US President Donald Trump signed an executive order pledging to guarantee Qatar’s security, including by taking military action if any country attacks Doha. The executive order, dated September 29, comes a few weeks after Israel launched airstrikes on Qatar targeting Hamas leaders. The strikes from Jerusalem were condemned by both Qatari and US officials.
‘Attack on Qatar is a threat to US’
The executive order assures that US will “regard any armed attack” on the territory, sovereignty, or critical infrastructure of Qatar as a “threat to the peace and security of the United States.” “In the event of such an attack, the United States shall take all lawful and appropriate measures — including diplomatic, economic, and, if necessary, military — to defend the interests of the United States and of the State of Qatar and to restore peace and stability,” the executive order added. Like many Gulf countries, Qatar also host the US military and Washington in return guarantees security. But the latest attack by Israel, an ally of the US, raises questions as it came as a shock to Qatari officials.
Israeli attack killed Qatari official
After launching an airstrike on Qatar, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended it, accusing Doha of providing a “safe haven” to Hamas. Qatar plays a crucial role as a mediator to end the war in Gaza. Following the Israeli attack, Hamas claimed that no senior leaders were killed. However, the son of Khalil al-Hayya, a leading figure who helped plan the October 2023 attack, was killed, according to a news report from The New York Times. Four other people and a member of Qatar’s internal security forces, Cpl. Bader Saad al-Humaidi al-Dosari were also killed. Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani had condemned the attack, calling it “state terror.”
Netanyahu apologised for attack
Later on Monday, Netanyahu’s office said that the Israeli prime minister dialled the Qatari PM and expressed regret after a Qatari official lost his life in the attack. According to Netanyahu’s office, the Israeli PM said that he did not intend to violate Qatar’s sovereignty again.
Trump’s order promises security to Qatar
- The United States shall regard any armed attack on the territory, sovereignty, or critical infrastructure of the State of Qatar as a threat to the peace and security of the United States.
- In the event of such an attack, the United States shall take all lawful and appropriate measures — including diplomatic, economic, and, if necessary, military — to defend the interests of the United States and of the State of Qatar and to restore peace and stability.
- The Secretary of War, in coordination with the Secretary of State and the Director of National Intelligence, shall maintain joint contingency planning with the State of Qatar to ensure a rapid and coordinated response to any foreign aggression against the State of Qatar.
- The Secretary of State shall reaffirm this assurance to the State of Qatar and coordinate with allies and partners to ensure complementary measures of support.
- The Secretary of State shall continue to partner with the State of Qatar as and when appropriate for conflict resolution and mediation in recognition of the State of Qatar’s extensive diplomatic and mediation experience.