US President Donald Trump publicly criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday over Israel’s recent strikes in Qatar, emphasizing that he had no involvement in the attack and was not informed beforehand.
Trump said the strikes targeted a Gulf state that plays a key role in negotiations between Israel and Hamas to end the Gaza conflict and secure the release of hostages. Speaking to reporters at a Washington restaurant, he expressed his concern: “We want the hostages back, but we are not thrilled about the way that went down today.”
The attack on Doha was particularly sensitive, as Qatar hosts a major US airbase and has been actively mediating peace efforts. Trump noted Qatar recently provided him a luxury Boeing 747-8 for official use, highlighting the close US-Qatar relationship.
“This was a decision made by Prime Minister Netanyahu, not me,” Trump posted on social media. He called Qatar a “strong ally and friend of the US” and said he regretted the location of the attack, though he acknowledged that eliminating Hamas remained an important objective.
Trump said Washington learned about the strike only after it began. He directed Special Envoy Steve Witkoff to alert Qatar, but it was too late to prevent the attack. He has since spoken to Netanyahu, who affirmed his commitment to peace, and he assured Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani that such attacks would not happen again.
Trump’s rare rebuke of Netanyahu signals concern about potential setbacks to US-led peace efforts, even as Israel and the US remain united in targeting Hamas
Against Israel’s growing attacks on Muslim countries, PM Shehbaz Denounces Israeli Bombing in Doha
