Netanyahu defends Doha strike, compares it to U.S. Post-9/11 actions

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has defended Israel’s recent strike on Hamas leaders in Doha, Qatar, drawing direct parallels to the U.S. military response after the September 11 attacks. In a televised statement, Netanyahu warned nations that harboring terrorists would invite Israeli action, arguing that Israel had acted within the same principles that guided America after 9/11.

The strike on Tuesday targeted the headquarters of Hamas’ political leadership in Doha, where senior figures were meeting to discuss a U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal for Gaza. The attack on the soil of a U.S. ally marked a sharp escalation, raising concerns about ongoing peace talks and global stability. Qatar swiftly condemned the strike, calling it a “cowardly” act and a grave violation of international law.

Netanyahu framed the October 7 attack on Israel as its own “9/11 moment,” saying it was the worst atrocity against Jews since the Holocaust. He stressed that just as the U.S. tracked Al-Qaeda leaders in Afghanistan and eventually killed Osama bin Laden in Pakistan, Israel had the right to eliminate Hamas leaders wherever they found refuge. “We did exactly what America did,” Netanyahu asserted, claiming global criticism of Israel revealed double standards.

The Prime Minister also accused Qatar of enabling terrorism by offering safe haven, luxury accommodations, and financial support to Hamas leaders. “Qatar finances Hamas. It gives its terrorist chieftains sumptuous villas,” he charged, reiterating his call for nations to either expel or prosecute terrorists.

International reaction has been mixed, with condemnation from several countries, while Israel insists its actions are part of the global fight against terrorism. Netanyahu urged world leaders to recognize the legitimacy of Israel’s strike, arguing that nations should applaud — not condemn — a response aimed at protecting civilians from extremist threats.

By invoking America’s post-9/11 actions, Netanyahu sought to justify Israel’s military strategy as both lawful and necessary, despite the diplomatic rift it risks with key allies.