Netanyahu Offers Apology to Qatar Over Doha Strike

In a rare and dramatic diplomatic move, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed regret to Qatar for a recent Israeli strike in Doha. The apology came during a trilateral phone call hosted by U.S. President Donald Trump from the White House.

The strike, carried out on September 9, targeted a meeting of Hamas leaders in a Qatari government–owned residence. The effort to eliminate top Hamas officials failed to kill the intended targets, but led to the death of several lower‑level operatives and a Qatari security guard.

During the call, Netanyahu “expressed deep regret that Israel’s missile strike … unintentionally killed a Qatari serviceman,” according to a White House readout. He also admitted the strike “violated Qatari sovereignty,” and pledged that no similar operation would take place again.

Qatar had made the apology a condition for its continued role as a mediator in Israel‑Hamas hostage and ceasefire talks. Qatar welcomed Netanyahu’s assurances, and among the topics discussed were proposals to end the war in Gaza, regional security, and improving mutual understanding.

The United States, acting as a broker, also supported the creation of a new trilateral mechanism to improve communication, resolve grievances, and help prevent future incidents between Israel and Qatar.

Netanyahu’s belated apology was especially striking after weeks of initial defense of the strike by his government. Some ministers within the coalition publicly criticized the decision to apologize.

Still, the gesture marks a pivot in Israel’s diplomatic stance within the Gulf and may help reopen doors to negotiations that have stalled since the Doha attack.

In a region where sovereignty and trust are fragile, Israel must continue to act decisively but thoughtfully. This apology underlines the importance of balance: defending the nation’s security while acknowledging the costs of unilateral action.

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