel amid the Gaza conflict and diplomatic challenges.