Saira Imran Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defends the Qatar strike, which triggered controversy, by mentioning Pakistan twice. The remarks came during a video message on September 10, coinciding with the 24th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks in the United States. Netanyahu compared Israel’s actions against Hamas leaders in Doha to America’s pursuit of al-Qaeda and Osama bin Laden.
Netanyahu Links Qatar Strike to 9/11
In his two-minute address, Netanyahu recalled the September 11, 2001 attacks, calling them “the worst assault on U.S. soil since its founding.” He then drew a direct comparison to October 7, which he described as “Israel’s 9/11” and the deadliest attack on Jews since the Holocaust.
According to him, the United States responded after 9/11 by vowing to pursue terrorists anywhere in the world. Two weeks later, the UN Security Council ruled that no government should provide sanctuary to terrorist groups. Netanyahu argued that Israel was applying the same principle by targeting Hamas leaders in Qatar.
“We Did What America Did”
Netanyahu claimed Qatar funds Hamas, offers its leaders a safe haven, and shelters them in luxury. He insisted Israel’s strike in Doha mirrored America’s fight against al-Qaeda.
“We did the same as the U.S. We hunted down the masterminds of October 7 in Qatar, just like America went after al-Qaeda in Afghanistan and later killed Osama bin Laden in Pakistan,” he said.
The prime minister added that if the world applauded Washington for killing bin Laden, it should also support Israel for targeting Hamas leaders. “Did anyone say Afghanistan or Pakistan were wronged? No, people cheered. The same principle should apply to Israel,” he argued.
Details of the Doha Strike
On Tuesday, Israel carried out a strike in Doha, targeting senior Hamas officials. The Israeli military claimed the attack was aimed at those responsible for the October 7 killings. Hamas said its delegation members were attacked but survived. Reports confirmed that six people, including a Qatari security officer, were killed.
Netanyahu warned other nations against sheltering militants, declaring: “Either expel them or bring them to justice. If you don’t, we will.”
Qatar Rejects Netanyahu’s Remarks
Qatar’s Foreign Ministry strongly condemned Netanyahu’s comments and rejected any comparison between Israel’s strike and America’s 2011 operation against Osama bin Laden.
In an official statement, Qatar called the justification a “shameful attempt” to excuse Israel’s violations of sovereignty. The ministry clarified that Hamas’s political office in Doha was part of international mediation efforts, requested by both the United States and Israel.
It further stressed that al-Qaeda never had an office for negotiations, unlike Hamas, and accused Israel of trying to misrepresent Qatar’s role. Doha vowed to continue working as a neutral mediator for peace while safeguarding its sovereignty.
Social Media Reactions
Netanyahu’s reference to Pakistan ignited widespread debate online. Social media users expressed surprise and criticism at his remarks.
One user posted: “Strange that he justified the Doha attack by mentioning Pakistan twice.”
Another wrote: “Pakistan is not Qatar, and Israel is not America.”
Some commentators accused Netanyahu of “using 9/11 to legitimize his own aggressive actions.”
Broader Implications
Netanyahu’s comparison between Israel’s actions and America’s war on terror is seen by many analysts as an effort to gain international legitimacy. However, critics argue that linking the Doha strike to the U.S. fight against al-Qaeda ignores key differences.
While the U.S. operation in Abbottabad was widely accepted as a counter-terrorism success, Israel’s actions in Qatar risk escalating tensions in the Gulf region. Qatar’s condemnation also highlights the growing friction between Israel and states that maintain mediation channels with Hamas.
The reference to Pakistan has further complicated matters, drawing attention to how Israel frames its military actions within a global security narrative.
International Debate on Netanyahu Qatar Strike
Netanyahu’s defense of the Qatar strike, coupled with his mention of Pakistan, has deepened international debate. Supporters see it as a justified fight against terrorism, while critics accuse Israel of overstepping sovereignty and misusing global tragedies like 9/11 to defend its actions. As the fallout continues, Qatar remains firm in rejecting Israel’s stance, while global reactions suggest the controversy is far from over.
