US Secretary of State Marco Rubio testified before a House Appropriations subcommittee on Tuesday, responding to questions about President Trump’s fiscal year 2027 budget request. Democratic Representative Rosa DeLauro asked Rubio about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s reported directive to “seize” 70% of Gaza’s territory. “We have a plan. That plan does not envision such a thing. Netanyahu made that statement, but it is not part of the plan,” Rubio replied. The exchange highlights growing US-Israeli tensions over post-war Gaza arrangements, even as the two countries remain allied.
Hamas disarmament as condition
Rubio emphasized that no country or international organization will provide financial support for Gaza’s reconstruction unless Hamas disarms. “Because everyone knows a new war would break out,” he said. The statement underscores the US position that any long-term solution in Gaza must include the dismantling of Hamas’s military capabilities—a condition that Hamas has repeatedly rejected. The US has been mediating indirect talks between Israel and Hamas through Qatar and Egypt, but progress has been minimal.