U.S. President Donald Trump issued rare public criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after Israel launched airstrikes in Qatar on September 9, 2025.
The attack targeted Hamas officials based in Doha, killing six people, including a Qatari security officer. Hamas later claimed its top leadership had survived.
The move shocked Washington, as Qatar has been central in mediating talks between Israel and Hamas over a possible ceasefire and hostage release.
Trump said he was not informed in advance and stressed that the decision to strike was made solely by Netanyahu.
According to U.S. officials, the American military relayed early warning of the attack, which Trump passed on to Qatari leaders.
Qatari authorities, however, insisted they only received notice once the strike was underway. Trump later reassured Doha, calling it a valued ally and pledging that such an incident would not be repeated.
The strike raised concerns over the future of Qatar’s mediation role. Doha denounced the attack as a violation of its sovereignty, while international organizations, including the UN and EU, criticized Israel’s action.
Analysts noted that the incident created an unusual rift between Trump and Netanyahu, exposing tensions in U.S.-Israeli coordination at a critical point in the Gaza conflict.