Rubio Cancels Israel Trip Following Alleged Strategic Feint

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has canceled his scheduled visit to Israel, the State Department announced Saturday.

The decision follows a joint Israeli-U.S. military operation early Saturday that targeted Iranian leadership and military assets.

Dylan Johnson, assistant secretary of state for global public affairs, confirmed the cancellation on social media: “Due to current circumstances, Secretary Rubio will no longer travel to Israel on March 2.”

Earlier this week, the State Department stated Rubio was set to discuss regional priorities including Iran, Lebanon, and ongoing efforts to implement President Trump’s 20-Point Peace Plan for Gaza.

The move comes days after reports emerged in June that a diplomatic meeting in Oman had been used as cover for military action. On June 13, Israel conducted strikes on Iranian military and nuclear sites, killing prominent officials and scientists.

Dennis Ross, a former U.S. Middle East peace negotiator, stated he was “surprised by the release that Rubio was going,” but later concluded it was designed to create an impression that strikes would not occur this weekend, calling it “disinformation designed to mislead the Iranians.”

The State Department did not immediately respond to questions about whether Rubio’s trip announcement served as a feint.