WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump is attempting to strike a sensitive balance following Israel’s attack on Hamas officials in Qatar, distancing himself from the operation while stopping short of condemning Israel for such an audacious move on a key U.S. ally's territory.
In his response, Trump indicated that the unilateral action taken by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “did not advance Israel or America’s goals,” presenting a notably muted stance against the strike. During a social media update, he suggested that this “unfortunate incident could serve as an opportunity for peace.”
“This was a decision made by Prime Minister Netanyahu, it was not a decision made by me,” Trump stated following the intense situation.
As tensions in the region escalate, Trump is keen to assuage any concerns from Qatar, which has been pivotal in mediating U.S. relations with Iran and its proxies, particularly in light of talks involving Tehran-backed Hamas amid ongoing conflict in Gaza. The U.S. maintains approximately 10,000 troops at the strategically significant Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, vital for military operations.
Amid the fallout, Trump disclosed that he instructed special envoy Steve Witkoff to warn Qatari officials about the attack as soon as he was informed. However, he noted that the alert came “too late to stop the attack,” a claim that was quickly countered by Qatar's Foreign Ministry, which denied receiving prior warning.
In recent months, Qatar has sought to enrich ties with Trump, even gifting a $400 million Boeing 747 to be refurbished into a new Air Force One. Trump reaffirmed his view of Qatar as a reliable ally, expressing his concern over the strike’s location near their capital.
Despite the goodwill, Qatar faces scrutiny for its longstanding financial support of Hamas prior to the war. Trump carefully delineated that “eliminating Hamas” remains a “worthy goal” in light of ongoing violence and kidnappings, including approximately 48 hostages, with around 20 believed to still be alive.
As the White House navigates this complex diplomatic landscape, officials have not clarified the timeline of warnings from the U.S. to Qatar regarding the Israeli strikes, nor whether any concerns existed about Qatar potentially alerting Hamas. Israeli notifications had been described as vague, lacking critical operational details that might allow adequate advance warnings.
Efforts to maintain a solid relationship with both Israel and Qatar suggest careful damage control by the Trump administration, as he continues conversations with leaders from both sides to stabilize the delicate situation and potentially expedite hostages' release. Trump recently forewarned Hamas about consequences should they not accept a proposed exchange of remaining hostages for Palestinian prisoners, framing it as his last warning.
In his response, Trump indicated that the unilateral action taken by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “did not advance Israel or America’s goals,” presenting a notably muted stance against the strike. During a social media update, he suggested that this “unfortunate incident could serve as an opportunity for peace.”
“This was a decision made by Prime Minister Netanyahu, it was not a decision made by me,” Trump stated following the intense situation.
As tensions in the region escalate, Trump is keen to assuage any concerns from Qatar, which has been pivotal in mediating U.S. relations with Iran and its proxies, particularly in light of talks involving Tehran-backed Hamas amid ongoing conflict in Gaza. The U.S. maintains approximately 10,000 troops at the strategically significant Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, vital for military operations.
Amid the fallout, Trump disclosed that he instructed special envoy Steve Witkoff to warn Qatari officials about the attack as soon as he was informed. However, he noted that the alert came “too late to stop the attack,” a claim that was quickly countered by Qatar's Foreign Ministry, which denied receiving prior warning.
In recent months, Qatar has sought to enrich ties with Trump, even gifting a $400 million Boeing 747 to be refurbished into a new Air Force One. Trump reaffirmed his view of Qatar as a reliable ally, expressing his concern over the strike’s location near their capital.
Despite the goodwill, Qatar faces scrutiny for its longstanding financial support of Hamas prior to the war. Trump carefully delineated that “eliminating Hamas” remains a “worthy goal” in light of ongoing violence and kidnappings, including approximately 48 hostages, with around 20 believed to still be alive.
As the White House navigates this complex diplomatic landscape, officials have not clarified the timeline of warnings from the U.S. to Qatar regarding the Israeli strikes, nor whether any concerns existed about Qatar potentially alerting Hamas. Israeli notifications had been described as vague, lacking critical operational details that might allow adequate advance warnings.
Efforts to maintain a solid relationship with both Israel and Qatar suggest careful damage control by the Trump administration, as he continues conversations with leaders from both sides to stabilize the delicate situation and potentially expedite hostages' release. Trump recently forewarned Hamas about consequences should they not accept a proposed exchange of remaining hostages for Palestinian prisoners, framing it as his last warning.
