Did Trump Facilitate a Phone Call Between Israel and Qatar After Netanyahu's Regret?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Netanyahu expressed deep regret for the missile strike in Qatar.
- Trump facilitated a diplomatic phone call to improve relations.
- Israel aims to avoid future violations of Qatari sovereignty.
- The leaders agreed on a trilateral coordination mechanism.
- Discussions about peace in Gaza were also on the agenda.
Washington, Sep 29 (NationPress) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday expressed “deep regret” for the recent Israeli missile strike in Qatar. This came during a phone call hosted by US President Donald Trump between Netanyahu and Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, where Trump conveyed his desire to foster positive relations between Israel and Qatar.
A statement from the White House indicated, “Prime Minister Netanyahu expressed his deep regret that Israel’s missile strike against Hamas targets in Qatar unintentionally killed a Qatari serviceman. He further expressed regret for violating Qatari sovereignty while targeting Hamas leadership during hostage negotiations, assuring that Israel will refrain from such actions in the future.
The Qatari Prime Minister welcomed these commitments, emphasizing Qatar’s readiness to contribute positively to regional security and stability.
The White House also announced that both leaders agreed to Trump’s proposal to “establish a trilateral mechanism to enhance coordination, improve communication, resolve mutual grievances, and strengthen collective efforts to prevent threats.”
“They underscored their shared commitment to working together constructively and clearing away misperceptions while building on the longstanding ties both have with the United States,” the statement continued.
Regarding Gaza, the readout mentioned that all parties “discussed a proposal for ending the war.”
On September 9, the Israeli military targeted Hamas’s leadership headquarters in Qatar during an airstrike while the group was discussing a US proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza. Hamas claimed that the Israeli attack did not result in casualties among its senior officials.
Trump sought to distance his administration from the attack, stating that Israel acted independently. “This was a decision made by Prime Minister Netanyahu; it was not a decision made by me,” Trump posted on Truth Social.
He added that while Israel’s unilateral bombing inside Qatar “does not advance Israel or America’s goals,” he believed that “eliminating Hamas, which has profited off the misery of those living in Gaza, is a worthy goal.”