Israeli PM defends attack on Hamas leadership in Qatar; Doha warns of truce collapse, US ‘very unhappy’ with military action
Netanyahu Justifies Qatar Strike With 9/11 Analogy
Amid global outrage over a surprise Israeli airstrike in Doha, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the action by comparing it to the U.S. operation against Osama bin Laden following the 9/11 attacks.
“We did exactly what America did… They should applaud Israel for standing for these same principles,” Netanyahu said in a video address.
The remarks came after Israel’s targeted strike in Qatar’s capital, aimed at Hamas leadership, triggered strong diplomatic backlash from Qatar, the U.S., and Western allies.
What Netanyahu Said
- Netanyahu called Hamas’ October 7 attack “Israel’s 9/11.”
- He accused Qatar of offering safe haven to Hamas leaders.
- He warned: “Countries that harbor terrorists must either expel them or bring them to justice. If you don’t, we will.”
- He referenced the U.S. response to 9/11, saying: “When America took out Osama Bin Laden, the world applauded. They should applaud Israel too.”
Inside the Israeli Strike on Doha
- Target: Hamas’ political leadership headquarters in Doha, Qatar.
- Outcome:
- Killed a Qatari security agent and five others
- Hamas leadership survived
- The strike came as a complete surprise, especially given Qatar’s ongoing role as mediator in the Gaza conflict.
Global Reactions
Qatar’s Response
- Condemned Netanyahu’s statements as “reckless”
- Accused Israel of violating state sovereignty
- Said: “This attack threatens to derail all truce negotiations.”
- Clarified that Hamas’ presence in Doha was part of U.S. and Israeli-sanctioned mediation efforts: “Negotiations were held with international support and in the presence of U.S. and Israeli delegations.”
- Warned of future consequences: “We will work with our partners to ensure Netanyahu is held accountable.”
US Response
- President Donald Trump said he was: “Very unhappy about every aspect” of the Israeli military operation
Context: Why This Matters
- Qatar, Egypt, and the U.S. have been the main mediators in trying to secure a ceasefire in Gaza.
- Israel’s strike inside Qatari territory marks a major escalation and threatens diplomatic efforts.
- It raises serious questions about international law, state sovereignty, and rules of engagement between allies.
As tensions soar in the Middle East, Israel’s bold strike in Qatar and Netanyahu’s fiery 9/11 comparison have deepened diplomatic fault lines. With peace talks on the brink and global allies voicing concern, the world now watches whether this moment becomes a turning point in the regional balance — or the unraveling of years of delicate negotiation.
