'Israel’s long arm will act against enemies anywhere': Defense minister threatens after Doha attack

Israel's Defence Minister said on Wednesday that the strike on Hamas leaders in Qatar’s capital Doha demonstrated Israel’s resolve to pursue its enemies beyond its borders.

“Israel’s long arm will act against its enemies anywhere. There is no place where they can hide,” Israel Katz posted on X. He added: “Anyone who participated in the October 7 massacre will be held fully accountable. Anyone who carries out terror against Israel will be struck.”

His remarks followed international criticism of Tuesday’s attack in Doha, which killed at least six people in a district housing foreign embassies and schools. Hamas leaders were reportedly meeting there to discuss a US-backed ceasefire proposal for Gaza.

Also Read: 'I’m not thrilled about the whole situation': Trump criticises Israeli attack in Doha

The operation drew an unusual rebuke from US President Donald Trump, who said the strike on the territory of a close American ally “does not advance Israel or America’s goals.”

Israel’s envoy to the United Nations defended the decision, calling it “right,” while the country’s ambassador to Washington, Yechiel Leiter, dismissed the backlash. Speaking to Fox News, Leiter said: “Right now we may be subject to a little bit of criticism. They’ll get over it.”

Asked whether the strike succeeded in hitting Hamas leadership, Leiter replied: “If we didn’t get them this time, we will get them the next time.”