Jerusalem, 13 Sept

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s attempt to assassinate Hamas leaders in Qatar this week has backfired, with Hamas claiming its senior figures survived and Israel facing renewed diplomatic backlash.

Netanyahu had hoped the strike would bring him closer to his vision of “total victory” after nearly two years of war in Gaza. Instead, it has further damaged his global standing, strained ties with Qatar and the US, and jeopardised fragile ceasefire talks — with 20 hostages still believed to be alive in Gaza.

Five Hamas members and a Qatari guard were killed, but none of the senior exiled leaders, according to Hamas. “It’s all very symbolic… It would have allowed Netanyahu to say: ‘We won, we killed them all,’” said Harel Chorev of Tel Aviv University.

Despite the setback, Netanyahu shows no sign of relenting. His hardline coalition remains firmly behind him, leaving his political future secure for now.

Netanyahu's hope for an image of victory for his government

Netanyahu has long sought to eradicate Hamas and frame it as a decisive victory. Israel has already eliminated most of Hamas’ commanders inside Gaza. But without the exiled leadership’s deaths, his promise of “total victory” looks increasingly unlikely.

Far-right members of his coalition are pressing him to expand operations in Gaza City, despite unease among military leaders and public opposition. A successful operation in Qatar could have helped him appease hardliners while weakening Hamas’ negotiating capacity.

Burning the channel with Qatar

Until now, Israel had avoided striking Hamas leaders in Doha to keep Qatar’s mediation channel open. Qatar previously brokered two ceasefires that freed 148 hostages in exchange for thousands of Palestinian prisoners.

“This attack signalled to the world that Israel gave up on negotiations,” said Chorev. Qatar’s prime minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, told the UN Security Council that Israel had abandoned the hostages but said his country remained open to mediation.

Families of captives reacted with anguish. “Why does the prime minister insist on blowing up every chance for a deal?” asked Einav Zangauker, whose son is among those still held.

Straining ties with the US

The strike has unsettled relations with Washington. President Donald Trump, a strong backer of Israel, said he was “very unhappy” and assured Qatar such an attack would not happen again, though he stopped short of threatening action.

Netanyahu has remained defiant, warning Hamas leaders abroad: “There is no place where we cannot reach you.”

Little impact on the war in Gaza

Israel is pressing ahead with its expanded offensive in Gaza City, ordering around one million people to evacuate. Calls from the UN, EU and Western governments to end the war have been brushed aside.

“Netanyahu’s government is adamant to go on with the military operation in Gaza,” said Gayil Talshir of Hebrew University. The only possible check, she said, would be Trump telling Israel, “enough is enough.”

Netanyahu's political future unthreatened

Despite widespread calls in Israel for a ceasefire and hostage deal, Netanyahu’s immediate future depends on his coalition rather than public opinion. Many of his partners have supported the failed assassination attempt.

For hostage families, the political manoeuvring has meant more pain. “I was shaking with fear after hearing about the attack in Doha,” said Zangauker. “Why?”