U.S. Negotiators Say Israeli Strike in Qatar “Shattered Trust” in Trump-Led Peace Effort

 

In a revealing disclosure, senior U.S. envoys for the Middle East say they “felt betrayed” by Israel after it launched an air-strike in Qatar amidst delicate peace talks. The strike, carried out in September, targeted Hamas-linked operatives and prompted a breakdown in trust between the United States and Qatar, a pivotal mediator in the region.

According to the interview ahead of its full broadcast, Steve Witkoff explained: “It had a metastasizing effect because the Qataris were critical to the negotiation… We had lost the confidence of the Qataris. And so Hamas went underground, and it was very, very difficult to get to them.” The strike reportedly disrupted back-channel contact with Hamas, complicating efforts by the Trump administration to advance its 20-point peace plan in Gaza and beyond.

Jared Kushner added that the strike prompted President Donald Trump to reassess his expectations of Israel, believing that Israeli actions were “getting a little bit out of control” and that it was time to intervene more forcefully. Analysts say the incident underscores the balancing-act required when the U.S. mediates between its strategic ally Israel and Arab-world partners like Qatar and Egypt.

While the broader cease-fire deal between Israel and Hamas has advanced, this episode serves as a cautionary tale: in diplomacy, military moves—even by allies—can carry heavy consequences. The breakdown of trust may not only delay immediate agreements but could also hamper long-term regional cooperation.