In phone call, Trump demanded Netanyahu not repeat Qatar strike — report

Nava Freiberg is The Times of Israel's deputy diplomatic correspondent.

US President Donald Trump, left, meets Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the White House, July 8, 2025. (Avi Ohayon/GPO)
US President Donald Trump, left, meets Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the White House, July 8, 2025. (Avi Ohayon/GPO)

United States President Donald Trump demanded that Israel not strike Qatar again during a Tuesday phone call with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following the IDF’s targeted attack against Hamas leaders in Doha, two sources with knowledge tell Axios.

“It’s unacceptable. I demand that you do not repeat it,” Trump told Netanyahu in the call, according to the sources.

Trump’s advisers were shocked by the strike, the report adds, noting that one source close to Trump expressed concern over the way Netanyahu and his top adviser, Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, handled the matter, calling it “an unpleasant reminder” of behavior that caused tension with Trump in his previous term.

Despite the reported warning and widespread international condemnation, Netanyahu has firmly defended the strike, warning Qatar — and “all nations that harbor terrorists” — that additional strikes could follow if they do not expel terror figures.

Most Popular
If you’d like to comment, join
The Times of Israel Community.
Join The Times of Israel Community
Commenting is available for paying members of The Times of Israel Community only. Please join our Community to comment and enjoy other Community benefits.
Please use the following structure: example@domain.com
Confirm Mail
Thank you! Now check your email
You are now a member of The Times of Israel Community! We sent you an email with a login link to . Once you're set up, you can start enjoying Community benefits and commenting.