On September 9, 2025, President Donald Trump issued a rare public rebuke of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after Israel carried out an airstrike in Doha, Qatar, targeting senior Hamas leaders. The attack, which killed at least five individuals including a Qatari security official, took place amid ongoing ceasefire negotiations that were being mediated by the United States and Qatar. The operation sparked controversy as it targeted a location seen as a key diplomatic partner for the U.S.
Trump expressed his strong displeasure with the Israeli action, stating that he was “very unhappy” with the strike. He further clarified that the decision to carry out the attack was made solely by Netanyahu without prior consultation with the U.S., and that the administration only became aware of it too late to intervene. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt described the incident as an “unfortunate incident,” emphasizing that while combating Hamas remains a shared priority, attacking a sovereign ally like Qatar does not align with the broader strategic goals of either country.
Israel, however, defended its actions. Its ambassador to the United Nations stated that targeting Hamas leadership in Qatar was the “right” decision, and the Israeli government took full responsibility for executing the operation independently. This stance came despite criticism from allies and concern over the implications for regional stability.
The airstrike has significantly strained relations between the U.S. and Qatar, which is home to a critical U.S. military base and plays a central role in diplomatic efforts in the Middle East. In an effort to preserve ties with Qatar, Trump personally called Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani to reassure him that such actions would not happen again. Additionally, he directed Secretary of State Marco Rubio to expedite the finalization of a Defense Cooperation Agreement to reinforce the alliance.
This episode highlights the complexities involved in managing alliances in the Middle East, where military coordination and shared objectives can quickly be overshadowed by unilateral actions. It underscores the challenges the U.S. faces in balancing its commitments to partners while addressing the shifting dynamics of regional conflicts.
