Qatar cannot believe Israel dared to attack on its soil
After Israel's deadly strike on Hamas leaders yesterday in Doha, Qatar is furious with Israel (and understandably so). But to what extent? And what does it means for the two countries moving forwards?
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Following Israel's recent strike in Doha, a diplomatic dispute has erupted between Iran and Qatar over a phone call between their respective leaders, with the two sides offering dramatically different accounts of the conversation.
The conflict centers on whether Qatar's Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, used harsh, anti-Israel language that appeared in the Iranian press release but was completely absent from Qatar's official statement.
Iran's Version
According to the official Iranian report, President Ebrahim Raisi spoke with the Qatari Emir. The Iranian statement claims the Emir called Prime Minister Netanyahu a "war criminal" who "knows no bounds to his crimes and bombs wherever he wants, without seeing obstacles." Iran's President also stated that his country stands with Qatar and will take any necessary action to support its "close neighbor and friend."
Qatar's Version
The official Qatari statement confirms the phone call but makes no mention of the "war criminal" accusation or any of the other harsh language attributed to the Emir by the Iranians. The Qatari version says the Emir "confirmed the solidarity of Iran with the State of Qatar and a strong condemnation of the cowardly Israeli attack," adding that it was a "blatant violation of all international laws and norms" and a "serious threat to the security of the State of Qatar and the region." The statement also has the Emir thanking the Iranian President for his "sincere brotherly feelings." The discrepancy suggests Iran is seeking to portray a more aggressive stance from Qatar than the Gulf nation is willing to publicly assume.
Israel and the US reportedly reassured the Qataris recently, stating that Hamas leaders would not be targeted while they were on Qatari soil. But, as they now know, actions speak louder than words. As to why they were happily hosting known terrorists in their country, that's a different question.
In an incredible statement, Iraqi Shia politician, Faik al-Sheikh Ali commented on the Israeli attack in Qatar. He said, “Let's be honest. No country in the region can respond to Israel. Any attempt to boast and threaten a response (against it) is a fabrication. Everyone should be content with condemnation, and that's it. Israel's hand is long, and it has decided to finish the 'fighting political Islam' in the region. And it will do it,” as reported by Open Source Intel.