U.S. President Donald Trump stated on Tuesday that Israel’s recent military strike on Qatar was a decision made by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, not by the White House. Trump emphasized that the move was unilateral and not aligned with U.S. strategy in the Middle East.
In a message shared on social media, Trump criticized Israel’s action, writing, “Unilaterally bombing inside Qatar, a sovereign nation and close ally of the United States, that is working very hard and bravely taking risks with us to broker peace, does not advance Israel or America’s goals.” He stressed that such actions could harm U.S. diplomatic efforts in the region.
Qatar has played a key role as a mediator in regional negotiations, including efforts to reduce tensions involving Hamas and Gaza. Trump highlighted that while he opposed Israel’s choice of targeting Qatar, he recognized the importance of addressing Hamas, which he accused of exploiting the suffering of civilians in Gaza for its own benefit. “Eliminating Hamas, who have profited off the misery of those living in Gaza, is a worthy goal,” Trump added.
The statement underscores a growing divide between U.S. and Israeli approaches to regional security. While Washington values Qatar as a partner in peace talks and counterterrorism, Israel’s strike risks destabilizing an already fragile diplomatic balance. Analysts suggest that Trump’s distancing from Netanyahu’s decision reflects a careful attempt to reassure both Qatar and other regional allies of continued U.S. support.
The incident adds tension to U.S.-Israel relations at a time when collaboration remains critical to Middle East security. Trump’s remarks suggest that Washington remains committed to peace efforts while condemning actions that could undermine alliances and regional stability.