In response to international criticism and a rare rebuke from the U.S. President Donald Trump, Israeli officials have firmly defended their recent military operation targeting Hamas leadership in Qatar. The strikes, which occurred on Tuesday, were aimed at neutralizing senior figures of the militant group allegedly responsible for a deadly shooting in Jerusalem earlier this week.
Israel’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, addressed the controversy, stating: “We don’t always act in the interests of the United States. We are coordinated, they give us incredible support, we appreciate that, but sometimes we make decisions and inform the United States.
Danon emphasized that the operation was not directed at Qatar itself, but rather at Hamas operatives residing within its borders.
“It was not an attack on Qatar; it was an attack on Hamas. We are not against Qatar, nor against any Arab country. We are currently against a terrorist organization,” he added.
The Israeli government confirmed that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu authorized the strikes following the Jerusalem attack that claimed six lives and was claimed by Hamas. The targeted building in Doha reportedly housed key Hamas figures, including negotiator Khalil al-Hayya and former leader Khaled Meshaal. While senior leadership reportedly survived, six individuals were killed, including Hayya’s son and a Qatari security officer.
President Trump expressed disapproval of the strikes, noting that he had not been informed in advance and was “not thrilled about the whole situation”. The White House stated that it had warned Qatar of the incoming strikes, though Qatari officials contend they received no such notice until the attack was underway.
Qatar, a key U.S. ally and host of a major American military base, has played a central role in mediating ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas. In a press conference, Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani condemned the attack, calling it a “pivotal moment” for the region and asserting Qatar’s right to respond.
Despite mounting diplomatic tensions, Israeli officials maintain that the operation was a necessary and justified measure in their ongoing campaign against Hamas. The government has yet to release a full assessment of the strike’s outcomes.