Israeli ambassador vows more attempts on Hamas leaders after Doha strike

“If we didn’t get them this time, we’ll get them the next time,” Ambassador Yechiel Leiter told Fox News.

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

Israel will continue its pursuit of Hamas’ top leadership, even after the seemingly failed attempt to kill them in a strike on Qatar, Jerusalem’s ambassador to the United States said Tuesday night.

“If we didn’t get them this time, we’ll get them the next time,” Ambassador Yechiel Leiter told Fox News. He acknowledged Israel might face criticism but added, “They’ll get over it. And Israel is being changed for the better.”

The remarks came hours after Israeli warplanes targeted a high-rise in Doha in what officials described as an operation aimed at Hamas’ political leadership.

Hamas said five of its members were killed, including the son of senior figure Khalil al-Hayya, though its top leaders survived.

According to Qatar, one of its own security forces was also killed, and it accused Israel of “state terrorism.”

The strike drew strong reaction across the region. Leaders of the UAE, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia moved quickly to visit Qatar in a show of solidarity, while the United States criticized the action as a unilateral step that did not serve American or Israeli interests.

Qatar also announced that it was withdrawing its mediators from ongoing hostage negotiations following the attack.

Families of hostages expressed concern that the strike could complicate negotiations for their release. US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee said the effect on talks was uncertain, noting Hamas has so far rejected every proposal.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stood firm on demanding the return of all hostages and the surrender of Hamas, while expanding operations across the Middle East against Iran-backed groups.