Netanyahu’s Qatar Strike Backfires, Strains US-Qatar Relations

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently ordered an airstrike targeting Hamas senior leaders in Qatar, which appears to have failed as Hamas claims its top exiled officials survived. The strike killed five low-level Hamas members and a Qatari security guard, enraging Qatar—a key U.S. ally and mediator in the Gaza conflict—and drawing heavy criticism across the Arab world. The attack has strained Israeli relations with Qatar and the White House, disrupted ceasefire negotiations, and potentially endangered 20 hostages believed to be alive in Gaza. Despite warnings from Mossad chief David Barnea and Israel’s military leadership about the diplomatic risks, Netanyahu proceeded, backed by his hard-line coalition and strategic ministers. The failed strike undermines Netanyahu’s goal of "total victory" over Hamas and complicates efforts to end the nearly two-year war in Gaza, but he remains politically secure and resolute in continuing military operations. Israel continues to press its offensive in Gaza, while the Trump administration has expressed displeasure with the strike but has not taken steps to halt the conflict.