Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued new threats following Israel’s unprecedented airstrike in Doha targeting Hamas officials — a move that has triggered a sharp diplomatic backlash from Qatar and raised fears of regional escalation.
In a video statement defending the attack, Netanyahu declared, “I say to Qatar and all nations who harbor terrorists: you either expel them or bring them to justice. Because if you don’t, we will.” The strike, reportedly aimed at Hamas’s political headquarters in Doha, resulted in the deaths of five members, including the son of senior Hamas figure Khalil al-Hayya and three bodyguards. Top political leaders were not harmed.
Netanyahu Defends Attack with Post-9/11 Comparison
Netanyahu compared Israel’s actions to the United States’ response to the September 11 attacks, justifying the strike as part of Israel’s broader fight against terrorism. “We did exactly what America did when it went after al-Qaeda in Afghanistan and when it killed Osama bin Laden in Pakistan,” he said, accusing Qatar of sheltering Hamas leaders in “luxurious mansions.”
Israeli President Isaac Herzog supported the move, claiming al-Hayya was obstructing a ceasefire and hostage release deal. “He kept saying ‘Yes, but’ in negotiations,” Herzog told the Daily Mail. Ironically, Netanyahu himself has faced domestic criticism for allegedly delaying truce efforts, including from hostage families.
Qatar Condemns “Reckless” Act, Warns of Consequences
Qatar strongly condemned the attack and Netanyahu’s rhetoric, calling it “reckless” and a violation of state sovereignty. Its foreign ministry emphasized that Hamas’s political presence in Doha was part of internationally backed mediation efforts requested by both the U.S. and Israel. “Negotiations were always held transparently and with international presence,” the ministry said.
Qatar dismissed Netanyahu’s post-9/11 comparison as misleading and politically motivated, accusing him of using inflammatory rhetoric to distract from international legal pressure and domestic turmoil. Doha warned it would take all necessary measures to defend its sovereignty and continue its role as a neutral mediator.
Meanwhile, Hamas said the attack would not alter its political stance or coordination with other factions. Analysts warn the move could derail fragile ceasefire talks and further inflame tensions across the region.
