WASHINGTON: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu apologised to his Qatari counterpart for an Israeli strike in Doha during a phone call hosted by US President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday, according to officials familiar with the discussion.
Netanyahu, who was meeting Trump in Washington, joined Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani in what the White House later confirmed was a trilateral call aimed at easing tensions following the strike, which Israel said had targeted Hamas leadership.
According to a White House readout, Trump proposed the establishment of a “trilateral mechanism” between the United States, Israel and Qatar to improve coordination, resolve grievances and prevent future incidents. Both prime ministers accepted the proposal.
Netanyahu expressed “deep regret” that the strike, intended to hit Hamas operatives, had unintentionally killed a Qatari serviceman and violated Qatar’s sovereignty. He assured that such an incident would not be repeated. Al-Thani welcomed the gesture and reaffirmed Qatar’s willingness to continue contributing to regional security.
The three leaders also discussed Trump’s proposed Gaza peace plan, with Trump praising both sides for showing “willingness to move toward cooperation in the interest of peace and security.”
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan fully supported the Gaza peace plan, calling it essential for regional stability. Jordan’s King Abdullah also said many of the plan’s details were aligned with what had been previously agreed upon.
Trump is seeking Netanyahu’s endorsement of the peace framework, which envisions a ceasefire, the release of all remaining hostages within 48 hours and the phased withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza. The plan also calls for renewed dialogue between Israel and the Palestinians and includes assurances of no further Israeli strikes on Qatar.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Israel and Hamas were “very close” to reaching agreement on the framework. Trump is also set to speak with Qatari officials who have acted as intermediaries in talks with Hamas.
“It may leave both sides slightly unhappy, but that is how peace deals are made,” Leavitt said.
