Trump's Delicate Balancing Act Amidst Israel's Recent Strike in Qatar

Sat Sep 13 2025 09:21:32 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

President Donald Trump navigates a complex diplomatic landscape after Israel's attack on Hamas officials in Qatar, attempting to maintain US-Qatar relations without condemning Israel.

Following Israel's attack on Hamas officials stationed in Qatar, President Trump found himself in a sensitive position, distancing himself from the action while underscoring his view that it may unintentionally pave the way for peace. Trump expressed regret over the attack's implications on US-Qatar relations and communicated with both Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and Qatari officials to mitigate the situation. His administration has faced scrutiny regarding the adequacy of the warnings provided to Qatar, raising questions about the dynamics of US involvement and responsibility in Middle Eastern conflicts.

WASHINGTON (AP) - President Donald Trump is navigating a diplomatic tightrope following Israel’s airstrike targeting Hamas officials in Qatar. While he distanced himself from the attack executed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump refrained from condemning the action, stating it 'did not advance Israel or America’s goals.' Nevertheless, he suggested that this 'unfortunate incident could serve as an opportunity for peace.'

Trump asserted, 'This was a decision made by Prime Minister Netanyahu, it was not a decision made by me,' shortly after the strikes were reported via social media.

As he seeks to maintain a stable relationship with Qatar—a crucial mediator between the U.S. and Iran—Trump assured that special envoy Steve Witkoff had informed Qatari officials about the attack, although he lamented the U.S. warning was issued 'too late' to prevent the incident. However, Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Majed al-Ansari, later refuted this assertion, claiming no prior warning was provided.

Strengthening US-Qatar Relations

Qatar has been keen on strengthening ties with the Trump administration, even gifting him a $400 million Boeing 747, which he plans to convert for future presidential use. Trump's supportive remarks towards Qatar include his sentiment of goodwill, stating, 'I view Qatar as a strong Ally and friend of the U.S.'

Despite Qatar's substantial financial backing to Hamas prior to the conflict, which includes millions of dollars aimed at supporting the governing structure in Gaza, Trump expressed a desire for cooperation. He also articulated that 'eliminating Hamas' remains a 'worthy goal.'

As he grapples with the ongoing war in Gaza and the plight of hostages held there, Trump’s statements and diplomatic gestures attempt to quell concerns from Qatar. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt refrained from disclosing how long prior to the strikes Qatar was notified about the impending attack, nor did she address whether Qatari authorities could have forewarned Hamas.

The Nature of Israeli Notification

Military channels did inform U.S. officials of the Israeli strike; however, the vague nature of this warning precluded effective, timely communication to local allies about the specifics of the attack. This has prompted analysis regarding the repercussions of the strike on U.S.-Qatar relations moving forward.

Trump's communications with officials from both Israel and Qatar after the strikes reflected his concerns over the potential fallout from the situation. He reassured Qatari leadership that such strike actions would not be repeated. There are growing speculations regarding the implications for Netanyahu's government following U.S. concerns expressed over the nature of the strike.

Trump hinted at potential new proposals for ending the conflict in Gaza, stating he had provided 'last warnings' to Hamas regarding the situation, although Leavitt clarified that this was unrelated to the Doha strike. The diplomatic aftermath indicates significant maneuvering on all sides as future relationships and peace in the region hang in the balance.