US President Donald Trump expressed sharp frustration at Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following Israel’s September 11 strike in Qatar, targeting Hamas leadership. According to The Wall Street Journal, Trump, reportedly calling Netanyahu his “greatest friend,” used strong language to vent his anger at being blindsided by the operation.
Trump met with senior officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, to discuss the US response. He criticized Israel for not alerting Washington in advance, asserting that he first learned about the strike from the US military rather than Israel. While he voiced his irritation privately, Trump clarified he does not intend to publicly sever ties with Netanyahu.
The strike on Qatar, a key US ally and host to the Al Udeid Air Base, has alarmed Gulf nations and raised questions about US credibility in the Middle East. Experts note the attack may complicate Trump’s efforts as a peacemaker in the Gaza conflict. Israeli officials, however, maintain that Netanyahu informed Trump of the operation on the morning of September 11, highlighting differences in perception between Washington and Jerusalem.