Trump Confirms Israel Won’t Attack Qatar Again

President Donald Trump issued a firm assurance Monday that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would refrain from further strikes in Qatar, following last week's controversial attack on Hamas leaders that enraged the key U.S. Gulf partner. The incident has strained delicate alliances in the Middle East, testing the Trump administration's balancing act between unwavering support for Israel and vital security ties with Qatar.

Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump stated bluntly, "He won't be hitting in Qatar," emphasizing U.S. expectations for restraint. The comments came hours after Netanyahu, during a high-profile meeting in Jerusalem with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, declined to commit to avoiding future operations in the Gulf state. Rubio, who affirmed strong U.S. backing for Israel's campaign against Hamas, is set to visit Doha on Tuesday to reassure Qatari leaders of America's commitment to their sovereignty amid the fallout.

Qatar, host to the sprawling Al Udeid Air Base—the largest U.S. military installation in the Middle East—has been a crucial mediator in Gaza ceasefire talks. The kingdom has also cultivated close relations with the Trump administration, including gifting a luxury Boeing 747 jet for presidential use. Last week's Israeli airstrike on Hamas officials in Doha, which killed six but spared key negotiators, was seen as a direct affront, prompting Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to accuse Israel of sabotaging peace efforts. The attack ignited an emergency summit of Arab and Muslim leaders in Doha, where calls mounted for severing ties with Israel.

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Trump's intervention highlights the administration's efforts to de-escalate tensions without undermining Israel's broader offensive in Gaza. "We value our partnership with Qatar immensely—it's essential for regional stability," a White House official noted anonymously. Netanyahu's ambiguity during Rubio's visit drew immediate scrutiny, with analysts warning that repeated strikes could jeopardize U.S. strategic interests, including counterterrorism operations and energy security in the Gulf.

As Rubio prepares for his Doha trip, the episode underscores the high stakes in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, now nearing its second year. With ceasefire negotiations faltering and international pressure building for Palestinian statehood recognition, Trump's directive signals a red line for U.S. allies: Qatar remains off-limits.

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