Trump criticizes Netanyahu over Israeli strike on Hamas in Qatar

President Donald Trump issued a rare public rebuke of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday following an Israeli strike targeting Hamas operatives in Qatar.

Trump emphasized that he had no prior knowledge of the attack and expressed concern over its timing and implications for ongoing peace negotiations.

Speaking to reporters during an unusual visit to a Washington, D.C. restaurant, Trump said, “I’m not thrilled about the whole situation. We want the hostages back, but we are not thrilled about the way that went down today.”

The incident is particularly delicate given Qatar’s central role in mediating between Israel and Hamas amid the ongoing war in Gaza. Qatar also hosts a major U.S. military base and had previously welcomed Trump during a visit to the Middle East. Adding to the sensitivity, Qatar recently gifted the United States a luxury Boeing 747-8 for use as Trump’s presidential aircraft, raising ethical concerns.

In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump distanced himself from the strike: “This was a decision made by Prime Minister Netanyahu, it was not a decision made by me.” He reiterated his support for Qatar, calling it a “strong ally and friend of the U.S.” and expressed regret over the location of the attack. While maintaining that eliminating Hamas remains a “worthy goal,” Trump warned that the strike could damage diplomatic efforts.

“Unilaterally bombing inside Qatar, a sovereign nation and close ally of the United States… does not advance Israel or America’s goals,” Trump added, echoing comments earlier made by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.

The president clarified that the U.S. was caught off guard by the attack. He said the military informed the White House as Israeli forces struck Hamas targets in Doha. Trump directed Special Envoy Steve Witkoff to notify Qatari officials, but acknowledged the warning came “too late to stop the attack.”

Following the strike, Trump spoke with Netanyahu, expressing hope that the incident could become a catalyst for peace. “The Prime Minister told me that he wants to make peace. I believe this unfortunate incident could serve as an opportunity for PEACE,” Trump said.

Despite his criticism, Trump has largely supported Netanyahu since returning to office in January. However, this episode marks a notable shift in tone.

In response to the attack, Qatar claimed it had no prior knowledge and only received a call from a U.S. official as explosions were already underway. “The call received from an American official came as explosions sounded from the Israeli attack in Doha,” said Qatari foreign ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari on X.

To ease tensions, Trump announced he has instructed Secretary of State Marco Rubio to finalize a defense cooperation agreement with Doha. He also reassured Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in a phone call that “such a thing will not happen again on their soil.”

This is the second time in recent months that Qatar has found itself in the middle of regional conflict. In June, Iran targeted the U.S. Al Udeid airbase in Qatar in retaliation for American strikes on Iranian nuclear sites.