Rubio Seems To Accept Reality of the Hamas Agreement on Hostage Release

Speaking from Israel on CBS News’ “Face the Nation” today, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio was asked about his visit, and his discussions with Prime Minister Netanyahu. He lauded Hamas’ release of the hostages yesterday, attributing it to President Trump’s policy. He was asked by anchor Margaret Brennan whether the President was still demanding that all the hostages should be released. He said that, of course, he would want to see all the hostages released immediately, but that the schedule calls for three more hostages to be released next week, and he seemed to be able to live with that. Prime Minister Netanyahu, no doubt due to domestic pressures, did not follow President Trump’s advice and “let all hell break loose” when all the hostages were not released on Feb. 15. Rubio, who is on his way to Saudi Arabia, also seemed to not want any statement by him to upset the situation among the Arab nations, which are already concerned by Trump’s threats to “own Gaza,” and expel the Palestinians.