Rubio told reporters before departing for talks with Israeli officials: “Clearly, we are not satisfied with this strike, and the President shares this sentiment.” He had stated in a statement last Tuesday: “The IDF and the ‘Shabak’, through the Air Force, have just precisely targeted the leadership of Hamas.” He added: “The leaders who were targeted have led Hamas’ terrorist activities over the years and bear direct responsibility for committing acts on October 7, 2023, and managing the war against Israel.” The Israeli army continued in its statement: “The army and Shabak will continue to act firmly until the elimination of the Hamas organization responsible for October 7.” Earlier, the Israeli Army Chief of Staff, Eyal Zamir, threatened to eliminate the movement’s leaders abroad amid the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip.
