Netanyahu Considers Further Strikes on Hamas Leaders Amid Regional Tensions

Tue Oct 21 2025 08:29:48 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserts that further military actions against Hamas leaders are possible, amid backlash from allies following a recent attack that resulted in casualties.

In a press conference with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu affirmed that Hamas leaders will not have immunity, indicating potential future strikes even beyond borders. This follows a controversial attack in Qatar that faced international condemnation and raised questions about US-Israel relations. Netanyahu emphasized Israel's right to self-defense and denied any US involvement in the strikes. Despite assurances to Qatar, the region is experiencing heightened tensions as humanitarian issues escalate in Gaza.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not ruled out further strikes on Hamas leaders following last week's attack in Qatar, saying they would not have immunity wherever they are.

Speaking at a Jerusalem press conference with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Netanyahu stated that every country has the right to defend itself beyond its borders.

Israel's decision to target Hamas leaders in Qatar – a close US ally – drew international outcry, including criticism from US President Donald Trump. Hamas reported that six people were killed but claimed its leaders survived.

Netanyahu's comments come days after the White House indicated Trump assured Qatar that such a thing will not happen again on their soil.

Pressed on whether the US had any involvement in the strike, Netanyahu firmly responded: We did it on our own. Period. In response to inquiries about the strike's impact on US relations, Rubio affirmed that Washington maintains strong relationships with our Gulf allies.

The two leaders presented a united front despite the underlying tensions, with Rubio commending the technological and cultural ties between the US and Israel, while Netanyahu remarked that Israel has no better ally.

This meeting occurs as Arab leaders convene a summit to support Qatar, where the Qatari prime minister has urged the international community to cease double standards and penalize Israel.

Qatar plays a crucial role in diplomatic efforts concerning Gaza, acting as a mediator for indirect negotiations between Hamas and Israel and hosting a major US airbase since 2012.

Amidst the backdrop of military activity, Netanyahu reaffirmed US-Israel ties as durable during a visit to the Western Wall with Rubio, who participated in the traditional ritual of placing a note in the wall.

Discussions likely covered additional topics, including Israeli military strategies to seize Gaza City and settlement expansions in the West Bank. Recently, Israeli military activities continued with demolitions in Gaza City, leading to a displacement of around 250,000 residents, many unable to escape due to ongoing airstrikes.

The UN has predicted that escalated offensives could worsen the humanitarian crisis, potentially plunging civilians deeper into catastrophe.

As the UN General Assembly session approaches, some US allies are poised to recognize Palestine, intensifying debates within Israel regarding the future of the West Bank and settlement policies.