Netanyahu Informed Trump Before Qatar Strike – Axios Report Reveals

Axios journalist Barak Ravid has reported that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu personally informed then-US President Donald Trump about Israel’s planned strike in Doha, nearly an hour before it happened. According to Ravid, at least three senior Israeli officials confirmed that Netanyahu called Trump at around 8 a.m. to give advance notice.

However, a fourth Israeli official later clarified that the conversation actually took place at 7:45 a.m., slightly earlier than initially reported.

Despite these accounts, Trump has repeatedly maintained that he was not informed in advance. Speaking to reporters, he insisted, “No, no, they didn’t,” when asked if Netanyahu had warned him. He claimed he was only notified after the missiles were already in the air, leaving him no opportunity to intervene.

The contradiction puts pressure on both sides. While Netanyahu’s call suggests Washington had some notice, the Trump administration continues to insist the White House was informed only after the strike began.

The September 9 Strike

The Israeli attack, launched on September 9, targeted Hamas leaders in Qatar’s capital. Although five Hamas members and a Qatari security officer were killed, the top Hamas leaders believed to be the main targets survived.

The strike on Qatari soil — a close ally of the US and mediator in Gaza ceasefire talks — marked a bold escalation in Israel’s war tactics.

Regional & International Reaction

Qatar strongly condemned the strike as “a blatant violation of international law” and warned it endangered the security of Qataris and foreign residents. Arab nations convened an emergency meeting, warning the move could further destabilize an already volatile Middle East.

Washington now faces heightened diplomatic tensions, as it maintains close ties with both Israel and Qatar.

Netanyahu’s Defense

Netanyahu defended the strike by comparing it to America’s post-9/11 response, stating:
“Governments cannot give shelter to terrorists. Yesterday, we acted along those lines.”

While Israeli officials insist it was a “wholly independent operation,” Netanyahu has also accused Qatar of enabling Hamas by hosting and funding its leadership.

Trump’s Dilemma

For Trump, the Axios revelations complicate his effort to distance himself from Israel’s decision. When asked if he had a message for Netanyahu, Trump responded cautiously:
“They have to be very careful. They have to do something about Hamas, but Qatar has been a great ally to the United States.”

Key Takeaway

The conflicting claims between Netanyahu and Trump raise questions about prior coordination and accountability. With both leaders presenting different narratives, the truth behind Washington’s awareness of the strike remains contested.