Marco Rubio embarks on controversial Middle East tour amid tensions

In February 2025, Secretary of State Marco Rubio commenced his first tour of the Middle East, starting in Israel. This visit comes amid heightened tensions following President Donald Trump's controversial proposal to relocate the Palestinian population of the Gaza Strip, a plan that has faced significant criticism from Arab leaders and raised concerns about the stability of the region. While in Israel, Rubio was expected to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has shown support for Trump's proposals, but Arab leaders in neighboring countries were preparing to discuss alternative plans in response to the U.S. proposal. The backdrop of the visit includes ongoing conflicts and the ongoing war against Hamas, which has gained control in Gaza after the Israeli-Palestinian tensions escalated in recent years. After meetings in Israel, Rubio traveled to Saudi Arabia, where he stressed the need for rehabilitating Gaza and reinforcing ties between the two nations. His discussions with Saudi leaders included the current ceasefire status in Gaza and regional security, but the response from Arab states was far from favorable, as they reiterated their staunch opposition to mass displacement of Palestinians and maintained their commitment to a pathway towards establishing a Palestinian state. This diplomatic tour reflects the complex landscape of U.S. relations in the region, particularly as Trump's proposals have sparked divisions among Arab allies and could jeopardize existing agreements. Rubio's engagements in the Middle East underscore the challenges the Biden administration faces in navigating these intricate and often volatile relationships while promoting U.S. interests in a region fraught with conflict.