Trump Rebukes Netanyahu After Israeli Attack on Qatar

In Washington, D.C., on July 7, 2025, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump were photographed together during a dinner at the White House. The event occurred amidst a tense situation following an Israeli attack on a Gulf state.

President Trump expressed his surprise at the Israeli action, stating he was not informed beforehand. He emphasized the importance of the Gulf state as a key mediator in negotiations between Israel and Hamas, aimed at ending the Gaza war and securing the release of hostages. Trump voiced his displeasure with the situation, particularly the timing of the attack.

The attack on Doha, the capital of Qatar, was considered highly sensitive. Qatar plays a crucial role in the Gaza negotiations and is also home to a significant U.S. airbase. Furthermore, Qatar had recently provided the United States with a luxury jet for presidential use, raising ethical concerns.

Trump clarified that the decision to attack was made by Prime Minister Netanyahu and not by him. He acknowledged Qatar as a strong ally and friend of the U.S., expressing regret over the location of the attack, while still acknowledging the goal of eliminating Hamas.

In a statement, Trump focused on the potential damage to his efforts to end the war in Gaza. He stated that the attack did not serve the goals of either Israel or the United States. He highlighted that the White House was caught off guard by the Israeli action.

The President explained that the U.S. military notified the White House of the attack. He then directed a special envoy to inform the Qataris, but it was too late to prevent the attack. Trump spoke with Netanyahu afterward, attempting to frame the situation positively.

Trump stated that he had conveyed his concerns to Netanyahu. This rebuke was unusual, given Trump's consistent support for the Israeli leader since returning to office. As Qatar protested the attack, Trump directed the Secretary of State to finalize a defense cooperation agreement with Doha. He assured the Qatari Emir that such an event would not reoccur.

Qatar had previously stated that it received no warning of the attack. The nation has found itself caught in the crossfire of regional conflicts, including a recent missile attack on a U.S. airbase by Iran.