Israeli Doubts Cast on Outcome of Doha Attack on Hamas Delegation

Israeli military radio, citing sources within the security establishment, has reported growing doubts about the success of the attack on the Hamas negotiating delegation in Doha, Qatar. This skepticism stems from a lack of optimism regarding the operation's outcome, particularly after Hamas announced the survival of its leaders.

Attack Details and Rising Skepticism:

• Conflicting Narratives: While Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared the strike a successful "operational opportunity" to target Hamas leaders and took full responsibility for it, internal reports tell a different story. Security sources told the "Israel Hayom" newspaper that there is "less optimism about the success of the attack," acknowledging the "possibility that its leaders survived," despite the need for caution when dealing with Hamas statements.

• Internal Opposition: The Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation revealed that the heads of the General Staff, Mossad, and Military Intelligence had reservations about the assassination attempt in Doha. Certain elements within the Israeli negotiating team also opposed the attack, arguing that talks still offered potential. Channel 12 confirmed that the Mossad was not a partner in the operation and explicitly opposed it.

• Actual Results: Hamas announced that its leadership survived the assassination attempt but confirmed that several individuals were killed, including the son of senior official Khalil al-Hayya, his office manager, and a member of the Qatari internal security forces.

Political and Security Repercussions:

• Mixed Reactions: Einav Tsangaoker, the mother of an Israeli hostage in Gaza, expressed her fear that the attack was an attempt by Netanyahu to sabotage any chance of a prisoner exchange deal, and she called for an end to the war. Security expert Osama Khaled described the decision as a reflection of the Israeli leadership's "arrogance and hubris," suggesting that Washington may not have been fully aware of the operational details.

• The U.S. Role: Political analyst Mahmoud al-Rantisi believes Washington could have prevented the attack, but its failure to intervene proves its support. He cited a previous incident where President Donald Trump stopped a similar Israeli attack on Iran, demonstrating his ability to control even Israeli military decisions. Al-Rantisi suggests that current American statements are an attempt to distance themselves from the operation's perceived failure.