Israeli Strike on Doha Marks Turning Point in Gulf Trust toward US Security Guarantees
DID Press: Recent Israeli airstrike on Doha, capital of Qatar, marks a watershed moment in Middle Eastern geopolitics — one with far-reaching security and diplomatic consequences for the Gulf states and their longstanding alliance with the United States.
The strike, aimed at assassinating Hamas negotiators present in Qatar, not only violated the sovereignty of an independent state, but also opened a serious rift between Washington and its traditional regional allies.
Qatar, host to the largest American military base in the Middle East, has long sought to play a stabilizing and strategic role in regional affairs. Al Udeid Air Base — a multibillion-dollar joint project between Doha and Washington — is considered one of the most critical U.S. operational hubs in the region. Yet the Israeli strike has demonstrated, with stark clarity, that even the presence of such advanced security infrastructure offers no absolute protection.
Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani described the attack as a “pivotal moment” for the Gulf, calling for a collective regional response.
From a political analysis perspective, the incident presents three significant dimensions:
- Legal and International Implications
Israel’s unilateral aerial assault constitutes a clear violation of Qatar’s sovereignty and a breach of international law. Such actions risk setting a dangerous precedent, one that can embolden other regional actors to carry out similar violations, thereby intensifying the cycle of regional tension.
- Strategic and Security Fallout
For decades, Gulf states — particularly Qatar, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia — have viewed the United States as the ultimate guarantor of their national security. Yet this Israeli strike, which Washington could have prevented but chose not to, has shaken that belief.
In fact, in the early stages of the incident, U.S. President Donald Trump appeared to tacitly support the move — a stance that has significantly eroded trust in U.S. commitments.
Prime Minister Al Thani noted that no direct communication with Washington’s special envoy was established until after the attack had already begun. This delay and lack of coordination could have long-term consequences for U.S. military partnerships in the region.
Ultimately, the Israeli operation inflicted more damage on American credibility than on Hamas itself. It cast Washington not as a reliable ally but as an unpredictable power unwilling — or unable — to protect its strategic partners. The perception that the U.S. exploits its Gulf alliances for economic and geopolitical gain has deepened, while offering little in return during crises.
- Political and Diplomatic Repercussions
Qatar has positioned itself as a key mediator in Palestinian affairs and regional peace efforts. Targeting Hamas negotiators on its soil poses a direct threat to those diplomatic processes.
It not only disrupts ongoing talks but could escalate hostilities between various regional factions and Israel. The incident may therefore impact more than just Qatar-Israel dynamics — it can reshape the entire regional approach to diplomacy and negotiation.
Crisis of Trust in the Gulf
As a result, Gulf nations now face a deep crisis of confidence. There is growing recognition that the region can no longer depend exclusively on U.S. security guarantees.
Prime Minister Al Thani’s call for a collective Gulf response may mark the beginning of a broader regional recalibration — one in which Gulf states seek greater autonomy in security and redefine the balance of power in the region.
The Israeli airstrike, far from being just another flashpoint, was a stark reminder that even massive U.S. military bases and decades-old alliances offer no deterrent against unilateral Israeli action — or the use of state violence against America’s own regional partners.
The Middle East now stands at a critical juncture. Ensuring regional stability, security, and diplomacy will require not only reactive measures, but also a bold and strategic rethinking of current policies. The road ahead demands coordinated, intelligent, and independent action by regional players — before more red lines are crossed with impunity.
By Rahel Mousavi