‘Qatar Finances Hamas’: Netanyahu Defends Doha Strike, Compares It To US Post-9/11 Response

Last Updated:September 11, 2025, 12:02 IST

PM Netanyahu defended Israel’s deadly strike on Doha, likening it to the US response after 9/11, accusing Qatar of harboring Hamas leaders and warning of further action.

The Doha attack by Israel has set the Middle East ablaze with tension, threatening stability in a region already scarred by conflict. (File Image: AFP)

Days after the Israeli military launched a deadly attack on the Qatari capital, Doha, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the strike by likening the move to the United States’ response after 9/11.

As the Israeli PM drew a direct parallel between the October 7 Hamas attacks in Israel and the September 11 attacks in the US, he described it as Israel’s “9/11 moment.”

The Israeli attack reportedly missed Hamas leaders but killed six people, including a security official and relatives of leaders of the militant group.

In a video message posted on X, Netanyahu accused Qatar of harbouring terrorists and funding Hamas leaders, saying the Gulf nation was offering them a safe haven and luxurious accommodations while they continued to orchestrate violence.

He urged the nations harbouring terrorists to either expel them or bring them to justice, warning that Israel would take action if they fail to do so.

“I say to Qatar and all nations who harbor terrorists, you either expel them or you bring them to justice. Because if you don’t, we will,” he tweeted, referencing the post-9/11 US military actions in Afghanistan and the operation that killed Al-Qaeda terrorist Osama bin Laden in Pakistan.

The video was posted a day before the 24th anniversary of the deadly 9/11 attack.

The Israeli strike was reported as Hamas’ political leadership was meeting in Doha to discuss a potential ceasefire deal proposed by the US.

Despite growing international criticism, Netanyahu stood firm, accusing global powers of hypocrisy, saying the world applauded America for its war on terror but Israel is being condemned for doing the same.

The attack has drawn sharp condemnation from Qatar, which called it a “cowardly act” and “a blatant violation of all international laws and norms, and poses a serious threat to the security and safety of Qataris and residents in Qatar.”

He concluded the video by reiterating that nations that host terrorist groups are complicit in their actions and must be held accountable.

Israel has been bombarding Gaza, Lebanon, Yemen and Syria as well as carrying out daily attacks in the occupied West Bank in Palestine.

The escalation marks a significant shift in Israel’s military posture and threatens to complicate ongoing diplomatic efforts to end the Gaza conflict and secure the release of hostages.

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Manisha Roy

Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com’s general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manisha.Roy@nw18…Read More

Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com’s general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manisha.Roy@nw18… Read More

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