Media: Qatar reconsiders US security ties after Israeli strike in Doha

Qatar is reevaluating its security partnership with the United States following a surprise Israeli airstrike in Doha targeting Hamas leaders — an operation carried out without prior consultation with Washington. The move has sparked diplomatic tensions, with Qatari leadership calling the strike a "betrayal" and warning of potential shifts in regional alliances.

In an article, Axios claims that US President Donald Trump demanded a commitment from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu not to strike Qatar again, following an Israeli attack targeting Hamas leaders in Doha, two sources familiar with the matter stated.

Netanyahu reportedly did not consult Trump or any of his top advisers before ordering the strike — not until "missiles were in the air." The surprise operation sparked outrage in the White House and raised alarm among regional and global leaders.

The strike, which targeted Hamas figures in the Qatari capital, was damaging not only to Israel’s international standing but also to America’s diplomatic credibility. In the aftermath, Qatar’s Prime Minister told the White House that his country would reevaluate its security partnership with Washington, calling the incident an act of "betrayal." He further warned that leaders across the Gulf were actively discussing how to respond.

Despite international backlash, Netanyahu has remained publicly unapologetic and even suggested the possibility of launching a second attack on Qatari soil, defying Trump’s explicit request.

Trump’s advisers were "genuinely shocked" by the Israeli strike on Qatar, a close US ally and, as of now, the seventh country Israel has bombed since October 7, 2023.

"I'm not thrilled about the whole situation. I was very unhappy about every aspect," Trump told reporters.

A source close to Trump told Axios that the way Netanyahu and his close adviser Ron Dermer managed the incident "was an unpleasant reminder" of the behavior that led to tension during Trump’s first term in office.

Trump held two separate phone calls with Netanyahu on September 9 to address the airstrike, according to US officials. In the first call, the president conveyed disappointment over Israel’s unilateral decision and questioned the long-term strategic purpose of the strike.

"It's unacceptable. I demand that you do not repeat it," Trump told Netanyahu, two sources with knowledge of the conversation confirmed.

Following the call, Trump reportedly briefed the Emir and Prime Minister of Qatar — both of whom were described as furious.

A former US official revealed that Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman Al-Thani told American officials he viewed the Israeli strike as a betrayal by both Israel and the United States.

Al-Thani told White House envoy Steve Witkoff that, after being targeted by both Iran and Israel within six months, Qatar would now “conduct a deep evaluation of its security partnership with the US ‘and maybe find some other partners’ who can support its security if needed,” a source with direct knowledge said.

By Vafa Guliyeva