Israel Launches 'Summit of Fire' Attack on Doha, Straining Qatar Relations
In a significant turn of events, Israel launched an attack on Doha, Qatar's capital, on 9 September 2025. The operation, dubbed 'Summit of Fire', targeted senior Hamas political leadership, straining relations between Israel and Qatar. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who was in office at the time, oversaw the military action involving fighter jets from the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF).
The strike, Israel's first known attack in Qatar, was carried out by eight F-15s and four F-35s, targeting a Hamas residential compound. The operation resulted in casualties, including Hamas members, Qatari security forces, and civilians, causing significant damage. The aftermath saw public mourning led by Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and senior Hamas officials.
In the wake of the attack, Netanyahu reached out to the Emir of Qatar to apologize for violating the country's sovereignty. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order considering any armed attack on Qatar's territory a direct threat to the U.S. The order emphasized diplomatic, economic, and potentially military actions to protect U.S. and Qatari interests and restore peace and stability.
The Israeli attack on Doha, while targeting Hamas leaders, had severe consequences, straining relations with Qatar and drawing a strong response from the U.S. Despite the tension, diplomatic efforts were made to manage the fallout, with Netanyahu apologizing to the Qatari Emir and both leaders expressing commitment to peace.
