"Disgrace"
"Repulsive and Disgusting": Israelis Are Furious at Netanyahu - This is Why
In a rare three-way call with Donald Trump and Qatar’s prime minister, Netanyahu issued an apology to Doha — triggering fierce condemnation from Israeli politicians and media.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing a political firestorm after apologizing to Qatar for the failed attempted assassination of senior Hamas officials in Doha.
The apology came during a highly unusual three-way call with U.S. President Donald Trump and Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani.
According to diplomatic sources, the Qatari leader demanded a formal apology as a precondition for resuming mediation talks aimed at securing the release of Israeli hostages and advancing a U.S.-backed framework to end the Gaza war. Netanyahu complied, setting off a wave of outrage at home.
Prominent Israeli journalists and politicians lined up to denounce the move.
Michael Shemesh of Kan 11 called the apology “either a humiliating Israeli capitulation or a signal that a very serious deal is on the table.” Channel 12’s Amit Segal was even harsher: “The Qataris have never condemned the October 7 massacre. Even if there’s diplomatic necessity, this is repulsive and disgusting.”
Far-right minister Itamar Ben-Gvir slammed Qatar as a “terror-supporting, terror-funding state,” insisting no apology was justified.
Opposition leaders were equally scathing.
Avigdor Lieberman declared: “Netanyahu never apologized to the Israeli people for the thousands murdered, raped, and kidnapped on his watch, yet he apologizes to Qatar.”
Yair Golan of "The Democrats" party called the move “humiliation,” arguing: “To defeat Hamas, Israel must replace both Bibi and Qatar.”
Still, Washington views Qatar as a critical mediator with Hamas, and the apology may pave the way for renewed talks on a hostage deal and possible ceasefire arrangement.