Dangerous Diplomatic Storm: Israeli Strike in Doha Forces Qatar to Re-evaluate its Role and Reshapes Regional Alliances

A report from the Wall Street Journal, citing senior U.S. administration officials, reveals that an Israeli strike targeting Hamas leaders in Doha has ignited a diplomatic firestorm. This unprecedented event has strained relations between Israel and its allies, particularly the United States, and has prompted Qatar to re-evaluate its pivotal role as a regional mediator. The attack, which occurred 23 months into the devastating war in Gaza, has exposed deep rifts in alliances and cast a long shadow over ongoing de-escalation efforts.

Details of Two "Charged" Calls Between Trump and Netanyahu

The report provides a detailed account of two phone calls between U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following the attack. In the first call, described by the Wall Street Journal as "charged," Trump expressed his displeasure with the Israeli decision, calling it "not wise." According to the newspaper, Netanyahu defended his actions by stating he had a "brief window" to carry out the strikes and took the opportunity.

The second call, which took place later the same day, was reportedly more amicable. Trump asked Netanyahu whether the strike had been successful, suggesting the conversation shifted from a reprimand to an operational assessment. This contrast in tone highlights the complex relationship between the two leaders, which seems to oscillate between strategic coordination and tactical disagreement.

A Direct Israeli Warning to Qatar and a Defense of Targeted Killings

Netanyahu’s actions were not limited to the military strike. He issued a direct and public warning to Qatar, demanding that it either "expel Hamas officials or bring them to justice." In a video message, he added, "Otherwise, we will do so." These statements, which signal a policy of extrajudicial killings, were echoed by Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz. Katz asserted that "Israel's long arm will act against its enemies anywhere," emphasizing that "there is no place for them to hide." He also linked the fate of Hamas leaders to the future of Gaza, stating that if they do not accept Israel's conditions for ending the war, "they will be annihilated and Gaza will be destroyed."

Furious Qatari Response: "We Have Been Betrayed"

Qatar’s response was swift and furious. In a strongly worded statement, Doha described Netanyahu's comments as "reckless." Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani condemned the attack, stating, "I have no words to express how angry we are about this aggression. This is state terrorism. We have been betrayed." Qatar maintained that Netanyahu's "brazen" attack aimed to "undermine any chance for stability and any chance for peace." Doha also reiterated that the presence of Hamas leaders was "publicly known" to both Israelis and Americans as part of its well-established mediating role. Qatar viewed the attack as a flagrant violation of its sovereignty and a clear attempt to sabotage its mediation efforts.

Conflicting International Stances and a Qatari Reassessment

The Israeli strike drew widespread international condemnation. Russia denounced it as a "violation that undermines peace efforts," while China strongly opposed it as a "violation of Qatar’s sovereignty and national security." Jordan called it a "cowardly Israeli aggression" that threatens regional security. Even Canada, a traditional ally of Israel, announced it was "re-evaluating" its relationship.

Meanwhile, Hamas confirmed that its leaders had survived the strike, but six people, including the son of senior negotiator Khalil Al-Hayya and a Qatari security officer, were killed. Hamas condemned the attack as a "heinous crime" and a "blatant violation of all international norms and laws."

These developments have led Qatar to seriously consider re-evaluating its role as a key mediator in the truce talks. In an interview with CNN, the Qatari Prime Minister expressed his frustration, accusing Netanyahu of "just wasting time." He stressed that his country was in a "very detailed conversation" with Washington and was "re-evaluating everything" related to its future participation in ceasefire talks. He added that the strike "killed any hope" for the release of hostages.

Qatar, which hosts a major U.S. military base, has worked extensively with Egypt and the United States to mediate between Israel and Hamas. The Israeli strike appears to have severely damaged its diplomatic efforts, raising questions about the future of Qatar’s mediation, especially after Doha threatened to exercise its "right to respond" to the attack.