Israeli cabinet meets after failed assassination attempt in Doha; Netanyahu reviews course of negotiations and Gaza occupation plans
Al-Khamisa News Network - Gaza
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to hold a meeting of the war cabinet (the “kabinett”) on Friday in the first discussion following the attempted assassination of Hamas leaders in Doha, where plans for an operation to occupy Gaza will be discussed, along with the failed attack’s impact on the course of a prisoner exchange deal.
Channel 12 Hebrew said senior Israeli officials confirmed that talks have come to a complete halt, and that it may take several days to understand the dimensions of what happened, noting that Qatar’s role as a mediator has been severely damaged, and there are fears that Hamas may harden its positions in the coming period.
During the preparatory discussions, Mossad chief David Barnea warned that the violation of Qatari sovereignty would have a negative effect on the negotiations, considering that Doha has been the most effective mediator so far, adding: “So far, the Qataris are the ones who have been able to move the agreements — take that into account.”
According to the channel, Qatar — angered by the Israeli strike — announced the suspension of negotiations, held a meeting at the UN Security Council in New York, and called for an emergency Arab-Islamic summit next week in Doha.
Failed assassination attempt in Doha
The channel said there was a mood of disappointment within Israeli military and political circles after the failed attempt to assassinate Hamas leaders. It reported that the Asr (afternoon) prayer foiled the operation, as the leaders left the negotiation room to perform prayers, leaving their mobile phones behind, which misled intelligence that believed they were still inside the venue.
The attack was carried out using 12 missiles and 15 fighter jets, and targeted the assassination of senior leaders including Khalil al-Hayya, Zaher Jabarin, and Khaled Mashal, but the negotiating team survived the airstrike that targeted a meeting discussing the Trump-proposed ceasefire plan.
