Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly formally apologized to Qatar’s Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani for the September 9 strike on Doha, which violated Qatari sovereignty, according to multiple media reports.
Hamas had claimed that its central leadership remained safe in the strike, but six people, including the son of Khalil al-Hayya, were martyred. Among the dead was also a Qatari security officer.
Apology call from White House
A source close to Netanyahu told Reuters, as well as according to Channel 12 and Axios report, that Netanyahu spoke with Al Thani by phone from the White House, where he was hosted by US President Donald Trump.
The Israeli leader expressed regret over the strike and the civilian loss of life, telling his Qatari counterpart that Israel had not intended to cause harm to Qatar.
Also Read: Israeli air strike targets Hamas officials in Doha
Israeli state media said the phone call lasted several minutes and was facilitated while Netanyahu and Trump were discussing the war in Gaza and ongoing diplomatic efforts. A Qatari technical team is also at the White House, according to a separate source briefed on the talks.
According to a statement from the White House, US President Trump hosted a trilateral phone call with Netanyahu and the Qatari PM where Trump expressed his desire to improve Israel-Qatar relations after recent grievances and misunderstandings.
Also Read: At UN, Qatar vows strong response to Israeli attack
It said the Israeli and Qatari leaders agreed to Trump’s proposal to establish a trilateral mechanism, adding that Netanyahu expressed regret over the death of a Qatari citizen in the Doha attack. Netanyahu also expressed regret for violating Qatari sovereignty, the White House noted.
It further said Netanyahu assured that Israel would not repeat such an attack. Qatari PM Al Thani welcomed Netanyahu’s assurances, saying Qatar was ready to play an effective role in ensuring regional security.
The statement said the leaders also discussed the proposed Gaza ceasefire plan and broader efforts to make the Middle East safer.
Why apology matters
Qatar has been a critical mediator in negotiations between Israel and Hamas, but had suspended its involvement after the September 9 strike.
The attack, aimed at targeting Hamas leaders believed to be in Doha, failed to hit its intended targets and instead killed lower-level officials and a Qatari security officer.
Also Read: Qatar urges collective response after Israeli strike on Doha
The incident outraged Arab states, with Doha insisting that Israel must apologize before it could resume mediation. Analysts say Netanyahu’s apology clears the path for renewed talks on ending the war in Gaza and securing the release of remaining hostages.
Flashback to strike
On September 9, Israeli forces attempted to assassinate several senior Hamas leaders in the Qatari capital. The strike not only failed but also drew condemnation across the Arab world for violating Qatari sovereignty.
The attack further complicated regional dynamics, leaving Qatar unwilling to continue its mediation role until an apology was issued.
