Israeli Military Operation in Doha Targets Hamas Leadership, Sparks Internal Israeli Discord

Israeli Airstrike Hits Doha, Targets Hamas Officials

On September 9, 2025, an Israeli military operation, reportedly named 'Operation Summit of Fire', struck a residential compound in Doha, Qatar, targeting senior leadership of the Palestinian militant group Hamas. The strike occurred while Hamas officials were reportedly meeting to discuss a United States-proposed ceasefire in the ongoing conflict. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) later confirmed the attempt to assassinate Hamas's leadership.

The operation resulted in the deaths of six individuals, including five Hamas members and one Qatari security official. Among the deceased Hamas members was reportedly the son of senior leader Khalil al-Hayya. However, key targets such as Khalil al-Hayya, Zaher Jabarin, Muhammad Ismail Darwish, and Khaled Mashal, who were believed to be present, reportedly survived the attack. The Shin Bet assessed that the strike failed to achieve its primary objective of assassinating the Hamas leaders.

Netanyahu's Office Implicated in Exposure Amidst Internal Security Rifts

The operation's exposure and its aftermath have reportedly unveiled significant internal struggles within Israeli security agencies. Sources indicate that the operation was 'practically exposed through the office of Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu'. This exposure was allegedly an attempt by Netanyahu's office to increase pressure on the heads of Mossad and Shin Bet, potentially paving the way for an organizational purge within these intelligence bodies.

Reports suggest widespread dissent among top security leaders regarding the timing and execution of the operation. The Mossad reportedly refused to carry out a planned ground operation to eliminate Hamas leaders in Doha, fearing it would jeopardize ongoing hostage-ceasefire talks and damage the agency's relationship with Qatar, a crucial Middle East mediator. Key figures reportedly opposed to the strike included IDF chief of staff Eyal Zamir, Mossad chief David Barnea, and National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi. Conversely, Prime Minister Netanyahu, Defense Minister Israel Katz, the acting Shin Bet chief 'S', and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer were reportedly in favor. Nitzan Alon, who leads hostage negotiations, was reportedly excluded from discussions concerning the operation.

Widespread International Condemnation Follows Strike

The Israeli strike drew immediate and widespread international condemnation. Qatar denounced the attack as a 'blatant violation of all international laws and norms' and a 'serious threat' to its sovereignty, stating it reserved the right to respond. The United Nations Security Council, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and the Arab League also issued condemnations. Nations including the United Kingdom, France, Japan, and Russia joined in criticizing the action.

U.S. President Donald Trump expressed his displeasure, stating he was 'not thrilled' and 'very unhappy about every aspect' of the event, noting that unilaterally bombing a close ally like Qatar 'does not advance Israel or America's goals'. While some Israeli officials claimed Trump was informed prior to the strike, other reports suggest Washington received notification only minutes before missiles impacted Doha.

Prime Minister Netanyahu defended the operation, asserting it was 'fully justified' and a 'surgical, precision strike'. He declared, 'Over are the days when leaders of terror enjoy immunity anywhere,' and affirmed it was a 'wholly independent' Israeli operation.