Israeli officials are calling the airstrike in Qatar a “perfect surprise,” saying the operation had been prepared for months and only awaited the right opportunity. Intelligence from the Shin Bet paved the way.
In a joint statement, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz said the Jerusalem terror attack was the trigger. With a rare opportunity at hand, they authorized the IDF and Shin Bet to act.
Netanyahu later told the U.S. Independence Day event in Tel Aviv that the Jerusalem attack pushed Israel to strike Hamas leaders abroad.
According to senior sources, Israel received intelligence that Hamas leaders were gathering in Doha to discuss Trump’s proposal for a hostage deal and ceasefire. The meeting became the target. The strike resembled the recent elimination of Houthi leaders in Yemen.