Netanyahu’s Qatar Strike Sparks Mossad Rift Israel’s latest strike on Hamas leaders in Qatar has ignited a storm both inside its own security establishment and abroad. While Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the attack, Israel’s intelligence agency, Mossad, refused to carry out the assassination plan. Director David Barnea reportedly opposed the ground operation, warning it would shatter crucial ties with Qatar — a U.S. ally and mediator in Gaza ceasefire talks.
Instead, Israel relied on air power, sending 15 fighter jets to launch missiles at a Doha compound. Hamas confirmed its senior officials survived, though relatives, aides, and a Qatari officer were killed. Analysts suggest Netanyahu rushed the strike to derail U.S.-backed mediation efforts led by Donald Trump, which had shown signs of progress.
The decision has divided Israel’s leadership. Senior military officers urged caution, fearing hostage negotiations would collapse, while Netanyahu’s allies defended the operation as necessary retaliation after Hamas-linked attacks killed Israelis in Jerusalem and Gaza. Qatar condemned the strike as “state terrorism,” deepening diplomatic fallout.
Observers say Netanyahu’s gamble reflects political desperation at home and a willingness to risk key alliances abroad, even as Israel faces mounting international pressure.
