Netanyahu Apologizes to Qatar for Israeli Airstrike in Doha

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally apologized to Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani for an Israeli airstrike in Doha that violated Qatari sovereignty and resulted in the death of a Qatari security officer. The apology was delivered during a phone call facilitated by U.S. President Donald Trump in the Oval Office. Netanyahu acknowledged the breach of sovereignty and assured that such actions would not be repeated.

The airstrike, conducted on September 9, targeted Hamas leaders in Doha but failed to eliminate top officials. The incident escalated regional tensions and led to widespread condemnation from Arab leaders.

In response to the apology, Al Thani stated that it was "the bare minimum" and emphasized the importance of Israel's commitment not to attack Qatar again. He added, "Our primary concern, after defending our country, is how to help end the war."

Following the call, the Trump administration issued an executive order providing Qatar with a security guarantee. The order declared that any armed attack on Qatar's territory, sovereignty, or infrastructure would be treated as "a threat to the peace and security of the United States," with the U.S. committed to responding with "all appropriate and lawful means—diplomatic, economic, and, if necessary, military—to protect the interests of the U.S. and Qatar and restore peace and stability."

The White House released images of the Oval Office meeting, showing Netanyahu and Trump during the call with Al Thani. The photographs depict a serious atmosphere, with Trump holding the phone as Netanyahu speaks.

This development comes amid ongoing efforts to negotiate a peace agreement to end the Gaza conflict. The U.S.-backed 20-point peace proposal, announced by Trump and Netanyahu, is currently under review by Hamas through mediation by Qatar and Egypt. The plan includes conditions such as Hamas' disarmament and the formation of a temporary international governing committee for Gaza.

Netanyahu's apology and the subsequent U.S. security guarantee to Qatar are seen as steps toward mending diplomatic relations and advancing peace negotiations in the region.