President Trump demanded a commitment from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu not to strike Qatar again after the attack against Hamas leaders in Doha, two sources with knowledge of the issue tell Axios.
I was very unhappy about every aspect,” Trump told reporters on Tuesday night.
Behind the scenes: Trump held two phone calls with Netanyahu on Tuesday to discuss the strike in Qatar, U.S. officials said.
I demand that you do not repeat it,” Trump told Netanyahu, according to two sources with knowledge.
Leaders in Europe and across much of the world have also condemned the Israeli strike.
Two people with knowledge of the matter tell Axios that following the attack on Hamas leaders in Doha, President Trump demanded that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promise not to attack Qatar once more.
Why it matters: Netanyahu waited until missiles were in the air before consulting Trump or any of his top advisors. In addition to alarming leaders in the area and globally, the strike infuriated the White House.
The attack hurt Israel’s reputation internationally, but it might have hurt America’s as well.
In a CNN interview, Qatar’s prime minister informed the White House that his nation would now review its security cooperation with Washington following this “betrayal,” adding that Gulf leaders were debating how to react.
However, Netanyahu has shown no remorse in public, even implying that he may order another attack in spite of Trump’s demand.
What they’re saying: The strike in Qatar, a close U.S. ally, truly shocked Trump’s advisers. S. . ally and currently Israel’s seventh bombed nation since October. March 7, 2023.
“The entire circumstance doesn’t excite me. I was really dissatisfied with everything,” Trump said to reporters Tuesday evening.
The manner in which Netanyahu and his confidant Ron Dermer handled the matter “was an unpleasant reminder” of the conduct that caused conflict with Trump during his first term, a source close to the president told Axios.
Behind the scenes Trump spoke with Netanyahu on the phone twice Tuesday regarding the strike in Qatar, U.S. S. Authorities stated.
Trump said on their first call that he was disappointed by the Israeli decision and was unclear about its long-term goals.
“That’s not acceptable. According to two people with knowledge, Trump told Netanyahu, “I demand that you do not repeat it.”.
The prime minister and emir of Qatar were incensed when Trump gave them an update. One former U.S. S. . According to an official, Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman al-Thani informed U. A. officials that he believes the U.S. and Israel betrayed each other. S. .
After being attacked within six months by both Iran and Israel, Al-Thani informed White House envoy Steve Witkoff that Qatar would thoroughly review its security cooperation with the U.S. A. A person with firsthand knowledge stated that “and maybe find some other partners” who could help with its security if necessary.
The most recent: A White House official emphasized the U.S. A. will strengthen security cooperation with Qatar.
Qatar is not reassessing its security partnership with the United States, according to a statement from the country’s International Media Office. A. which is “continuing to grow and stronger than ever.”. “,”.
The statement from Qatar said, “We will continue to work together to promote global peace and stability, as we have done for many years.”.
In a video that he made public on Wednesday, Netanyahu retaliated, implying that if Hamas leaders remain in Qatar, he will not think twice about ordering a second strike.
Qatar and all other countries that harbor terrorists should either expel them or prosecute them, in my opinion. We’ll do it if you don’t,” he stated.
Netanyahu compared the Israeli strike on Hamas in Qatar to the U.S. S. hunt for al-Qaeda in Pakistan and Afghanistan following 9/11. Following the events of September 11, America vowed to find and apprehend the terrorists responsible for this horrible act, no matter where they may be. We took action in that direction yesterday,” Netanyahu stated.
Flashback: Following the October attacks, Netanyahu asked Qatar to take the lead in mediating a deal with Hamas in spite of those claims. 7 attacks, as well as years of facilitating payments to Hamas from Qatar.
The opposition: Prime Minister al-Thani told CNN that Netanyahu needs to “be brought to justice” for violating international law by attacking Qatar in what he described as a “state terror” attack. “.”.
He stated that Qatar is in talks with regional partners about a possible response. “The whole Gulf region is in danger. “.
The Israeli strike has been denounced by leaders in Europe and many other parts of the world.
Since its top leaders survived, Hamas says the Israeli attack was a failure. It’s still unclear which members were killed and which weren’t.
Editor’s note: The White House official and the Qatari government denied that Qatar threatened to reassess its security ties with Washington, which is why this story was updated.
