Netanyahu Threatens More Strikes on Hamas Leaders Amid International Tensions

Tue Oct 21 2025 04:06:49 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has indicated the possibility of additional military strikes against Hamas leaders, asserting Israel's right to defend itself beyond its own borders. This statement comes following a controversial attack on Hamas in Qatar that has drawn international criticism.

In a recent press conference, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not exclude future military actions against Hamas leaders, stating they have no immunity, regardless of their location. This was in response to Israel's recent strike in Qatar, which garnered backlash from international leaders, including US President Donald Trump. Netanyahu emphasized Israel's right to self-defense, while discussions with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio highlighted the ongoing complexities of US-Israeli relations amidst rising tensions.

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 said every country had the right to defend itself beyond its borders.

Israel's decision to target Hamas leaders in Qatar - a close US ally - drew international outrage and criticism from US President Donald Trump. Hamas reported that six people were killed but claimed its leaders survived the attack.

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

When pressed on whether the US had any involvement in the strike, Netanyahu stated, We did it on our own. Period.

In response to a BBC question about whether the strike had affected US relations in the region, Rubio maintained that Washington has strong relationships with our Gulf allies.

The pair presented a united front despite apparent tensions, with Rubio praising the technological and cultural ties between the two countries. Netanyahu asserted Israel had no better ally.

This meeting coincided with an Arab leaders' summit expressing solidarity with Qatar, where the Qatari prime minister urged the international community to cease double standards and take action against Israel.

Qatar, hosting a significant US airbase, has facilitated diplomatic initiatives aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict in Gaza and has been a mediator between Hamas and Israel since 2012.

Rubio will continue his trip to Qatar after his visit to Israel, further emphasizing the complexities of US-Israeli relations. During his visit, Netanyahu also praised the resilience of the US-Israel relationship, stating it was as durable as the stones in the Western Wall.

As tensions escalate, Netanyahu's comments raise concerns over potential further military actions, especially with Israeli plans reportedly in motion to expand operations in Gaza City, where civilians are already at risk due to ongoing hostilities.

Meanwhile, as the UN warns that an intensification of Israel's military operations could push civilians into deeper peril, debates around potential recognition of the State of Palestine by several US allies loom on the horizon, complicating the already fragile dynamics in the region.