Israel’s assassination attempt on top Hamas leaders in Qatar last week backfired, sparking a global backlash against the Israeli government. Despite killing five people, including a Qatari security officer, the operation failed to take out key Hamas targets.
The attack led to negotiations between Israel and Hamas being suspended indefinitely, with Hamas’ negotiators going underground. The move also strengthened ties between Qatar and Western countries, who condemned Israel’s actions and issued statements supporting Qatar.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had planned to use the strike as a way to pressure Qatar into squeezing Hamas. However, it backfired, leading to increased international solidarity with Qatar and criticism of Netanyahu’s government.
The attack came just before the five-year anniversary of the Abraham Accords between Israel, the UAE, Bahrain, and Morocco. The move has further strained relations between Israel and its allies, with Egyptian President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi warning that the peace agreement is being endangered.
Netanyahu claimed the strike was intended to send a message to Hamas leaders, but it was widely seen as an attempt to bully Qatar into supporting his government’s policies. The attack sparked a surge of anger in Qatar and around the region, forcing the White House to defend its position.
The incident has left many wondering if Netanyahu’s style of leadership is becoming increasingly reckless and destabilizing for the region.
Source: https://www.axios.com/2025/09/16/israel-qatar-strike-failed-hamas-survive