US Doesn’t Want Another “Flashpoint” in West Bank: Secretary of State Marco Rubio
Washington — US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said President Donald Trump does not favor a new crisis in the West Bank amid the current regional tensions. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, Rubio said this was not his personal opinion but a clear position held by…
Washington — US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said President Donald Trump does not favor a new crisis in the West Bank amid the current regional tensions. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, Rubio said this was not his personal opinion but a clear position held by President Trump.
Rubio said the region is already dealing with a great deal — difficulties implementing the Gaza agreement, a fragile situation in Lebanon, fresh developments involving the Houthis and Saudi Arabia, and ongoing tension with Iran. “The last thing this region needs right now is another flashpoint, and we don’t think Israel needs another front either,” he said, adding that Washington has communicated this position to all relevant parties.
Asked about possible US action in response to Houthi attacks in Yemen, Rubio declined to detail any potential military response, but said the US has a “very strong defense agreement” with Saudi Arabia and that Washington would meet its obligations under it. He welcomed the resumption of Saudi Arabia’s East-West oil pipeline, which had been shut down following drone attacks that Riyadh has blamed on Iraqi militias.
Rubio also accused Iran-backed groups of targeting energy infrastructure and civilians across the region, saying Iran actively supports organizations that carry out such attacks. He added that President Trump has “many options” for dealing with the situation.
