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The head of Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency opposed a government plan to assassinate senior Hamas leaders in Qatar, the Washington Post reported Friday, citing Israeli officials familiar with the deliberations.
Two Israelis with knowledge of the discussions told The Washington Post that Mossad chief David Barnea objected to the proposed operation in Doha, warning it would jeopardize the agency’s relationship with Qatari officials.
Qatar has been a key mediator in ceasefire and hostage negotiations between Israel and Hamas.
“This time, Mossad was unwilling to do it on the ground,” one of the Israeli sources said, describing Qatar as an essential intermediary.
While Israeli security officials reportedly agree that Hamas leaders should eventually be targeted, some questioned the timing of this week’s operation.
“We can get them in one, two, or four years from now, and the Mossad knows how to do it. Why do it now?” another Israeli familiar with the internal debate told the Washington Post.
After Mossad refused to participate, Israel opted to use military force, the report said. On Tuesday, 15 Israeli fighter jets fired 10 missiles at Hamas’ leadership in the Qatari capital.
Hamas said the airstrike killed several relatives and aides of its delegation, as well as a Qatari officer, but spared acting Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya and other senior figures.
Israel acknowledged responsibility for the strike, which killed five Hamas members and a Qatari security official.
Qatar condemned the assault as “state terrorism” and vowed to preserve its right to respond.
Officials noted the strike came as Qatari mediators, alongside Egypt and the United States, were brokering indirect talks between Israel and Hamas on a prisoner exchange and ceasefire deal.
The attack killed Hamas members who had gathered to discuss a new U.S.-backed proposal, according to the group.
Since October 2023, Israel’s military campaign in Gaza has killed more than 64,000 Palestinians, according to local health officials, devastating the enclave and displacing much of its population.
Hamas says it is prepared to release all Israeli captives in exchange for a permanent ceasefire, Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and the release of Palestinian prisoners.
Israel estimates 48 of its nationals are held in Gaza, including 20 believed to be alive. Rights groups say over 10,800 Palestinians are imprisoned in Israel under harsh conditions, with widespread reports of abuse and neglect.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected Hamas’ terms, insisting on continuing Israel’s occupation of Gaza.
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