Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced on Tuesday that the strike in Doha targeting senior Hamas figures was “a wholly independent Israeli operation.”
In its statement, the office emphasized:
“Israel initiated it, Israel conducted it, and Israel takes full responsibility.”
A U.S. official told Axios that Israel notified President Donald Trump of the strike after the missiles had already been launched, not giving the Trump administration the opportunity to weigh in.
The statement from Netanyahu’s office followed an unprecedented Israeli airstrike in Doha, Qatar, aimed at Hamas leaders reportedly gathered to discuss a U.S.-brokered ceasefire proposal. The operation — codenamed “Day of Judgment” — was the first known Israeli military action inside Qatari territory.
Israel’s move drew sharp condemnation from Qatar, which called it a “cowardly criminal assault” and a violation of sovereignty and international law. The U.S. Embassy in Doha urged American citizens to shelter in place.
Qatar had served as a key mediator alongside Egypt and the U.S. in Gaza ceasefire and hostage negotiations. Its officials have since signaled that Doha may suspend mediation efforts “until further notice” following the breach.
While Israel insists the operation was fully self-directed, reports suggest prior consultations with Washington, highlighting the broader geopolitical stakes of the strike.
