Netanyahu Warns Israel Will Attack Qatar Again If Needed After Strike In Doha
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned that his government is prepared to strike Qatar again if Hamas leaders continue to operate there, intensifying tensions just days after Israel carried out an airstrike in the Qatari capital.
The strike earlier this week targeted a meeting of senior Hamas officials in Doha, killing several members of the group and sparking immediate outrage in Qatar.
Funerals for those killed were held at the city’s Grand Mosque, drawing large crowds. Qatar’s leadership condemned the operation as a direct violation of its sovereignty and a dangerous escalation.
Speaking the day after the attack, Netanyahu defended the decision and made it clear that Israel would not hesitate to act again. “To Qatar and to any country that gives sanctuary to terrorists, expel them or bring them to justice. If you don’t, we will,” he said.
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The United States, a close ally of both Israel and Qatar, confirmed it had been notified of the strike shortly before it happened but stressed it had not been involved in the planning.
President Donald Trump voiced displeasure, saying Israel’s unilateral action inside Qatar — home to a major U.S. military base and a key mediator in hostage talks — “does not advance Israel or America’s goals.” He added that he had received assurances from Doha that such attacks would not be tolerated again.
Qatar has long hosted Hamas’ political bureau in Doha, with Washington and Israel’s approval, as part of efforts to facilitate indirect negotiations during the Gaza war.
Its Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, accused Israel of destroying any remaining chance of securing the release of Israeli hostages still held in Gaza. “Netanyahu has killed any hope,” he told international media, warning that the attack had inflamed anger across the Arab world.
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The strike has further isolated Israel diplomatically. The United Nations Security Council, in a rare move with U.S. support, condemned the attack as a violation of Qatar’s sovereignty. Regional powers, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE, also voiced concern that the assault could unravel fragile mediation efforts.
Despite the criticism, Netanyahu drew a parallel between Israel’s actions and America’s campaign against al-Qaeda after 9/11. He insisted that the Hamas masterminds responsible for the October 7, 2023, massacre were legitimate targets, regardless of their location.
(With input from agencies)
