"The attack was damaging not just for Israel's global standing, but potentially for America's. Qatar's prime minister told the White House his country would now reevaluate its security partnership with Washington after this act of "betrayal," and said in a CNN interview that leaders across the Gulf were discussing how to respond. But Netanyahu is publicly unapologetic, even suggesting he might order another attack, regardless of Trump's demand."
"What they're saying: Trump's advisers were genuinely shocked by the strike in Qatar, a close U.S. ally and now the seventh country Israel has bombed since Oct. 7, 2023. "I'm not thrilled about the whole situation. I was very unhappy about every aspect," Trump told reporters on Tuesday night. One source close to Trump told Axios that the way Netanyahu and his confidant Ron Dermer handled the issue "was an unpleasant reminder" of the behavior that led to friction with Trump in his first term."
"Behind the scenes: Trump held two phone calls with Netanyahu on Tuesday to discuss the strike in Qatar, U.S. officials said. During their first call, Trump expressed disappointment with the Israeli decision and puzzlement over what it was supposed to achieve long term. "It's unacceptable. I demand that you do not repeat it," Trump told Netanyahu, according to two sources with knowledge. Trump then updated the Qatari emir and prime minister, both of whom were furious."
An Israeli strike in Qatar harmed Israel's international reputation and risked U.S. regional ties. Qatar's prime minister told the White House the country will reevaluate its security partnership with Washington after calling the attack a "betrayal," and Gulf leaders were reported to be discussing responses. The strike marked the seventh country hit by Israel since Oct. 7, 2023. President Trump expressed strong displeasure, spoke twice with Netanyahu, and demanded the attack not be repeated. Qatar's leaders were described as furious, and Qatar signaled it may seek alternative security partners if needed.
Read at Axios
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