By Manisha Sahu, September 15, 2025
In a dramatic escalation of Middle East tensions, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday declared that Israel takes “full responsibility” for the recent airstrike targeting Hamas leaders in Doha, Qatar. The statement came during a joint press conference in Jerusalem with United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio, whose high-profile visit underscored Washington’s firm alignment with Israel amid the intensifying conflict.
Netanyahu: ‘America Stands With Israel’
Speaking before reporters, Netanyahu emphasized that Israel acted deliberately and unapologetically in its strike on Hamas officials, describing the operation as necessary for national and regional security. “We take full responsibility for the attack in Qatar,” Netanyahu said. “We are still receiving the final reports on the strikes, but the intent and responsibility are clear. Israel will continue to act wherever and whenever required to safeguard our people.”
Netanyahu also praised the timing and symbolism of Rubio’s visit. “The presence of Secretary Rubio here today sends a powerful message: America stands with Israel in the face of terror. Together, we will act to defend our nations and ensure that those who seek to destroy us do not succeed.”
The Israeli leader’s remarks came against a backdrop of rising diplomatic strain between the U.S. and some of its Middle Eastern allies, who have voiced unease over the widening scope of Israel’s military operations.
Rubio’s Message: ‘Unwavering Support’
Secretary Rubio, in his first major overseas trip since assuming his role earlier this year, struck an uncompromising tone. He reaffirmed the United States’ long-standing position that Hamas must be dismantled to restore stability in the region.
“Hamas needs to cease to exist as an armed element that can threaten the peace and security of the region,” Rubio said. “The people of Gaza deserve a better future, but that better future cannot begin until Hamas is eliminated.”
Rubio promised “unwavering support” from Washington, pledging military, intelligence, and diplomatic backing for Israel’s goals in Gaza and beyond. “You can count on our commitment to see this through,” he told Netanyahu, adding that the U.S. would continue applying maximum pressure on Iran, Hamas’s chief sponsor, until it “changes course.”
The Qatar Factor
The strikes in Doha mark a rare expansion of Israel’s campaign against Hamas outside of Gaza and neighboring territories. Qatar has long hosted Hamas leaders, serving as both a political base and an intermediary in ceasefire negotiations with Israel.
By targeting Hamas figures on Qatari soil, Israel has sent a signal that no location is beyond its reach. But the move risks straining relations with Doha, which has historically played a mediating role between Hamas, Israel, and Western governments. Regional analysts caution that the strike could complicate future diplomatic efforts, potentially hardening Qatar’s stance and galvanizing broader opposition within the Arab world.
Regional and Global Reactions
While Israel and the United States closed ranks, the attack has drawn sharp criticism across the Middle East. Several Arab governments condemned the strikes as a violation of Qatari sovereignty, urging restraint and warning of the risk of broader destabilization.
Iran, a key backer of Hamas, issued a strongly worded statement accusing Israel and the U.S. of “escalating aggression” and vowed consequences. Turkey also condemned the operation, with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan calling it “a reckless act that undermines regional peace.”
In contrast, European allies have largely backed Israel’s right to self-defense, though some leaders privately expressed concern about the fallout of expanding military actions beyond Gaza.
A Shifting U.S. Role in the Middle East
Rubio’s visit and remarks mark a significant moment in U.S. Middle East policy. Traditionally, American officials have balanced support for Israel with calls for de-escalation and negotiation. Rubio’s rhetoric, however, leaned heavily toward endorsing Israel’s hardline approach, leaving little room for compromise.
“This is a clear departure from the cautious diplomacy we’ve seen in past administrations,” said Dr. Leila Haddad, a Middle East policy analyst. “The message now is less about mediation and more about absolute alignment with Israel’s military strategy. That will resonate in Israel but may alienate key U.S. partners in the Gulf.”
The visit also comes at a time when U.S. credibility in the Middle East is under scrutiny, particularly after years of shifting policies on Iran and inconsistent engagement in conflicts across the region. Rubio’s explicit vow to stand “shoulder to shoulder” with Israel aims to reassert American influence, but whether it will stabilize or inflame the situation remains uncertain.
Looking Ahead
As reports from the Qatar strike continue to emerge, questions linger over how far Israel is prepared to extend its campaign against Hamas outside traditional battlegrounds, and how regional powers will respond.
For Netanyahu, the calculus is clear: projecting strength and ensuring security, even if it means diplomatic fallout. For Rubio and the United States, the challenge will be balancing unwavering support for Israel with maintaining fragile alliances across the Middle East.
What is certain is that the Doha strike has widened the theater of conflict and introduced new complexities into an already volatile region. With Israel openly claiming responsibility and the U.S. doubling down on its support, the next phase of the crisis may prove even more unpredictable.
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