Trump Forces Netanyahu to Apologize to Qatar Over Controversial Hamas Strike: Inside the Diplomatic Maneuver

US officials confirmed the call was arranged at Trump's insistence during his meeting with Netanyahu.

Speculation emerged regarding whether Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a scripted apology to Qatar after the White House released a striking black-and-white photograph showing US President Donald Trump holding the phone while Netanyahu appeared to be reading carefully from a document.

The image, taken in the Oval Office on Monday, reportedly captures Netanyahu's conversation with Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani.

According to US officials, the call was organized at Trump's direct request during his meeting with Netanyahu. During this exchange, the Israeli leader apologized for the airstrike that targeted Hamas officials in Doha.

The September 9 airstrike resulted in five casualties, including the son of senior Hamas figure Khalil al-Hayya. Although Trump initially claimed no prior knowledge of the operation, reports suggest he was furious that Netanyahu had acted independently.

In a subsequent tense phone conversation with Netanyahu, Trump described the strike as "not wise" and warned that unilateral actions threatened delicate diplomatic efforts in the region. Qatar, which has been serving as a mediator in ceasefire talks alongside Egypt, condemned the bombing as "cowardly" and a clear violation of international law.

Netanyahu, however, defended his decision, citing a limited window of opportunity for the operation.

Upon the Israeli leader's arrival in Washington, Trump arranged a three-way call to reduce tensions. Netanyahu expressed "deep regret" to his Qatari counterpart, acknowledged the breach of sovereignty, and assured there would be no similar incidents in the future.

The photograph reveals a telling dynamic. Trump, traditionally one of Netanyahu's strongest allies, positioned him in a stance of compliance. With head bowed, Netanyahu is shown expressing contrition and reassurances under Trump's watchful eye.

The apology also served a strategic purpose. Qatar had withdrawn from its mediator role following the strike. By compelling Netanyahu to make a formal apology, Trump appeared determined to repair relations and reinstate Doha's participation in the sensitive negotiations.

Trump also signed an executive order pledging to treat any armed attack on Qatar as a threat to the United States' own security.

"The United States shall regard any armed attack on the territory, sovereignty, or critical infrastructure of the State of Qatar as a threat to the peace and security of the United States," stated the order.

"In the event of such an attack, the United States shall take all lawful and appropriate measures - including diplomatic, economic and, if necessary, military - to defend the interests of the United States and of the State of Qatar and to restore peace and stability."

The document specified that senior US defense and intelligence officials will maintain contingency planning with Qatar to ensure rapid response capabilities against any potential attacks.