Scoop: Netanyahu apologizes to Qatar for violating sovereignty with airstrike
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Netanyahu at the White House in July. Photo: Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani on Monday and apologized for violating Qatari sovereignty in Israel's recent strike on Doha, a source familiar tells Axios. He also expressed regret for the killing of a Qatari security officer.
Why it matters: An Israeli apology over the strike was a key Qatari condition for resuming its mediation with Hamas over a deal to end the war in Gaza and free the remaining hostages. The apology call, which happened during Netanyahu's meeting with President Trump, could clear the way for such a deal.
- The White House said Trump "hosted" the trilateral call and hoped it would be a step toward improving relations between the two key U.S. allies.
Flashback: Israel attempted to take out Hamas' leaders in the Sept. 9 attack in Doha but only managed to kill lower-level officials while uniting Arab leaders in outrage.
The intrigue: The strike paradoxically helped create momentum in the region behind a comprehensive deal to end the war, which Trump hopes to announce during Netanyahu's visit.
- Trump held a call with the emir of Qatar before Netanyahu arrived at the White House.
- Israel will pay compensation to the family of the security officer who was killed, the source with knowledge said.
- Netanyahu is already getting public backlash over the call from some members of his hard-right coalition.
Behind the scenes: Trump had wanted Netanyahu to make the apology sooner, according to a source who discussed the issue with Trump two weeks ago and relayed the president's desire for Netanyahu to apologize.
- "A simple 'I'm sorry' goes a long way," the source said.
What's next: Trump and Netanyahu are due to begin a press conference shortly.
- A Qatari delegation also arrived at the White House on Monday to continue the negotiations over Trump's plan.
This is a breaking news story and will be updated.
