'Not wise': Trump had heated call with Netanyahu over Israeli strike in Doha, report says

: Trump rebukes Netanyahu over Hamas operation in Doha

US President Donald Trump had a tense phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after Israel’s military targeted Hamas inside Qatar, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing senior administration officials.

During the call, Trump told Netanyahu that striking within the territory of a US ally “wasn’t wise,” according to the report.

Netanyahu replied that he had a brief window to carry out the operation and decided to act, the newspaper said. A later call between the two leaders on the same day was described as more cordial, with Trump asking whether the attack had been successful.

Israel attempted to kill the political leaders of the Islamist group Hamas with the attack in the Qatari capital Doha on Tuesday.

This comes as Hamas said its senior leaders survived the Israeli airstrike in Doha. However, five members were killed, including the son of exiled Gaza chief and chief negotiator Khalil al-Hayya.

According to senior US officials cited by the Wall Street Journal, President Trump has grown increasingly frustrated with Netanyahu’s unilateral actions, which he believes often force Washington into positions at odds with its broader Middle East strategy.

The strike in Doha targeted Hamas figures who were meeting to discuss a US-backed ceasefire plan. Israeli authorities confirmed the operation, carried out with the Shin Bet security service. Hamas said five people were killed, including al-Hayya’s son and aide, Jihad Labad.

In a statement, Hamas accused Washington of being “jointly responsible” for the attack, insisting the assassination attempt would not affect its position in ceasefire negotiations. “Israel has failed,” the group declared.

Qatar, a key mediator alongside Egypt in the Gaza talks, condemned the attack as “cowardly” and a flagrant violation of international law. Foreign ministry spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari said the strike deliberately hit residential buildings in Doha housing Hamas political bureau members.

The operation, seen as highly sensitive given Qatar’s mediation role, has drawn international criticism. Netanyahu warned Doha to expel Hamas officials or “bring them to justice. Because if you don’t, we will.”

Qatar responded by dismissing his remarks as “reckless,” rejecting the accusation that it was sheltering Hamas leaders.

Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani condemned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accusing him of undermining regional stability and destroying any chance of a ceasefire or the release of hostages in Gaza.

Qatar’s prime minister warned that the Israeli strike had “killed hope” for the Gaza hostages and called for Netanyahu to be “brought to justice.”