Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has apologised to Qatar for Israel’s September 9 airstrike on Doha, which killed a Qatari security officer and drew widespread condemnation across the Arab world.
The apology came in a phone call with Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani on Monday, while Netanyahu was meeting US President Donald Trump at the White House. Sources confirmed that Netanyahu expressed regret for the violation of Qatari sovereignty and for the loss of life.
Qatar had made an Israeli apology a key condition for resuming its role as mediator in talks between Israel and Hamas. The call is seen as a potential breakthrough, clearing the way for renewed negotiations on a deal to end the Gaza war and secure the release of hostages still held in the territory.
The September airstrike had targeted Hamas leaders believed to be in Doha but failed to kill its top figures, instead striking lower-level officials. The attack united Arab governments in outrage and temporarily stalled back-channel talks. Paradoxically, officials say it also generated momentum for a broader regional push towards a comprehensive ceasefire agreement.
US President Trump, who spoke with the emir of Qatar ahead of Netanyahu’s arrival, hopes to unveil such a deal during Netanyahu’s visit to Washington. Negotiations are centred on a 21-point plan drafted by Trump’s team, which includes a ceasefire, hostage releases, prisoner exchanges, and steps toward a potential Palestinian state.
Israel has also agreed to pay compensation to the family of the Qatari officer killed in the strike, according to sources familiar with the talks.
A Qatari delegation arrived at the White House on Monday to continue discussions on Trump’s plan alongside Israeli and US officials. A joint press conference with Trump and Netanyahu is scheduled later today.