Netanyahu Apologizes to Qatar for Doha Strike

19 HOURS AGO·UPDATED 18 HOURS AGO

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Above: Benjamin Netanyahu in the State Dining Room of the White House on Sept. 29, 2025. Image copyright: Jim Lo Scalzo/EPA/Bloomberg/Getty Images

The Spin

Pro-establishment narrative

This is a necessary diplomatic pragmatism to restore crucial mediation channels. The strike violated Qatari sovereignty and killed an innocent guard, forcing Qatar to abandon its vital role in hostage negotiations. This strategic course correction enables renewed peace efforts under Trump's framework.

The Times of Israel

Narrative B

Netanyahu's groveling apology to a terror-supporting state is a disgraceful betrayal of Israeli security and sovereignty. Qatar funds and harbors Hamas terrorists who orchestrated the group's Oct. 7 atrocities. The Doha strike was morally justified — terrorists must know nowhere is safe from justice or Israeli retaliation.

The Jerusalem Post

Narrative C

Netanyahu's apology highlights Israel's deepening isolation. Once reliable allies are now distancing themselves, and regional tensions are rising. The rare apology signals mounting pressure on Israel's leadership, as diplomatic missteps strain critical relationships and expose the fragility of Netanyahu's position both globally and domestically.

Gulf News

Establishment-critical narrative

Netanyahu's apology is meaningless and only helps Doha save face. Qatar, like all U.S.-backed states in the Middle East, is a subservient client regime that only exists to advance U.S. interests in the region. Palestinians have been abandoned by the Arab states, which are supposedly brotherly nations, all for U.S. dollars and military aid.

Al Jazeera X