US President Donald Trump hosted a phone call between Israel and Qatar after a missile strike killed a Qatari serviceman. Netanyahu expressed “deep regret,” and leaders agreed to a US-backed trilateral mechanism to repair ties and discuss Gaza peace efforts.
US President Donald Trump on Monday hosted a phone call between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, following an Israeli missile strike in Qatar that killed a Qatari serviceman. The incident, which occurred on September 9 during Israeli military operations targeting Hamas leadership, sparked diplomatic tension and raised international concern.
According to a statement issued by the White House, Prime Minister Netanyahu expressed “deep regret” for the missile strike that not only violated Qatari sovereignty but also inadvertently caused casualties. Netanyahu admitted that the operation was aimed at Hamas leadership during ongoing hostage negotiations, but he acknowledged that Israel had crossed a sensitive boundary by striking inside Qatar. He assured that such an incident would not be repeated in the future.
The Qatari Prime Minister responded cautiously but constructively, welcoming Netanyahu’s assurances. He reiterated Qatar’s commitment to regional stability, stating that Doha remains ready to play a meaningful role in peace and security efforts across the Middle East. Qatar has historically been a key player in facilitating dialogue between conflicting sides, particularly in matters concerning Gaza and hostage negotiations.
In an effort to move relations forward, President Trump proposed the establishment of a trilateral mechanism involving Israel, Qatar, and the United States. This mechanism, according to the White House readout, is designed to enhance coordination, resolve grievances, and prevent future misunderstandings that could jeopardize regional security. Both Netanyahu and the Qatari Prime Minister accepted the proposal, marking a rare moment of diplomatic alignment in the wake of crisis.
The leaders agreed that stronger communication channels and cooperative efforts are essential to avoid further incidents and rebuild trust. The White House emphasized that the call underscored a “shared commitment to work constructively, clear away misperceptions, and strengthen ties with the United States.”
The Gaza war was also a central point of discussion. Reports indicate that the three sides exchanged views on a new proposal to end the ongoing conflict. While details remain limited, the inclusion of both Israel and Qatar in discussions facilitated by the US signals a new potential pathway toward ceasefire negotiations.
The controversy stems from the September 9 Israeli airstrike, which targeted what was believed to be Hamas’s leadership headquarters in Qatar. The timing was especially sensitive, as Hamas officials were reportedly engaged in discussions over a US-backed ceasefire plan for Gaza when the strike occurred. Although Israel claimed the attack was directed at Hamas leaders, the group later confirmed that none of its senior figures were killed. Instead, the strike killed a Qatari serviceman, escalating tensions between Israel and Qatar, two nations without formal diplomatic relations.
President Trump quickly moved to contain the fallout, making clear that the United States had no role in the decision. “This was a decision made by Prime Minister Netanyahu; it was not a decision made by me,” Trump stated on Truth Social. He further acknowledged that Israel’s unilateral strike inside Qatari territory “does not advance Israel or America’s goals,” though he simultaneously reaffirmed that the elimination of Hamas remains a legitimate objective in the broader fight against terrorism.
The missile strike not only strained Israel-Qatar relations but also tested the credibility of US diplomacy in the region. However, the trilateral call hosted by Trump suggests an attempt to turn crisis into opportunity, creating a framework where Israel and Qatar can directly address disputes under US mediation.
While it remains uncertain whether the assurances and commitments made during the phone call will be sufficient to restore trust, the move indicates that all parties recognize the high stakes of regional instability. Israel, already engaged in prolonged conflict with Hamas in Gaza, now faces the added challenge of repairing ties with Qatar, a nation influential in regional diplomacy.
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The episode highlights both the volatility of Middle East politics and the pivotal role the United States continues to play in mediating disputes. Whether this trilateral mechanism will succeed in fostering long-term cooperation or prove to be a temporary diplomatic fix remains to be seen.
For now, Netanyahu’s “deep regret,” Qatar’s cautious acceptance, and Trump’s push for trilateral engagement mark a significant moment in the complex web of Middle Eastern geopolitics.
