On Monday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu officially apologised to Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani for an Israeli airstrike that occurred in Doha on September 9, which resulted in the death of a Qatari security guard and several low-ranking Hamas members.
As reported by Israel’s Channel 12, the apology was conveyed during a phone conversation between Netanyahu and Al Thani, which took place from the White House, where Netanyahu is currently hosted by US President Donald Trump. It was reported that Trump was also present on the call.
A foreign diplomat who is knowledgeable about the conversation confirmed to The Times of Israel that Netanyahu expressed his regret regarding the incident, specifically apologising for the infringement of Qatari sovereignty.
The Channel 12 report further indicated that Israel might provide financial compensation to the family of the Qatari guard who was killed in the airstrike.
According to CNN, referencing an Israeli source, Netanyahu did not, however, express remorse for targeting Hamas.
In the meantime, Axios reported that the apology call was a significant condition set by Qatar for resuming its mediation efforts with Hamas concerning a deal to conclude the war in Gaza and secure the release of the remaining hostages.
The White House confirmed the development, stating that Prime Minister Netanyahu conveyed his regret for the Israeli attack in Doha to Qatar’s leader during a three-way call with President Trump.
The White House also mentioned that Netanyahu expressed regret for Israel’s violation of Qatari sovereignty and “affirmed that Israel will not conduct such an attack again in the future.”
According to Reuters, the leaders discussed a proposal aimed at ending the war in Gaza, the prospects for a more secure Middle East, and the necessity for enhanced understanding between their nations.
Netanyahu’s apology is regarded as a vital step in the efforts to finalise a deal to conclude the war in Gaza and ensure the release of all remaining hostages, as per the Channel 12 report.
Qatar has halted its mediation efforts with Hamas in the wake of the Israeli airstrike in Doha, which aimed to target — but did not succeed in eliminating — high-ranking Hamas officials. The attack also resulted in the death of a Qatari security guard, thereby further complicating diplomatic relations.
Channel 12 additionally reported that Qatar has discreetly indicated to the United States its capability to persuade Hamas to agree to the demilitarisation of Gaza — a condition regarded as crucial by Israel for any sustainable resolution.
The news outlet also mentioned that President Trump, during a separate conversation with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani before Netanyahu’s visit to the White House, stressed the necessity for Arab and Muslim nations to publicly support the proposed ceasefire agreement.
Trump allegedly informed the emir that, notwithstanding recent adjustments that have brought the plan more in line with Israeli perspectives, he anticipates public endorsements from the eight Arab and Muslim leaders he engaged with last week.
