Netanyahu Apologizes to Qatar from the White House, Expresses “Deep Regret”
White House confirms Netanyahu expressed “deep regret” over deadly Doha strike amid mounting Arab outrage
USA, PUREWILAYAH.COM - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued an apology to Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani on Monday following an airstrike in Doha that violated Qatari sovereignty and killed a Qatari security officer.
The incident, which took place on September 9, targeted what “Israel” claimed were senior Hamas officials.
Instead, the strike killed lower-ranking figures and a Qatari serviceman, sparking widespread condemnation across the Arab and Islamic world. The attack underscored the occupation regime’s willingness to expand its war beyond Gaza, even at the expense of regional stability.
Apology Under U.S. Supervision
The apology reportedly came during Netanyahu’s meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington. According to the White House, Netanyahu expressed “deep regret” that “Israel’s” missile strike “unintentionally” killed a Qatari serviceman and violated Qatari sovereignty.
Washington confirmed that Netanyahu assured Doha no similar attack would be carried out in the future.
The statement reflected Washington’s direct involvement in shielding the occupation regime diplomatically, even when it brazenly violates the sovereignty of allied Arab states.
Doha had set Netanyahu’s acknowledgment and apology as a condition for resuming indirect negotiations with Hamas regarding a potential deal to end the war on Gaza and secure the release of captives.
Arab Condemnation and Diplomatic Isolation
The Doha strike provoked outrage across the Arab region, with governments and popular movements denouncing the violation of Qatari territory and the killing of a Qatari national.
The incident further deepened “Israel’s” diplomatic isolation, already compounded by the ongoing genocide in Gaza.
Despite this, Washington has continued to provide political cover for the occupation regime, framing the Doha attack as an “unintentional” mistake rather than a deliberate escalation.
Domestic Backlash in Tel Aviv
Inside the Israeli Knesset, both leftist and right-wing lawmakers criticized Netanyahu for apologizing to Qatar.
The apology was framed by his opponents as a humiliation, reflecting the occupation leader’s growing political vulnerability at home amid the failure to achieve military or political gains in Gaza.
Toward a Broader U.S. Plan
Ironically, the fallout from the Doha strike has fueled momentum behind a broader regional initiative led by Washington.
Trump hopes to finalize a deal during Netanyahu’s Washington visit, seeking to pressure Hamas into concessions while attempting to rehabilitate the image of the Israeli regime in Arab capitals.
Yet for much of the region, the strike and its aftermath have only reinforced perceptions of U.S. complicity in Israeli crimes, deepening mistrust of Washington’s role as mediator. (PW)