Internal Israeli divisions over timing of the attack on Qatar
Al-Khamisa News Network - Gaza
The Hebrew-language Kan channel revealed on Tuesday evening sharp disagreements within the Israeli security and military establishment over the timing of the attack that targeted Hamas leaders in the Qatari capital Doha, coinciding with ongoing negotiations to reach a comprehensive deal to free prisoners and end the war.
According to the report, the army chief of staff and senior security officials voiced clear reservations about carrying out the operation at this time, warning of its negative repercussions on the negotiation process. By contrast, the acting head of the Shin Bet strongly supported the operation, a position adopted by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz, who said the operation came as part of a “rare operational opportunity” and with undisclosed U.S. support.
Israeli sources said the assassination had been planned for more than a year and targeted a large meeting of Hamas leaders, although Khaled Meshaal was not among those present. The attack led to a freeze in talks that had been discussing the principles of an agreement to end the war and complete a prisoners’ deal.
Conversely, Israeli negotiating parties expressed their rejection of the operation, asserting that “dialogue is still possible,” particularly with Washington proposing a new initiative that includes a halt to the war and the release of prisoners.
Families of Israeli captives voiced concern that their sons would “pay the price of revenge” while in captivity after the operation, noting that the prospects for their return have become more uncertain. In this context, some families met with Qatari officials in Washington, while others met with the Qatari prime minister in Doha in recent days.
Meanwhile, Israel’s coordinator for prisoners and missing persons, Gal Hirsch, sent a reassuring message to the families, saying that “Israel will continue to press and work by all means to ensure the return of the captives, and that this issue remains at the top of its priorities.”
