Netanyahu Formally Apologizes to Qatar for Doha Airstrike – 29 September 2025

Netanyahu Apologizes to Qatar Over Doha Airstrike

On 29 September 2025, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani from Washington to deliver a formal apology for the Israeli airstrike in Doha earlier this month. The call took place while Netanyahu was at the White House meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump.

During the conversation, Netanyahu admitted that the Israeli operation violated Qatar’s sovereignty and expressed deep regret for the death of a Qatari security officer in the strike.

The incident occurred on 9 September 2025, when Israeli forces targeted a building in Doha believed to be sheltering senior Hamas political figures. The attack killed five Hamas members and one Qatari guard, while the intended Hamas leaders escaped unharmed.

Qatar condemned the strike as an act of “state terrorism” and demanded an international response. Several Arab and Islamic nations echoed that condemnation, sharply criticizing Israel for breaching Qatar’s territorial integrity.

Analysts say Netanyahu’s apology could open the door to restoring diplomatic dialogue between the two nations. Doha had previously made a formal Israeli apology a key condition for resuming mediation in ongoing Gaza cease-fire talks.

Sources confirm that U.S. and Qatari officials were present at the White House to facilitate the exchange and explore next steps for easing regional tensions. Both leaders reportedly agreed to continue direct discussions in the coming weeks.

This high-profile apology comes as international pressure grows for a Gaza cease-fire and as Qatar plays an increasingly vital role as a regional mediator. Observers view Netanyahu’s move as a significant diplomatic shift that could help advance peace negotiations in the Middle East.

Although the apology marks an important gesture, its practical impact remains uncertain. The global community is watching closely to see whether Qatar will accept the overture and whether formal talks between the two governments will resume.