Trump Expresses Frustration Over Israeli Strike in Qatar

President Donald Trump has privately expressed frustration with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following an Israeli airstrike in Qatar that targeted Hamas leaders. The strike, which occurred in Doha, resulted in the deaths of six individuals and has been perceived as a potential setback to U.S.-led peace negotiations in the region.

According to reports, Trump conveyed his dissatisfaction during a conversation with senior advisers, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio. He reportedly stated, "He's f—ing me!" in reference to Netanyahu's actions. The president was particularly concerned that the operation was conducted without prior notification to the U.S., especially given Qatar's role as a mediator in ceasefire discussions between Israel and Hamas.

In the aftermath of the strike, Trump engaged in two phone calls with Netanyahu. In the first, he expressed his displeasure over the incident; the second conversation was more amicable, focusing on the outcomes of the operation. Subsequently, Trump spoke with Qatar's Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, commending Qatar's mediation efforts and reaffirming the U.S.-Qatar alliance.

A senior Israeli official, speaking to the Wall Street Journal, described the relationship between Trump and Netanyahu as "excellent," dismissing reports of tension as "fake news." The official emphasized that U.S. and Israeli interests and values remain aligned.

Despite his private frustrations, Trump has refrained from publicly criticizing Netanyahu. Observers suggest that the two leaders share a bond over their outsider status and perceived challenges from their respective political establishments. Additionally, Netanyahu's influence within U.S. Congress and conservative media outlets bolsters their relationship.

The Israeli strike in Qatar has raised concerns about its potential impact on ongoing hostage negotiations and broader peace efforts. Some U.S. officials have questioned whether Netanyahu's actions were intended to undermine the talks. A source close to Trump's national security team remarked, "It seems that every time there is progress, Netanyahu bombs someone. That's why the president and his aides are so frustrated with him."

In response to the criticism, Israeli officials have argued that their assessment indicated Hamas would reject the U.S. ceasefire proposal regardless of the strike. Conversely, a U.S. official noted that Trump is "increasingly frustrated" with Netanyahu's aggressive steps taken without U.S. involvement.