‘We did exactly what US did’: Netanyahu defends Israeli strikes on Hamas in Doha, compares to post-9/11 response

Netanyahu defends Doha strike, compares it to US post-9/11 Response

Days after Israel carried out targeted strikes against Hamas leadership in Doha, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the operation, drawing parallels with the United States’ response to the September 11 attacks.

In a strongly-worded video message posted on X, Netanyahu urged countries harboring terrorists to either expel them or bring them to justice, warning that Israel would act if they failed. He specifically called on Qatar to "expel Hamas leaders and bring them to justice," adding that if Doha failed to comply, Israel would "get the job done."

“I say to Qatar and all nations who harbor terrorists: you either expel them or you bring them to justice. Because if you don’t, we will,” Netanyahu declared.

I say to Qatar and all nations who harbor terrorists, you either expel them or you bring them to justice. Because if you don’t, we will pic.twitter.com/nlYa7r1OPi

— Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) September 10, 2025

The strike reportedly missed Hamas leaders but killed six people, including a security official and relatives of militant group leaders. Netanyahu accused Qatar of harboring and funding Hamas leaders, claiming the Gulf nation provided them a haven and luxurious accommodations while they continued to orchestrate violence.

He also referenced US counterterror operations, stating, "We did exactly what America did, went after Al-Qaeda terrorists in Afghanistan and later killed Osama bin Laden in Pakistan."

Netanyahu added, "Tomorrow is September 11. We remember September 11th. On that day, Islamist terrorists committed the worst savagery on American soil since the founding of the United States. We also have a September 11th. We remember October 7th. On that day, Islamist terrorists committed the worst savagery against the Jewish people since the Holocaust."

The Israeli strike coincided with a meeting of Hamas’ political leadership in Doha to discuss a potential US-proposed ceasefire deal. Responding to criticism from the international community, Netanyahu said, "Now, the various countries of the world condemn Israel. They should be ashamed of themselves."