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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called Qatar's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani during a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday to apologize for an Israeli strike on the Qatari capital of Doha on Sept. 9.
The phone call, which took place during Netanyahu's discussions with Trump, marked a rare diplomatic gesture from the Israeli leader. The strike on Doha represented an unusual escalation, as Qatar has historically served as a mediator in regional conflicts and hosts significant American military installations at Al Udeid Air Base.
Qatar has played a central role in negotiations between Israel and Hamas, particularly regarding hostage releases and cease-fire talks following the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on Israel. The small Gulf state has maintained channels of communication with both Israeli officials and Hamas leadership, positioning itself as a key intermediary in one of the region's most intractable conflicts.
The circumstances surrounding the Sept. 9 strike and what prompted Netanyahu to issue the apology during his White House visit remain unclear. The timing of the apology, delivered while meeting with Trump, suggests possible American involvement in facilitating the diplomatic outreach.
Neither the Israeli Prime Minister's Office nor Qatari officials have released additional details about the conversation or the nature of the strike that prompted the apology.
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