President Donald Trump clashed with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after Israel carried out an airstrike in Qatar targeting Hamas leaders, according to The Wall Street Journal. U.S. officials said the strike caught the White House off guard and complicated cease-fire talks mediated by Qatar.
U.S. officials said Trump found out about the strike through military reports as it was happening, not through Israeli notification. Trump reportedly called Israel’s decision “unacceptable” and expressed anger that it hit the territory of a U.S. ally mediating negotiations on ending the war in Gaza. Netanyahu told Trump he moved quickly because the chance to carry out the strike was fleeting.
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Hamas later said that top officials were unharmed, though six junior members were reported dead. The attack led Hamas to break off cease-fire negotiations and infuriated Qatar.
How did Trump respond?
Axios reported that in two calls Tuesday, Trump pressed Netanyahu not to launch another strike on Qatar, saying the move was unacceptable. Trump also updated Qatari leaders, who described the strike as a betrayal.
According to Nic Robertson, CNN International’s diplomatic editor, Qatar’s prime minister said his country would reevaluate its security partnership with Washington and warned that “the entire Gulf region is at risk.”
Still, Trump sought to balance criticism with support. He later said the strike “could serve as an opportunity for peace,” even as he privately voiced frustration that Netanyahu’s unilateral actions undermine his broader Middle East strategy.
What has Netanyahu said?
Netanyahu has remained unapologetic. “I say to Qatar and all nations who harbor terrorists, you either expel them or you bring them to justice,” he said in a video statement Wednesday. “Because if you don’t, we will.” He compared the strike to U.S. actions against al-Qaeda after the Sept. 11 attacks.
The prime minister also suggested more strikes could follow if Hamas leaders remain in Qatar. His comments highlighted the contrast with Trump, who has pushed for a cease-fire and hostage releases while still backing Israel’s campaign against Hamas.
What are the broader stakes?
The strike added new strain to Trump’s relations with Gulf partners. He has prioritized ties with Qatar, which recently gifted the U.S. a $400 million luxury jet to serve as Air Force One and announced plans for a Trump-branded golf resort.
Experts warned the fallout could damage the standing of both the U.S. and Israel.
“This clearly undermines Trump’s peace agenda,” said Mona Yacoubian of the Center for Strategic and International Studies. She added that Trump’s unpredictable approach “creates space and openings for actors to do as they will.”
Despite tensions, Netanyahu has balanced his tough posture with gestures toward Trump. On Wednesday, he joined U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee in Israel to dedicate a beachfront walkway named after the U.S. president, calling him “the best friend Israel has ever had in the White House.”
