Trump Tries to Soothe Qatar After Israeli Strikes, Walks Tightrope/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Donald Trump expressed dissatisfaction with Israel’s strike on Hamas officials in Qatar, calling it an “unfortunate incident” that did not advance U.S. or Israeli goals. Still, he stopped short of condemning Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu directly, instead trying to reassure Qatar of U.S. friendship. The balancing act highlights Trump’s challenge in maintaining ties with two close but often conflicting allies.
Israel-Qatar Fallout — Quick Looks
- Israel launched a strike in Doha, Qatar, targeting Hamas officials
- Trump said he was “not thrilled” and “very unhappy” about the attack
- White House: U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff tried to warn Qatar but too late
- Qatar disputes warning, saying it came only as explosions hit Doha
- Five Hamas members killed, but top leaders reportedly survived
- Trump reassured Qatari emir Sheikh Tamim the incident won’t repeat
- Israel told U.S. vaguely about the strike in advance
- Trump: Hamas elimination a “worthy goal,” but location regrettable
- Critics say U.S. comments are damage control to preserve Gulf ties
- Trump faces pressure to secure release of 48 hostages in Gaza
Deep Look: Trump Tries To Soothe Qatar After Israeli Strikes While Avoiding Rift With Israel
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump sought to strike a careful diplomatic balance Tuesday following Israel’s surprise strike on Hamas officials in Doha, Qatar. Trump admitted he was “not thrilled” and “very unhappy” about the attack, which killed five Hamas members, but notably avoided directly condemning Israel or Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Trump Voices Displeasure, Stops Short of Condemnation
The president described the Israeli action as an “unfortunate incident” that “did not advance Israel or America’s goals.”
“This was a decision made by Prime Minister Netanyahu, it was not a decision made by me,” Trump posted on social media.
Later that evening, speaking briefly to reporters outside a Washington restaurant, Trump repeated that it was “not a good situation” and promised a fuller statement the next day.
Qatar Questions U.S. Warning
Trump insisted he directed special envoy Steve Witkoff to alert Qatar once he learned of the impending attack. But he admitted the warning was “too late to stop the attack.”
Qatari officials flatly rejected the claim. Majed al-Ansari, spokesman for the Foreign Ministry, posted that any U.S. warning came only as explosions were already rocking Doha.
Sensitive Alliance at Stake
Qatar is a critical U.S. partner, hosting about 10,000 American troops at Al Udeid Air Base, the forward headquarters of U.S. Central Command. The Gulf nation has also played a vital role mediating between Washington, Iran, and Hamas.
Trump emphasized Qatar’s importance, noting it had gifted the U.S. a $400 million Boeing 747 to become the next Air Force One. He said the aircraft will later be donated to his presidential library.
“I view Qatar as a strong ally and friend of the U.S., and feel very badly about the location of the attack,” Trump said.
At the same time, Qatar has faced criticism for its long-standing financial support to Hamas and for hosting leaders of groups like the Taliban and the Muslim Brotherhood.
Israel’s Notification Seen As Vague
The Pentagon confirmed it received advance notice of Israel’s strike through military channels. But one U.S. official said the information was so vague — lacking location or timing — that it was “insufficient” for relaying to allies.
Former officials say this pattern is common, with Israel often notifying Washington only once operations are already underway. Given the sensitivity of striking in another U.S. ally’s territory, analysts questioned whether the Biden administration gave tacit approval beforehand.
Hamas Survives, Blames U.S.
Hamas claimed five members were killed, including the son of exiled leader Khalil Al-Hayya, but said its top figures escaped.
The group squarely blamed Washington:
“We hold the U.S. administration jointly responsible with the occupation for this crime,” Hamas said, accusing Israel of deliberately sabotaging negotiations.
The attack targeted Hamas representatives in Doha who were reportedly reviewing a U.S.-brokered proposal on hostage exchanges.
Trump’s Balancing Act
Trump spoke with both Netanyahu and Qatari emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani after the strike. He assured the Qataris that “such a thing will not happen again on their soil.”
Still, Trump stressed that while the location was regrettable, the elimination of Hamas remains a “worthy goal.”
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt sidestepped questions about whether Netanyahu would face consequences. Analysts said the administration’s carefully worded comments were designed to help Qatar “save face” while avoiding a public rift with Israel.
Pressure To End Gaza War
The Doha strike adds another layer of complexity as Trump seeks to end the nearly two-year Gaza war and secure the release of 48 Israeli hostages, about 20 believed to still be alive.
Over the weekend, Trump had warned Hamas on social media of “consequences” if they rejected his latest proposal for a hostage-prisoner swap. Asked whether his post foreshadowed the Doha strike, Leavitt insisted: “No, he was not.”
Analysts: Damage Control Mode
Jonathan Schanzer, a former Treasury counterterrorism analyst, said the White House’s response was less about rebuking Israel than about “damage control” with Qatar.
“There’s a lot of taking stock right now by all parties,” Schanzer said.
Indeed, with both Hamas leadership surviving and Qatar outraged, the strike may deepen suspicions about Israel’s long-term intentions while leaving Trump juggling two essential alliances.
You must Register or Login to post a comment.