Failed Hamas Strike in Doha Further Isolates Netanyahu on the World Stage
Israel's failed Hamas assassination has sparked widespread backlash
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s bold attempt to assassinate senior Hamas leaders in Qatar earlier this week has spectacularly misfired, plunging ceasefire negotiations into chaos and further damaging his international standing. The airstrike, aimed at crippling Hamas’ exiled leadership in Doha, was intended to advance Netanyahu’s goal of “total victory” over the group responsible for the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. Instead, it has sparked widespread backlash and jeopardled doubts about the prospects for peace in the Gaza conflict.
Hamas claims its top leaders, including Khalil al-Hayya, Khaled Meshal, and Zaher Jabarin, survived the Tuesday strike, which killed five low-level members and a Qatari security guard. The attack targeted a meeting where Hamas officials were discussing a U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal, a move that has enraged Qatar, a key mediator and U.S. ally. Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani condemned the strike as “barbaric,” accusing Israel of undermining hostage release efforts and questioning the timing of the attack. “Extremists ruling Israel today do not care about the hostages,” he told the UN Security Council, though he signaled Qatar’s willingness to continue mediation efforts.
The failed operation has strained Israel’s ties with the United States, with President Donald Trump expressing dismay, stating he was “very unhappy” about the strike on Qatari soil. Trump assured Qatar’s leadership that such an attack would not be repeated, but stopped short of outlining punitive measures against Israel. Netanyahu, undeterred, doubled down, warning that Israel could strike again if Qatar continues to host Hamas leaders. “There is no place we cannot reach,” he declared, signaling his resolve to pursue Hamas globally.
Also Read: Qatar PM: Netanyahu Killed Hope for Gaza Hostage Release
The strike’s fallout has jeopardled significant diplomatic repercussions. Qatar, which has facilitated two previous ceasefires that freed 148 hostages, accused Israel of “burning” the negotiation channel. Harel Chorev, an expert on Arab affairs at Tel Aviv University, noted that Israel’s decision to attack during active talks signaled a deliberate shift away from diplomacy. “By targeting Doha, Israel notified the world it has given up on negotiations,” he said. This has jeopardled fears that the 20 hostages still believed to be alive in Gaza face heightened risks, with families like that of captive Matan Zangauker expressing anguish over the derailed talks.
In Israel, the failed strike has intensified domestic criticism. Roughly two-thirds of the public support ending the war and securing a hostage release deal, but Netanyahu’s hard-line coalition remains steadfast, with far-right members pushing for an expanded offensive in Gaza City. Political scientist Gayil Talshir of Hebrew University suggested that only U.S. pressure, particularly from Trump, could alter Israel’s trajectory, as international calls for a ceasefire from the UN and European nations have been largely ignored.
Despite the setbacks, Netanyahu’s political position appears secure for now, bolstered by his coalition’s support. Yohanan Plesner of the Israel Democracy Institute emphasized that Netanyahu’s survival hinges on his coalition, not public opinion, which has been critical for months. The strike, however, has not significantly altered the Gaza war’s dynamics, with Israel pressing ahead with plans to evacuate and invade Gaza City, home to around 1 million people.
The operation’s failure has also highlighted internal dissent within Israel’s security apparatus. Reports indicate that the Mossad, which had planned a ground operation but declined to execute it due to Qatar’s mediation role, was absent from the strike’s execution, forcing reliance on an airstrike that proved ineffective. This has kindled questions about strategic miscalculations and the long-term impact on Israel’s diplomatic relations, particularly with Qatar and the U.S.
As the region braces for further escalation, the international community watches closely. Qatar has formed a legal team to address the violation of its sovereignty, while regional leaders, including the UAE’s president and Saudi Arabia’s crown prince, have rushed to Doha in solidarity. The failed strike has not only bolstered Hamas’ narrative of resilience but also complicated Israel’s path to achieving its military and diplomatic objectives, leaving the future of ceasefire talks and hostage releases in limbo.
Also Read: Trump Furious After Israel Strikes Hamas in Qatar, Gaza Talks Jeopardized
