White House call sees Netanyahu apologise to Qatar
Washington: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly apologised to Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani for the September 9 Israeli strike on Doha that violated Qatar’s sovereignty. The phone call, lasting several minutes, took place while Netanyahu was being hosted at the White House by US President Donald Trump, Israel’s Channel 12 reported.
Netanyahu expressed regret over the killing of a Qatari security guard in the attack, a development that had strained Qatar’s role as a mediator between Hamas and Israel. The apology carries weight amid ongoing efforts to finalise a peace deal to end the war in Gaza and secure the release of hostages held by Hamas.
Context of the Israeli strike
Earlier this month, Israel conducted a strike on the headquarters of Hamas leadership in Doha, Qatar. The attack killed six people, including senior Hamas official Khalil Al-Hayya, who had been leading delegations in mediation talks with Israel regarding a Gaza ceasefire and prisoner exchange.
Qatar’s Interior Ministry confirmed that Corporal Bader Saad Mohammed al-Humaidi al-Dosari of its internal security forces was killed during the strike. The event raised tensions as Doha had been facilitating communications between Hamas and Israel since October 2023, following multiple requests from the US government.
Role of the White House and US officials
The Israeli Prime Minister’s call to Al Thani coincided with his visit to the White House. Reuters reported that a Qatari technical team was also present in Washington for discussions, underscoring the sensitivity of the situation.
Earlier statements from the White House suggested that the US had notified Qatar prior to the Israeli strike. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the Qatari government was informed about the “impending strikes” on Doha. However, Qatar denied receiving prior notice, describing the claim as “baseless.” Majed Al Ansari, Advisor to the Qatari Prime Minister, said America’s call came only after explosions had already occurred.
Implications for peace efforts
Qatar’s cooperation had been key to facilitating dialogue between Hamas and Israel. Following the strike, Doha had initially refused to mediate further negotiations. Netanyahu’s apology may be seen as an attempt to restore trust and resume Qatar’s role in peace efforts.
The ongoing conflict in Gaza, alongside the hostage situation, makes regional diplomacy highly delicate. Israel’s actions and the subsequent apology are likely to influence both short-term negotiations and broader geopolitical relations in the Middle East.