Trump Denies Prior knowledge of Israel‘s Qatar Strike
US President Donald Trump stated Monday he received no advance notice from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding Israel’s recent strike targeting Hamas leaders in Qatar.
Trump’s comments followed an Axios report alleging Netanyahu informed the former president of the planned operation shortly beforehand. The Trump management previously indicated it was only notified after the missiles had launched, precluding any chance to intervene. Axios, citing Israeli officials, reported the White House was aware earlier, though the timeframe to halt the attack would have been limited.
the strike in Qatar, which aimed to eliminate Hamas leaders, has drawn widespread condemnation across the Middle east and internationally, raising concerns about further escalation of regional tensions.
Trump has previously asserted his lack of involvement in Israel’s decision to strike Qatar. When directly asked if Netanyahu alerted him to the impending attack, Trump responded, “No, no, they didn’t.”
Netanyahu’s office afterward reaffirmed that the operation was a “wholly autonomous” Israeli action.
The United States maintains alliances with both Israel and Qatar, with doha playing a key role as a mediator in ongoing efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza.
Israel’s military offensive in Gaza, launched in October 2023, has resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of Palestinians, the internal displacement of Gaza’s entire population, and a severe humanitarian crisis, including widespread starvation. Numerous rights experts and scholars have characterized the actions as constituting genocide-a claim Israel vehemently denies, asserting its operations are acts of self-defense following the October 2023 Hamas attack that killed 1,200 Israelis and led to the capture of over 250 hostages. Israel has also conducted airstrikes in Lebanon, Syria, Iran, and Yemen during the course of the Gaza conflict.
