Israel initially intended to target senior Hamas leaders in Ankara, not Doha, but changed course after facing significant diplomatic and strategic obstacles, according to a report by the Lebanese newspaper Al-Akhbar, citing Egyptian sources.
The report claims Israel’s strike in Doha was a fallback option after plans to carry out the operation on Turkish soil were blocked. According to the sources, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government believed that launching such an operation inside Turkey—a NATO member—could expose Israel to greater political and economic consequences.
By contrast, Tel Aviv reportedly calculated that the United States could better manage the fallout from an attack on Qatari territory, given Washington’s close ties with Doha and the presence of its largest military base in the region there.
On Tuesday afternoon, Israeli forces struck Hamas negotiators in Qatar while they were reportedly discussing a ceasefire proposal backed by the U.S.
According to The Wall Street Journal, Netanyahu gave the green light for the strike during a cabinet meeting, just minutes before the attack took place. The Israeli military informed Washington of its intent only after fighter jets were already airborne.
The WSJ also reported that Hamas officials had been warned weeks earlier by Egyptian and Turkish intelligence to increase their security measures.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan condemned the strike in harsh terms, calling it a violation of international law and Qatari sovereignty.
“The Israeli attack on Hamas negotiators in Qatar is yet another clear display of Netanyahu’s blind rage and intent to escalate the conflict,” Erdoğan said.
“Turkey stands firmly with the Palestinian people, and with our ally, friend, and strategic partner Qatar.”
He accused the Israeli government of turning terrorism into a tool of state policy.
