Jerusalem, September 11, 2025: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday defended this week’s airstrike in Qatar, saying it was aimed at the masterminds of the October 7 attacks, and compared it to the U.S. operation that killed al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden in Pakistan in 2011.
In a video message released on the anniversary of 9/11, Netanyahu said: “Just as the United States pursued al-Qaeda and eliminated bin Laden in Pakistan, Israel will pursue terrorists wherever they are — even abroad.”
Responding to the strong international backlash over the Doha strike, Netanyahu criticized world leaders for condemning Israel. “Many countries are now condemning Israel — they should be ashamed. When the U.S. killed bin Laden, did they say Afghanistan or Pakistan were wronged? No, they applauded. They should apply the same principles here and praise Israel for upholding them,” he said.
The Israeli premier also issued a warning to Qatar and other countries accused of harboring militants. “I say to Qatar and to all states sheltering terrorists: either expel them or bring them to justice. If you do not, we will,” Netanyahu declared.
The strike in Doha earlier this week killed several Hamas members and a Qatari security officer, prompting global condemnation and raising fears of further escalation in the region.
