Israel’s foreign intelligence agency Mossad declined to participate in ground operations against Hamas officials in Qatar, leading to Tuesday’s controversial airstrikes instead, according to a Washington Post report citing Israeli officials.
Mossad denies airstrikes against Hamas in Qatar
The airstrikes targeted senior Hamas leaders in Qatar, marking a significant escalation in Israel’s operations against the Palestinian militant group. However, the absence of Mossad from Israel’s official statements regarding the operation revealed internal disagreements within the Israeli security establishment.
Two Israeli sources familiar with the matter told the newspaper that Mossad chief David Barnea opposed a recent plan for an on-the-ground operation “partly because such an action could rupture the relationship he and his agency had cultivated with the Qataris.” Qatar has served as a crucial mediator in ceasefire negotiations while hosting Hamas leadership.
Internal Opposition and Support
The strike faced resistance from key military figures. Israel Defence Forces Chief Lt Gen Eyal Zamir opposed the timing of the operation, while Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer and Defence Minister Israel Katz supported Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s decision. Notably, Nitzan Alon, a senior IDF officer responsible for hostage negotiations, was excluded from planning meetings to prevent opposition voices.
The Mossad’s concerns influenced both the timing and methodology of the strike. “We can get them in one, two, or four years from now, and the Mossad knows how to do it,” one Israeli official questioned. “Why do it now?”
Casualties and Diplomatic Fallout
Hamas reported that while the airstrike failed to eliminate top officials including acting leader Khalil al-Hayya, it killed several relatives, aides, and a Qatari officer. Qatar condemned the attack as “state terrorism” and accused Israel of betraying the mediation process.
Netanyahu defended the operation, drawing parallels to America’s post-9/11 response. “I say to Qatar and all nations that harbour terrorists, you either expel them or you bring them to justice. Because if you don’t, we will,” he stated. He characterized Hamas’ October 7 attack as Israel’s “9/11 moment” and accused Doha of providing safe haven to terrorists.
International Response
US President Donald Trump expressed dissatisfaction with the operation, stating he was “very unhappy about every aspect” of it. The strike has raised concerns about its impact on ongoing diplomatic efforts and regional stability.
Analysts suggest Netanyahu may have lost patience with the prolonged ceasefire negotiations, opting for military action despite internal opposition from intelligence and military leadership.
