Netanyahu ordered planned strike on Hamas leaders in Doha following Jerusalem shooting attack

Israeli officials said the decision to target Hamas leaders in Qatar had been made well in advance, with planning for the operation unfolding over two to three months and gaining momentum in recent weeks.

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

The deadly Hamas shooting in Jerusalem that killed 6 people on Monday and injured dozens gave the impetus for Israel’s targeted strike on Hamas leaders in Doha on Tuesday.

Although the operation had taken months of planning, the inciting incident was a terror attack, as indicated by Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s statement.

In a joint statement released on Tuesday evening, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that the airstrike followed intelligence consultations and was carried out with full authorization from the country’s top security officials.

“After the murderous attacks in Jerusalem and Gaza, the Prime Minister instructed all security agencies to prepare for action against Hamas leadership,” the statement said. “This afternoon, based on an operational opportunity, and following discussions with security establishment heads, the decision was made to carry out the directive.”

According to the statement, the Israeli leadership believed the strike was justified given Hamas’s ongoing role in planning attacks and its central involvement in the October 7 assault on Israeli communities.

The airstrike reportedly targeted top Hamas figures, including Khaled Mashal, Khalil al-Hayya, Zaher Jabarin, and Nizar Awadallah. Saudi-based Al Hadath reported the men were killed in the strike, while Al Jazeera cited a Hamas source claiming they survived.

Israeli officials said the decision to target Hamas leaders in Qatar had been made well in advance, with planning for the operation unfolding over two to three months and gaining momentum in recent weeks.

The strike, known as Operation Summit of Fire, was approved in secret by the security cabinet.

To ensure the mission’s success, fighter jets dropped 10 bombs. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu oversaw the operation from Shin Bet headquarters and, while the plan had been in place, said he gave the final order following Monday’s terrorist attack.