WASHINGTON — In a rare public reprimand of a close ally, U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after Israeli forces struck Hamas positions inside Qatar — a move that blindsided Washington and rattled sensitive Middle East diplomacy.
Speaking to reporters during a stop at a Washington restaurant, Trump stressed that he had no prior knowledge of the strikes on Doha, a Gulf state that hosts a major U.S. airbase and plays a central role in mediating talks between Israel and Hamas over the Gaza conflict and the release of hostages.
“I’m not thrilled about the whole situation,” Trump said. “We want the hostages back, but we are not thrilled about the way that went down today.”
The Israeli attack on Doha, home to U.S. military assets and a key player in regional peace talks, immediately drew concerns about the future of Washington’s delicate diplomatic efforts. Qatar, which also recently gifted the U.S. a luxury Boeing 747-8 for presidential use, said it had no warning before explosions rocked the capital.
Trump confirmed that the White House learned of the assault only after the U.S. military notified them mid-strike. “I immediately directed Special Envoy Steve Witkoff to inform the Qataris of the impending attack, which he did — unfortunately, too late to stop it,” Trump said.
The president insisted that the strike was Netanyahu’s decision alone. “This was not a decision made by me. I view Qatar as a strong ally and friend of the U.S., and I feel very badly about the location of the attack,” Trump posted on social media, though he added that eliminating Hamas remains a “worthy goal.”
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump had delivered a “very clear” message of concern to Netanyahu, a rare departure from Trump’s otherwise unwavering support for the Israeli leader since his return to office in January.
Despite the fallout, Trump tried to frame the incident as an opportunity. “The Prime Minister told me that he wants to make peace. I believe this unfortunate incident could serve as an opportunity for peace,” he said.
In response to Qatari anger, Trump directed Secretary of State Marco Rubio to accelerate work on a U.S.-Qatar defense cooperation agreement. He also reassured Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in a phone call that “such a thing will not happen again on their soil.”
Qatar, however, made clear it was blindsided. “The call received from an American official came as explosions sounded from the Israeli attack in Doha,” foreign ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari said.
The strikes add another layer of volatility to a region already on edge. Just months ago, Iran fired missiles at the U.S. Al Udeid airbase in Qatar in retaliation for American strikes on its nuclear facilities — leaving Doha once again at the epicenter of Middle Eastern crossfire.
Comments