Israel is conducting its largest known assassination operation since Oslo—in Doha, Qatar, killing top Hamas leadership. On Tuesday afternoon, more than ten Israeli jets opened a big minutes-long strike. This represented a shocking and significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
The attack emphasized the potent capabilities of Israeli advance fighter jets like the F-35I, F-15 and F-16. These planes had just returned from taking part in Israel’s 12-day war with Iran. After months of consultation Israel chose to retaliate against the strike in Qatar. In addition, officials concluded that the possible benefits of the operation exceeded the related dangers.
In a move that reflects the high-stakes nature of international diplomacy, Israel intentionally delayed informing the Trump administration about the strike until the last moment. At that very time, the United States was asking for a new ceasefire. Their immediate goal was to end the almost two-year long war in Gaza.
The operation ended with the killing of five subordinate Hamas figures – which may have included the perpetrator of the attack – and a Qatari security detail. The implications of this act have angered Qatari officials and alarmed many about the potential fracturing of regional stability.
In response to the Israeli strikes, Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani denounced Israel’s attacks as “state terrorism.” His comments underscore the intricate ties between Israel and Qatar, which have officially hosted a Qatari liaison in its Israeli embassy since 1996.
This release captures the increasing friction between Israel’s military goals and the desire to achieve regional peace. As the world’s foremost mediator between opposing sides, Qatar’s muddying of the waters through this operation is perhaps its most controversial move.
The timing of these strikes has raised alarm among Israeli military officials and international onlookers alike. Key figures, such as Chief of Staff Gen. Eyal Zamir and Mossad chief David Barnea expressed alarm. They fear that the military operation might undermine ongoing peace negotiations. They wondered if this new aggressive move would undermine big long term plans to stabilize the entire region.
“If we look at the pattern of Netanyahu’s actions since October 7, since the war started, it’s been in a very systematic way trying to undermine any chance of stability, any chance of peace, and any chance of retrieving his own hostages.” – Al-Thani
Karoline Leavitt, the administration’s former spokesperson for the U.S. She reiterated that these unnecessary, non-consultative military movements to Qatar are directly contrary to Israelis’ and Americans’ interests.
The consequences of the operation might make things even more uncomfortable for Israel’s diplomatic engagement with Qatar. It would affect its relations with other countries engaged in the peace process.
The timing of the strikes has drawn scrutiny from both Israeli military leaders and international observers. Key figures such as Gen. Eyal Zamir and Mossad chief David Barnea expressed concerns regarding the operation’s implications for ongoing peace negotiations. They questioned whether this aggressive move would hinder efforts to stabilize the region.
Karoline Leavitt, a spokesperson for the U.S. administration, also criticized Israel’s actions, stating that unilateral military actions in Qatar undermine both Israeli and American interests.
“Unilaterally bombing inside Qatar, a sovereign nation and close ally of the United States that is working very hard in bravely taking risks with us to broker peace, does not advance Israel or America’s goals.” – Karoline Leavitt
The fallout from the operation may further complicate Israel’s relationships not only with Qatar but also with other nations involved in peace negotiations.
